Valentine’s Day may be a day for love, but for a group of athletes it meant a chance to fight.
On Feb. 14, a group of ju-jitsu martial artists from Barrhead, Busby, Darwell, Drayton Valley and Onoway converged at Grasmere School in Alberta Beach to take part in an annual ju-jitsu tournament.
Joseph Lindal, ju-jitsu instructor and tournament organizer said ju-jitsu is an ancient Japanese martial art used to defend oneself in close quarters against armed or unarmed attackers.
“It is similar to judo, which is know for its throws, joint-locks and chokes, but unlike judo it also includes a number of hand striking techniques and kicks,” he said.
However, in a tournament setting, Lindal said the main goal of a ju-jitsu competitor is to have their opponent submit by using a joint lock or choke.
“It is a great sport,” he said. “It can be done by people of all ages, and besides the physical benefits of exercise, like most martial arts it teaches respect and self-discipline.”
For example, Lindal said in Saturday’s tournament there were competitors from five-years-old to 45.
Although, Lindal said ju-jitsu is a wonderful martial art with many benefits for those who participate in the sport, he said it can be difficult for people to test their skills against people from other clubs.
“In larger centres ju-jitsu athletes have an opportunity to travel to other schools or enter tournaments on a regular basis, but when you live in a rural community people don’t have the same opportunity,” Lindal said, who along with his wife, Valerie Lindal, teaches ju-jitsu in Barrhead and Alberta Beach. Lindal also teaches by himself in Darwell and Busby.
“That is why we started, about 15 years ago, to hold two tournaments in more rural communities,” he said. “To give ju-jitsu practitioners, who would normally not be able to attend a tournament a chance to compete.”
The first tournament, in February is more of an informal tournament, he said allowing athletes a chance to brush up on their technique in a friendly setting.
“We had a really good turnout. Seventy-five fighters from Alberta Beach, Barrhead, Busby, Darwell, Onoway, Drayton Valley and Edmonton,” Lindal said, adding that as an instructor it was gratifying to see the improvement many of the fighters had made since their last tournament.
“It was a great event,” he said. “Everyone had fun, made friends and learned new skills. This kind of positivity is what makes people stick with the sport.”
For more information about ju-jitsu in the Barrhead, Alberta Beach, Busby and Darwell areas call Lindal at 780-554-7938.
