Grapple Hub Shines: Resistance Interclub Highlights

The Grapple Hub (TGH) was established formally on 11th June 2022 and promotes the sport of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and grappling in the heart of the East End, Tower Hamlets, London. Since opening its doors it has gone from strength to strength in relation to participants, community cohesion and of course competitions. 6 members from The Grapple Hub took part in the Resistance Interclub competition in London on Sunday 23rd October 2022. Here’s how the day unfolded:

Powerhouse Pearse Macdonagh started the opening match of the tournament representing The Grapple Hub (TGH) in the under 70kg category. All eyes were on both athletes as they battled on, with the duel ending with no points or submissions. The match was won via advantage to the opposite corner. Adamant on giving it another shot, Pearse started his second match well but sustained an accidental injury which eliminated him from the tournament. He promises to be back better and we wish him a speedy recovery.

Carrying on the TGH banner was Turbo Tahmid, moving up a weight class from the under 64kg category to also join the under 70kg bracket. Giving up a whole weight class, Tahmid was not fazed by the size difference, earning himself a triangle submission victory and a place in the finals. Tahmid took inspiration from the famous words of Rickson Gracie, “If size mattered, the elephant would be the king of the jungle“. The finals match was an epic showdown fought till the end with Tahmid just losing out on Gold. We will settle for silver for now (Placement 2nd).

Making his white belt debut in the under 88kg category was Ismail Uddin. With only one competitor in the bracket, it was a ‘best out of three’ match structure. Ismail lost the first match on a close advantage and returned the favour with the second also going to an advantage decision. With no points or submission in 2 matches both athletes were ready to put on a display. Going to the finals tied at 1-1, Ismail pushed the pace and secured an arm bar submission victory and a 1st place on the podium.

To kick start the Blue Belt division, Abdul Hannan was fast out the barracks jumping guard and on the offence earning himself a triangle to Arm Bar submission victory in just 54s, and a place in the finals. In the finals, Abdul Hannan was up against a home crowd opponent. He pushed the action from the top to secure another early win in just 1min 5 seconds. Both wins and submissions were completed in under 2 minutes, an impressive feat.

Azharul Khan also followed in the success at the Under 82 KG category. Azharul also moved up a weight category from the under 76kg. Staying true to our name, Azharul grappled his way to a dominant victory and a place in the finals. Azharul was up against a game opponent who had stacked up 32 wins on his record. Azharul was determined and pushed the action to earn the club’s 3rd gold medal. It was an impressive victory for our very own ‘Killer Khan’.

It was now time for the battle of the Heavyweights. Southern Gas Engineer Shah was the last to represent The Grapple Hub at Under 94kg category. Off to a good start, Shah was in the lead maintaining good form and displaying good Jiu Jitsu. However, he lost the top position in the closing seconds, losing out on a place in the finals. Shah had a second shot for the bronze medal match and he did not disappoint, bringing home the victory, guided by clear Instructions from Coach Abu Ubaidah.

A valiant effort overall from all 6 of our members bringing home three Golds, one Silver and one Bronze medal. The day ended with a feast celebrating the newly opened club’s victory. #WeDontGiveUp.