Jiu-Jitsu fighters from across Central Alberta will be meeting in Airdrie Saturday for a friendly tournament.  

There is expected to be 15 local fighters in the tournament to compete in the round robin format against some of the best in the province. 

Luis Cofre from Bellegarde's Dragons Martial Arts says the tournament will be something spectacular. 

"The Airdrie Martial Arts Center has started the Pure BJJ tournament, the goal is to help all our local fighters gain experience by competing. We have asked clubs from Edmonton, Red Deer and Calgary to come down and compete in the friendly tournament." 

The tournament is open for the public to watch and see what Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is all about. 

"This is the best part of Martial Arts, it really gives you a chance to compete with other gyms and it helps us overcome our personal anxieties and get in there and compete with people doing the exact same thing that you are."

Under Martial Arts rules you are considered an adult at the age of fifteen, however, coaches tend to group up similar ages for competition so that there is no big difference in straight.

"You can really see the technical side of things when you see a 20-year-old take on a 30-year old, it's amazing to see how you are able to control your opponent with your training."

During round robin, fighters will match up approximately against two other people and whoever wins moves on to the next round. There is also a division called the absolute division where you can see white belts take on black belts.

"I really like this format because you can see the true competitive nature of the sport"

Doors open at 12:00 p.m with the competitions starting at 1:00 p.m 

The tournament will be held at 28 Gateway Drive. 

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