Fighters grapple with success in tournament

Sam Oliver, 20, of Epworth, and Jacob Wood, 17, of Haxey took part in the recent Chikhara No Gi Submission tournament.

Submission wrestling is a martial art and combat sport that focuses on clinch and ground fighting with the aim of obtaining a submission using various holds.

Sam, who celebrates his 21st birthday next week and trains and fights under Dan Gibbon at Gainsborough MMA Gym, beat three fighters in the under 67kg category to make his way to the final, but unfortunately had to settle for silver.

He said: “Last year I competed and I didn’t past the group stages and this year I turned it round and I got into the final.”

“I need to sort my nerves out, I have been in three finals now and twice my nerves have got the better of me, in the third fight I was just beaten by a better wrestler.”

“I was pleased though to get my first competitive submission finish in the semi final winning it via Armbar.”

For Jacob Wood this was his first real competition and he won the cadets under 18 section at open weight.

Sam said: “I think he’s got a lot of potential.”

And he said of the next few months: “I am just going to work hard in the gym and get a good competition year next year.”

He thanked coach Gibbon and the rest of the team at Gainsborough MMA for their help and guidance.