On Sunday 24th March 2025, Mr Cataldo took a team of five students — Fred B, Yunis S, Rohan D, Ashwin M and Matt M — to the Allstars European Brazilian Jiu Jitsu tournament at Crystal Palace National Sports Centre in London. This was the school’s first time entering a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu competition, as the sport was only introduced this academic year.
Writes Matt M (Divs)
After weigh-ins, we spent the morning watching earlier rounds before preparing for our own. Nerves were high (except for Fred, who was either totally unfazed or deserves a drama scholarship). Two of our matches were cancelled — one due to ringworm, another due to a no-show — leaving just three of us to compete.
Rohan was up first, landing a strong double-leg takedown before getting caught in a guillotine choke. Ashwin followed, staying calm under pressure while mounted, but his opponent eventually secured an arm triangle. I was last to compete. After a tough grip fight, I attempted a sweep, escaped both a guillotine and a D’Arce, but was ultimately submitted by a rear naked choke.
Rohan finished third in his category, while Ashwin and I came joint fifth. Despite the setbacks, it was an exciting first experience for the team — and it’s only strengthened our resolve to train harder and come back stronger.
