Whanganui will host the first ever tournament of one of New Zealand's fastest growing martial arts sports in the country in October.
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu worldwide is rapidly-growing sport designed for families and competitors of all shapes, sizes and skill level and to showcase the art Gracie Gym Wanganui will host the Gladiators in Gi on October 15 at Springvale Stadium.
Gracie Gym Wangnaui co-ordinator and former national white belt champion Jo Burke said the Brazilian form of the Japanese martial art was developed many years ago by a smaller member of the Gracie family who was forced to sit and watch competition in his younger years.
"Pretty much everyone in Brazil do jiu jitsu now and that form was developed to allow smaller competitors to gain control over larger opponents. It's a grappling type of martial art. I'm 55kg and my partner is 120kg, but we can have an even match," Burke said yesterday.
"Gladiators in Gi (Gi is the uniform fighters wear) will be the first ever Brazilian jiu jitsu tournament held in Whanganui and we are aiming for it to be an annual event the entire family can enjoy.