The Oceanside Jiu-Jitsu Club started out of the South New Brighton Surf Life Saving Club three months ago and came back from the National Gi Championships in Auckland with two gold, two silver and a bronze.
Founding member Hayden Smith said after living his life in the east-side of Christchurch, he wanted to give back to the community and offer something which was not available in New Brighton.
“There’s nothing else like us out here and we’ve grown quickly from the four founding members to now have more than 40.
Hayden said the club teaches jiu-jitsu without the need for people to purchase the Gi uniform.
“It just eliminates a cost barrier for people and can make things more relaxed.”
Smith won gold in the under-70kg purple belt class, while Kris Karson also triumphed in the under-82kg blue belt class.
Kieran Smith earned silver in the under-88kg blue belt class and Max Mills gained second in the under-70kg white belt competition.
Chris McCormack earned bronze in the under-80kg white belt.
Hayden said the club always tried to strike a balance between competitiveness and letting new people learn.
“The medals that we won are a reflection on the club as a whole, everyone helps people train for those kind of events.
“We do try to push competitions as a way for peopleto push themselves outside their comfort-zones but it is not mandatory.”
