(Left to right) Adam Ledingham, Cody Shepard, Russ Tebeleff, Mitchel Slack, Tristan Ocana and Danny Ocana. Photo: Mike Diaz

LAYTON, Utah. — On February 20th, at the Davis Conference Center in Layton, The Park City Jiu Jitsu Team competed in the Grappling Industries Tournament. The kids’ division brought home the overall 1st place medal, and the adult division brought home 4th place overall. With 37 teams competing, Park City had one of the smallest rosters but produced the biggest medal count.

Teams traveled to Layton to participate from throughout the state and region, including competitors from Idaho and Montana.

Park City competitors participated in both Gi and no-Gi. Mike Diaz, owner of Park City Jiu Jitsu Alpine, said, “Everyone on our team who competed, all medaled.” The team was coached at the tournament by Black Belt, Cody Shepard and Blue Belt Danny Ocana, who, along with his son, were included as podium placers.

The six kids competing grabbed six golds, five silvers and one bronze. The six adults brought home six golds and two silvers.

Among the kids competing in the Jiu Jitsu competition were Jamie Barton, who also won the State Wrestling Championships, and Maddie Hadar, who took two silvers in Gi and no-Gi. Hadar reflected on her experience, saying, “At first it was a little stressful but once I had a few good wins it gave me confidence.”

Diaz said, “We will be bringing a larger team to compete in April.” He said he appreciated of everybody’s hard work and looks forward to the next tournament.