Hugs and handshakes follow throws and choke holds (11 photos)

About 60 competitors from the Sault, Sudbury, Midland and Barrie competed in the Northern Jiu Jitsu and Grappling Championships held today at the George Leach Centre at Algoma University.

In its third year, the tournament was created because there was a need in Northern Ontario, said event host Brent Frya, owner of Steel City MMA.

“There were no jiu jitsu tournaments for local people to compete at so we had to travel to Toronto or Detroit,” Frya said.

Jiu jitsu competitors tend to spend more time grappling than striking, punches and kicks were disallowed during this tournament.

“Jiu jitsu at its core is about self-defence. Most fights end up on the ground, so learning to defend yourself is very important,” he said.

Because points can be scored by surviving and escaping holds, competitors who spend most of the match with their back on the mat can often be declared the winner.

Frya said the sports attracts all types, from professional mixed martial arts (MMA) fighters to people interested in fitness, from all ages and walks of life.

“You have a hard match, they scrap hard but once it’s over there is hugs and handshakes,” Frya said.

(PHOTO: Brad Schuran applies a hold during the Northern Jiu Jitsu and Grappling Championships held on May 23, 2015 at the George Leach Centre in Sault Ste. Marie. Kenneth Armstrong/SooToday)