This past summer, Sheridan had excellent performances at top-level tournaments thanks to the leadership of Coaches Kareem Garwood and Steve Kissi, Assistants Chelsey Livingston, Alex Patehviri, and Matthew Basile, Alumni Ambassador Kevin Clink, and Faculty Advisor Mitchell Fergenbaum. Not only did many athletes win in their respective weight classes, which is hard enough, but they also won in the very difficult “absolute” division (athletes can weigh any amount) and in the hardest division of all, the “super absolutes” (athletes can be any weight and any belt, including black belt). In Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, the belts begin at white, and progress through blue, purple, brown and black. “Team Sheridan” generally trains and competes “gi” divisions (a “gi” is a judo-like uniform); however, some athletes also compete in “no gi” (a division without a uniform, similar to mixed martial arts).
At the largest provincial tournament this year, the Open International Jiu Jitsu Championships, held in May, results were:
Chelsey Livingston–gold (no gi absolutes); 2 silvers (gi and no gi) and bronze (gi absolutes) in the adult blue belt divisions
Mitchell Fergenbaum–bronze (gi) and gold (gi absolutes) in the senior blue belt divisions
Steve Kissi–bronze (gi) in the adult purple belt division
Rookie competitors Sahil Kanota and Shivar Sharma also had excellent first-time performances.
At Grappling Industries held at Ryerson University in August, Sheridan won:
Rustico Domanais–gold (gi) in the adult blue belt division
Steve Kissi–gold (gi) in the adult purple belt division
Chelsey Livingston–silver (gi absolutes) and bronze (gi super absolutes) in the blue belt to black belt divisions
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is a sport that looks similar to Judo, involving takedowns, joint locks, and various restraints‒without using punches or kicks. This year, Professor Mitchell Fergenbaum is excited to announce partnering with the Community and Justice Program (formerly Corrections), coordinated by Professor Cathy Marion, to explore safe and effective restraint methods for uncooperative subjects without the need of weapons – a very important skill for correctional and security officers who do not carry weapons on the job.
Sheridan’s Jiu Jitsu Club is a student union sanctioned club, which started 5 years ago. It grew significantly under the leadership of former Club President (and current Club Ambassador), Kevin Clink (paralegal program), who expanded the program to provide free self defence workshops to numerous on-campus groups, including the Muslim and Christian Students’ Associations, and Move U’s women’s fitness program. Sheridan Jiu Jitsu accepts all newcomers and never turns anyone away. The club runs all year long with classes generally in the evening. For questions see “Sheridan Jiu Jitsu” on Facebook or contact mitchell.fergenbaum@sheridaninstitute.ca for details.