Masters athletes make waves in Florida

FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA —  Three athlete fellows from Martial Arts for Social Transformation, Equity and Rights (MASTERs) participated in the US Open Judo Championships in Florida. They brought back two medals for the team, as well as important data as they prepare for upcoming Olympic qualifying events, such as November’s President’s Cup.

The three athlete fellows who competed in Florida were Marley Garland, fighting at 63kg, Chloe Williams, fighting at 70kg, and Tim Spriggs, fighting at 100kg and up. Garland and Williams each fought three matches, and Spriggs fought through four tough opponents. 

Marley Garland made quick work in her first match, winning by ippon in a mere 11 seconds. She fought two more matches for a first place finish and a gold medal in the 63kg division. Chloe Williams lost her first match narrowly to Melissa Myers, but came back in the repechage to handily beat two more opponents for bronze. Tim Spriggs, already a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belt of the highest caliber, fought through four tough matches. Though he did not take home a medal, his grappling prowess was on full display, using newaza to finish one of his matches by submission. 

These three athletes demonstrated their gameness and heart at this event. Everyone at MASTERs and partner schools High Noon Judo and Tampa Florida Judo is incredibly proud of their efforts. Garland and Williams are off to Japan this August with the rest of the female MASTERs fellows.  They will spend just over two weeks training and learning in Japan.

In addition, Brooklyn Barnes was awarded a competition fellowship under the MASTERs accessibility program. This program provides entry fees and scholarships to underprivileged youth so they may access martial arts training. Brooklyn competed successfully, taking silver in the Cadet Novice 81kg division. 

For media inquiries regarding MASTERs or High Noon Judo, please contact:
Dr. Christopher Round
Executive Director, MASTERs
roundce@martialartsforsocialgood.org
martialartsforsocialgood.org