45 medals were won by Karaganda wrestlers at the international festival and the World Jiu-Jitsu Championship

The record for the number of awards was set by wrestlers of the Karaganda region at the international festival and the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu World Championship.

Our athletes have 31 gold, nine silver and five bronze medals in their piggy bank.

At the N. Abdirov Sports Palace, the winners and prize-winners of the competitions that took place in the UAE capital Abu Dhabi were awarded with letters of thanks from the Department of Physical Culture and Sports.

– In the history of the Karaganda region, this is the first time that our athletes have won so many gold medals at once. But the preparation for the competition was very serious, the guys were determined to win. Wrestlers from almost all countries of the world participated. The fights took place on 11 carpets. Even our smallest athletes have had at least 2-3 fights," says Ayan Shermagambetov, President of the Jiu–Jitsu Federation of the Karaganda region.

The youngest athlete who has been to such serious competitions is only 5 years old. Despite his young age, Nikolay Shkuropat became a silver medalist. His sister Varvara won gold, and his brother John and sister Matrona won silver. And the parents are not far behind. The head of the family Vyacheslav Shkuropat became the silver medalist.

– The whole family is passionate about jiu-jitsu. It all started with John, then I liked it," says Varvara. – This is an interesting and non-traumatic sport. We can say that he has sunk into the soul of our whole large family. Mom is an Asian champion in jiu-jitsu, this time she did not perform. There is also a younger sister, she is only 2 years old. When he grows up, he will also study with us.

Also, the first black belts in Brazilian jiu-jitsu appeared in the Karaganda region.

After the World Cup, Professor Victor Morales conducted the certification of Karaganda athletes and coaches Marat Kutzhanov and Olzhas Nurtakanov. The wrestlers successfully passed the exam and became the owners of the highest achievement in this martial art.

– For three months there were trainings with a professor from Brazil, Victor Moraes. And the evaluation of our results with Olzhas was a black belt. I have been coaching since 2012. And now the black belt gives me the opportunity to independently certify students. Previously, it was necessary to invite specialists. Now the guys will have more motivation and desire to practice jiu-jitsu," says Mario Bros club founder Marat Kutzhanov.

Over the past two years, 11 jiu-jitsu sections have been opened in the Karaganda region.

More than a thousand people of all ages attend classes.

– Numerous competitions are held for the growth of athletes and their development. So, several competitions are already planned for December. On December 10-11, adult athletes will participate in the Cup for the Championship of the Republic of Kazakhstan, selection for next year. A tournament will be held for children in Almaty on December 1-2, and in Astana on December 3-4. At the end of January 2023, the annual Karaganda BJJ Open tournament will be held in Karaganda," Ayan Shermagambetov said.