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The Mean Monkeys Jiu Jitsu Academy were strong as they hosted the Submission Freaks competition that was held on Saturday at the BNC Hall in Bogalusa.
The academy had 18 of its 20 competitors take home first place.
“I couldn’t have asked for better,” Mean Monkeys Director Jesse Hodges said. “These kids train hard and grapple even harder. True submission technicians.”
Yaseen Alhaj and Anthony Moody both won a championship belt for the title match in the 9-10s.
Claudia Barber, who Hodges said is an up-and-coming star, had a submission in about 30 seconds. Barber, who is 10 years old, competed in the teenage bracket instead of the 9-10s.
Maxine Barber, who Hodges said is an up-and-coming star, competed in the 9-10s.
Teams came from Louisiana, Alabama, Florida and Mississippi.
Hodges credited the parents of his academy for a successful event.
“I couldn’t have done this without the parents of Jiu Jitsu Planet. That credit goes to them,” Hodges said. “Special thanks to Desiree Barber, Kristin Moody and George Hanson. Those three are like angels on my shoulders. They go over and beyond. All of the parents are amazing, but those three just step up.”