US based Nick Danso Adjei Jnr came out tops in the men’s heavyweight division at the Ghana Jiu Jutsu Federation (GJJF) end of year tournament which rocked the Valley Beach in Accra on the last Saturday of 2023, December 30.
Danso Adjei Jnr, son of Dr. Nick Danso Adjei, Executive Chairman of Ghana Link Network Services Ltd who lives in the US where he is vested in the sport, took advantage of spending the Christmas holidays in Ghana to compete at the 2023 Open Jiu Jutsu and Combat Jiu Jutsu Beach Championship staged by the GJJF in conjunction with the National Sports Authority (NSA).
The three heavyweight medallists (R-L): Nick Adjei Danso Jnr, Isaac Commey and John Quartey
In the end, he emerged top of the keenly contested heavyweight category, just managing to overcome his training partner in the US, John Chitandas Nii Kwaatei Quartey into the runner-up spot, with local hero, Isaac Commey propping up in 3rd.
“I’m delighted to have competed in the sport I like here in my country, it’s overwhelming and in grateful for the opportunity,” Nick Adjei Danso Jnr said after his victory.
“I believe I’m tough but these guys are tougher from the competition I saw them put out today. I will urge Ghanaians to throw their full weight behind Jiu Jutsu because it can help restore Ghana’s lost glory in global sports,” he urged.
Despite the disappointment of missing out on participating at the 2023 world championships in Latvia, the Ghana Jiu Jutsu Federation ensured a happy ending to the year by hosting the beach tournament which adds more plusses to the swiftly burgeoning sport in this country.
Aside the heavyweights, competitions for both male and female categories were very high, amid ample demonstration of how quickly Jiu Jutsu is rising in Ghana.
In the event, Mercy Akorle came first in the close contact girls competition, with Rabiatu Seyi taking second place and Jessica Okine the 3rd spot.
Close contact boys 13-15 year group action saw Alhassan Ntiakum emerging winner, Joseph Frimpong finished 2nd whilst the third position went to Daniel Squire.
Close contact 55-60 kg category saw Prince Larbie take 1st position, 2nd was Joshua Commey with Simon Okine carrying 3rd place.
In other events, Nii Adjei Dromo Okang won the B.J.J. lightweight division by beating Owusu Amoah and Godfred Lamptey in that order.
Edmond Akator meanwhile won the full contact 60-64 action after defeating Eugene Abbey Annan into the runner-up spot.
Charles Lamptey also overcame Abdul Malik for a first and second finish in the close contact 58-64 division.
You must be logged in to post a comment.