COLE BAY--Renzo Gracie St Maarten (SXM BJJ) Coach Jami Eloi was promoted to the rank of Purple belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu by Head Instructor Melissa Bardfield.
Twenty-year-old Eloi is an assistant coach to both the Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Muay Thai (kickboxing) programs at SXM BJJ. Eloi has been studying the art of grappling since 2011. Eloi earned his blue belt is 2014. Shortly after his promotion he competed in the 2014 IBJJF World Championships in Los Angeles taking bronze in the Juvenile blue belt category- making history as St. Maarten’s first world champion medalist.
Other students promoted include: White/Grey belts: Brandaen Illis, Khloe Cheng, Damian Cheng, Selah Romney, Nahjae Prince, Eldrick Phebe, manuel Martina. Grey: Izaiah Willems, Ziro Degrammond. Grey/Black: Kzar Williems. White/Yellow belts: Grace Cheasley, Paul Ten Broeke, Thomas Ten Broeke, Kyle Lake, Isiaih Arrindell-Peterson, Nico Florea Hassell, Neil Jederon, Nakysha Jedreon, Sacha Leal, Moises Martina, Savanna Ortega. Yellow: Renard Brison, jet Fleming. Yellow/Black: Seybian Ortega. Orange/White: Derek Matser, Aiden Wilkie. Orange/Black: Omarion Thomas. Green/Black: Kleyian Carter.
Students demonstrated skills and sparring in front of family and friends followed by promotions. Most students were awarded stripes but a handful of students, including many students who began training Post-Hurricane Irma earned new belts.
Although the program for youth pauses for the summer vacation, all adults/age 14+ classes still will continue closing only from August 1-19. Youth classes resume September 3.
Belts in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu are awarded based on competence; there are no official belt tests. Adult belt ranks are White, Blue, Purple, Brown and Black. Only recognized Black Belts are authorized to promote belt ranks and stripes. Extra belt colors are awarded to children beginning From White/Grey, Grey, Grey/Black, Yellow/White, Yellow, Yellow/Black, Orange/White, Orange Orange/Black, Green/White, Green, Green/Black. Only after the age of 16 are students eligible to receive a blue belt. For more information call 544-4444 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
