UC Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Club Triumphs with Inaugural Tertiary Grappling Games

In a display of passion, dedication, and exceptional organisational skills, the inaugural New Zealand Tertiary Grappling Challenge event, held 24-25 August at the University of Canterbury (UC), highlighted the potential for student-driven sports events in New Zealand. The event, primarily organised by the University of Canterbury Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (CUBJJ), brought together student grapplers from across the country and underscored the potential of students to lead and execute successful sporting events.

The event, which was supported under the UTSNZ Tertiary Challenge Series, saw intense competition among teams from the University of Canterbury Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (CUBJJ), Massey University Grappling Club and University of Auckland Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. With 45 competitors, 68 submissions, and a variety of disciplines contested across multiple divisions, the weekend was filled with action and excitement. In the end it was UC who emerged dominant, sweeping all three events and securing their place as overall winners.

What set this event apart was not only the high level of competition but also its inclusivity. Open to participants of all skill levels - from beginners stepping onto the mat for the first time to more experienced athletes - the event created an environment where every student could experience the thrill of competition, regardless of their experience level.

Student-Driven Success

The success of the Tertiary Grappling Challenge was also a testament to the vision and hard work of the students involved, particularly those from the CUBJJ. Founded in 2022, CUBJJ has quickly become a vibrant community for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) enthusiasts at UC, offering training, open mats, and competitive opportunities for students. The idea for a national inter-tertiary grappling event had been brewing since the club's inception, and this year, it finally became a reality.

Ben Manuatu, a key organiser from CUBJJ, reflected on the journey to bring this event to life: "It was something that we’d had in mind since we started the club. We thought we would run our own competition, then start an inter-tertiary event the following year. Expanding the BJJ scene was the key motivator - the only way to grow is to have more tournaments, and the more tournaments there are, the more exposure the sport gets."

The organisational efforts were nothing short of impressive. From coordinating with other universities to managing venues and ensuring everything ran smoothly on the day, the CUBJJ’s commitment to making the event a success was evident at every turn. The club even conducted a 'dry run' the weekend before the event, allowing athletes and officials to iron out any issues and gain valuable experience ahead of the big day.

Future Sport Event Organisers in the Making

This event not only provided a platform for grappling enthusiasts to showcase their skills but also offered invaluable learning experiences for the student organisers. The challenges they faced from ensuring the participation of travelling teams to managing the logistics of the event -are all part of the skill set required for successful event management.

"Organising the travelling teams was the biggest stress... We set strict due dates for athlete registrations and flights, so when they were confirmed, we knew the event would happen. We also utilised multiple venues... so booking and managing them was a big job" noted Manuatu.

These experiences are not just about running a single event - they are building blocks for the future. The students involved in organising the Tertiary Grappling Challenge have gained firsthand experience in planning, management, logistics, and team coordination - skills that will serve them well in their future careers.

Building Stronger Pathways

The success of the inaugural New Zealand Tertiary Grappling Challenge has set a strong foundation for future competitions. It has shown what can be achieved when students are passionate, supported, and given the opportunity to lead. The event's success has also demonstrated the growing popularity of grappling disciplines and the potential for this sport to flourish at the tertiary level.

For the CUBJJ and everyone involved, the most rewarding aspect of the event was seeing their vision come to life and witnessing the enthusiasm of the participants and the support from the local BJJ community. As Ben summed up, "Just people from across the country being there and seeing how many more people wanted to watch... it was amazing."

With this strong start, the NZ Tertiary Grappling Challenge is poised to become a staple in the UTSNZ Tertiary Challenge Series, inspiring more students to get involved in both sport and event management. The CUBJJ has not only made a mark on the mats but has also showcased the power of student-driven initiatives to create lasting, impactful events.