Rangeley to host ‘The Black Fly’ Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Championship

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Martial artists will test their skills at ‘The Black Fly’ Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Championship.

RANGELEY – On June 13, The Foundry Brazilian Jiu Jitsu will host the 2nd annual Black Fly Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Championship at Rangeley Lakes Regional School.

Twenty young Rangeley martial artists will test their skills in front of a hometown crowd against challengers from all over the state. This tournament is the first and only of its kind in the state of Maine just for kids and using the official rules of the International Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Federation.

“Brazilian Jiu Jitsu has been the fastest growing martial art in the world for the last 20 years, it has proven to be the single most effective for self-defense, and it is absolutely thriving here in Maine and in Rangeley,” said tournament director and Foundry Rangeley Kids instructor Shawn Smith. “I am 100 percent committed to giving Maine’s young Brazilian Jiu Jitsu students a chance to showcase their skills in their home state and making ‘The Black Fly’ the premiere martial arts event in Maine. Last year, we had 49 kids; this year I want 80 and everything is in place to hit that target.”

Last year, 49 competitors ages 5-16, from five different academies, competed at the first event, traveling from Portland, Bangor, Manchester and Topsham. The “Foundry” Kids” won gold in 21 of the of the 30 divisions. This year, 20 academies were invited from Maine, Hampshire and Vermont, and 10 are confirmed. All of last year’s schools are returning, along with new challengers from Winslow, Brunswick and Pittsfield.

“I am so grateful to all those who have helped me turn this from an idea into reality,” said Smith. Now I’m just hoping to pack the gym and give everyone a chance to see what The Foundry Rangeley Kids Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is all about. I think you’ll be amazed by what these kids can do. Please come cheer for and support Rangeley’s young martial artists.”

Smith also thanked Sarge’s Sports Pub & Grub for providing four custom Championship Belts and also the Rangeley PTA and local businesses that have sponsored new custom, engraved medals: Lake Region Builders, Falcon Concrete, ELB Construction, Kim Gooding OT, Rangeley Electric Inc. and The Farmer’s Daughter.

The action kicks off at 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 13 in the Rangeley Lakes Regional School gymnasium. Admission is $3.

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Sarge’s Sports Pub & Grub sponsored four championship belts, with a number of other local groups sponsoring medals.
Participants at the 2014 Black Fly event.
Participants at the 2014 Black Fly event.
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