Boxe Neepawa brings home Jiu Jitsu gold and bronze

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Published on Friday, June 5, 2015

(L to R) Logan Enns and Logan Russell. Phot by Eoin Devereux

By Eoin Devereux

The Neepawa Banner

Members of the Boxe Neepawa Fitness Club are starting to make names for themselves in competitive combat sports.Logan Russell and Logan Enns recently won a gold and bronze medal respectively at the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Submission Grappling Manitoba Open Championship. The event was held in Winnipeg at Windsor Park Collegiate on May, 30. The pair from Neepawa competed in separate age and weight classes.

Logan Russell has trained in jiu jitsu since the club opened in Neepawa early in 2014. Going into the Manitoba Open, Russell noted that he had very modest expectations because the competitive aspect of the sports was new to him. 

“I was very excited to come away with the gold. The expectations heading into the weekend was simply to have a solid showing and use it as a learning experience,” said Russell. 

“I was really nervous [during the final competition]. Not sure if I was going to win, but I pulled through.”

This was also the first competitive combat sporting event for Logan Enns. He said a lack of competitors in his category forced him to move up to more experienced class of jiu jitsu practitioners.

“I had to move up a level in terms of experience, but I went down a level in weight class. So, I was competing against older competitors with much more experience,” said Enns. “It was a really good feeling to come away with a medal. Competing against those who had a lot more time in the sport but still being able to, not only stand with them but also win. That was a confidence builder.”

Boxe Neepawa owner and operator Derek Pearson noted that the improvement that’s been seen in the gym by both Enns and Russell over the past few months warranted the decision to compete in the Jiu Jitsu Championship in Winnipeg. 

“I was familar with the Manitoba Open.I had coached an independant athlete at the event a few years ago and he had won a gold. He recently informed me that it was scheduled again for this year. So, the decision was made to sign [Russell and Enns] up for the event. It really wasn’t about winning or losing. I knew they were both ready for some form of competition. Their training  here has focused on multiple varieties of disciples. There’s boxing, wrestling, kickboxing and jiu jitsu. I’m just happy that, in their first competition, that they have had such great success.” said Pearson.

Pearson added that both Russell and Enns have shown interest in participating in other events, so they may explore entering other competitions, either within  Manitoba or in Saskatchewan in the near future.

“As they continue to improve, they’re also looking to push themselves against better competition,” said Pearson.