Aiyani Rios, Deighton Muna and Jacqueline Quitugua pose for a photo. They are three of the seven members of the NMI's Trench Tech Purebred team that will be compete in the 2024 Patgon Jiu Jitsu Tournament on April 27 at the UOG Calvo Field House in Mangilao, Guam.
Uriah Sablan
Reiden Travilla
THE NMI’s Trench Tech Purebred team will head to Guam this Saturday to compete in the 2024 Patgon Jiu Jitsu Tournament slated for April 27 at the UOG Calvo Field House in Mangilao.
Three members of the NMI delegation will be competing for the first time while the other four are returning competitors.
Reiden Palacios Travilla is the most experienced among the group as this will be his fourth time competing, this time in the Junior 2 Gi and No Gi divisions.
The 10-year-old gray belt said he is “pumped to be competing again at the Patgon Jiu Jitsu tournament alongside my Trench Tech Purebred team. No matter the outcome of the tournament, it will be a learning experience and I am excited to do my best, have fun, and represent the NMI.”
Returning to the Guam tournament for the third time is Jacqueline “Iris” Quitugua. Last year, the 8-year-old gray belt brought home a silver medal in the Junior 1 division. This time she is aiming for gold. “My goal for the competition is to do my best, be confident and win!” she said.
Trey Ke'koa Camacho Manglona is also competing for the third time. The 12-year-old gray belt will vie for the top spot in the teens Gi and No Gi divisions. Last year, he won a silver medal in the junior 2 division at the white belt level. “It is always exciting to compete against some of the most skilled Marianas warriors. I look forward to representing the NMI, Purebred, and my family. No matter the results, I will come back better,” Trey said.
Following Trey’s footsteps is his younger brother, Tate Kiyan Camacho Manglona. The 11-year-old white belt will be competing for the second year in a row in the Junior 2 Gi and No Gi divisions.
“I will give it my all!” he said. “It’s an amazing feeling to represent the NMI. My goal is to always win a medal for my family and team, but like they say, it's either you win, or you learn. It’s an honor to compete against some of the greatest kids in the Marianas.”
Competing for the first time are three young but eager students who will test their skills in a different environment.
Aiyani “Yani” Magofna Rios will be making her debut in the 60lbs No Gi and 67lbs Gi divisions. The 9-year-old became a student of the contact sport in October of last year and has already earned a white belt.
According to her mother, Senate Floor Leader Corina Magofna, Yani feels extremely excited, happy, and grateful for the opportunity to compete. She feels confident she will do great. Her goal is to get a submission right away and win the gold medal.
Six-year-old Urijah “Wolfie” Sablan will also make his first appearance, competing in the PeeWee 2 (6-7 years old) 55lbs division as a white belt. He said he feels confident with his skills and is looking forward to utilizing each tool in his toolbox.
Last on the roster is Deighton Frank Cabrera Muna aka “D8DaGr8.” The 6-year-old will be competing in the PeeWee 2 division as a white belt. “I feel like...I am happy to try it. I think my goal is to just do my best and do it again,” Deighton said.
