Wrestlers Hit Mat for Island Tournament
Story by Cpl. Sarah M. Maynard, CAMP FOSTER, OKINAWA, Japan
Three Marines seized first place during the double-elimination Open "Gut Wrench" Wrestling Tournament at the new Gunners Fitness Center.
Ben Grijalva took first place in the 163-pound weight class, while Josh Lopez won the 185-pound weight class. Chris Llanes also came out on top by finishing first in the 210-pound weight class.
These three Marines were among 14 service members from around Okinawa who competed in the free-style tournament.
Matches broke down into three separate two-minute bouts. Holds, throws and moves demonstrating control earned competitors points. Bouts ended when a wrestler gained six points over his opponent or pinned him to the ground.
Each Marine Corps camp at Okinawa holds one open wrestling tournament a year, said Theodore Shadley, the sports specialist with Marine Corps Community Services. Similar wrestling tournaments have been held on Okinawa military installations for more than seven years.
Fewer wrestlers turned out for the event compared to previous years, said Shadley.
"We normally have a larger tournament," Shadley said. "But right now the local high schools have a big wrestling tournament on mainland Japan."
While the open tournament attracts a lot of serious competitors, many participants use them to practice, Shadley said. The competitions are open to all skill levels, so it's not unusual to see competitors who have only wrestled in high school or college go up against All-Marine or Armed Forces competitors.
"We're the only game in town, and they all want to compete," Shadley said. "If you play basketball, you can go to the gym and practice. With wrestling, you have to lay out the mat, find someone to practice with and someone to officiate. It's not as easy."
The 210-pound weight class winner Chris Llanes said these tournaments are beneficial to all participants, regardless of skill level.
"I use these tournaments to hone my skills," Llanes said. "Everyone who comes out has potential, and there is always room for improvement."
