SBG Win Medals At Pan Ams

SBG Athletes Bring Home Four Medals From Pan Ams 2016

This weekend athletes from SBG gyms across the Pacific Northwest made their way down to California to compete at the IBJJF Pan Am BJJ Championships in Long Beach. John and Amanda Diggins from SBG HQ in Portland, Leah Taylor from SBG Montana, and Sonia Sillian from SBG Seattle all took part in one of the largest BJJ tournaments in the world. After a long weekend of competition, all four of them found their way onto the podium.

SBG Portland Coach John Diggins competed in the black belt masters 2 division and earned a bronze medal against some tough, big name BJJ competitors, while fellow SBG Coach Amanda Diggins secured her own bronze medal in her women’s black belt weight class. The medals will be added to the collection which includes their bronze and silver medals from the IBJJF European Championships two months ago.

SBG Montana Coach and Montana’s only female BJJ black belt, Leah Taylor, competed in her first Pan Ams as a black belt. She was able to celebrate that fact by winning a silver medal in her weight class after going up against four tough competitors.

SBG Seattle Coach Sonia Sillian competed in her weight class at blue belt and placed second, winning three matches to earn herself a silver medal. More significant than that though, after the event Sonia was presented with her purple belt by SBG Vice President Travis Davison. Atruly incredible achievement and perfect way to celebrate her birthday.

Congratulations to all who competed at the Pam Am Championships. The ongoing effort and dedication shown by SBG’s coaches is a constant inspiration to students, and we are all incredibly proud of the way you represent the tribe. We look forward to seeing you back on the mats soon!