Geraldton jiujitsu prodigy Tahj Smith takes out gold in Perth Submission Grappling Tournament

Local Brazilian jiujitsu prodigy Tahj Smith travelled to Perth on Saturday for the Submission Grappling Tournament.

This was Perth’s submission-based grappling tournament in a round-robin style with submission only, i.e. no points victory, in both gi and no gi which in martial arts means with and without your uniform.

Smith took on Keanu Todd in the no-gi over three fights, winning the first fight by submission with a triangle choke.

The next two fights were a draw with no submission, however, Smith dominated both fights against a tough and skilled opponent.

He had continued success in the gi division where Smith went up against three different fighters coming out with the gold.

He drew in the first fight and won with a submission in the second fight with an arm bar, third fight was another draw with neither fighter submitting.

After training for 12 months with professor Israel Ribeiro at Reyson Gracie Geraldton, Smith was delighted with his medals and continued success.

“I can’t thank my coach and teammates enough for all their help and guidance on my jiujitsu journey. I am keen to continue to compete and represent my club in upcoming events,” he said.

Smith’s mum, Jen Smith, was full of praise for both her boy and his trainers.

“Tahj has been working consistently over the past 12 months, training 5 nights a week, 2 hours a night. I am very proud of Tahj’s dedication to training and am grateful that he has an amazing team at Reyson Gracie Jiu Jitsu – Geraldton.”

Coach Riberio could not be happier with his student’s efforts with both trainer and student are keen for more success.

“I’m happy to see his enjoyment and passion for jiujitsu and he’ll be straight back to the mats for more training,” he said.