One of Merritt’s top young martial artists added another trophy to his collection after finishing third in his category at an international Brazilian jiu-jitsu competition in Long Beach, Calif. earlier this year.
Ten-year-old Kasey Wycotte took his competition to the mat at the Pan Kids International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation Championship on Feb. 17. It was the second time Wycotte had competed at the tournament, having finished in third in 2018 as well.
Though the competition was wrapped up in a single day, Wycotte’s trip down to California involved a two-week training camp at the world-renowned Art of Jiu-Jitsu Academy in Costa Mesa, Calif.
“There are a lot of kids who come from all over the world because that gym is so famous,” said Matt Wycotte, Kasey’s father. “So he met a lot of buddies from Japan and New Zealand — all over the place.”
Despite arriving two weeks early for the tournament, the Wycottes had a close call days before the competition was set to begin.
The family’s campsite flooded overnight, temporarily cutting off road access before a flatbed truck was brought in to ferry Matt’s vehicle through the rising water.
“I was telling him we were going to hike over the mountain if they didn’t get us out,” said Matt.
Though Kasey — who turns 11 in April — initially started his martial arts career competing in MMA (mixed martial arts) events, he now primarily focuses on jiu-jitsu, which involves less striking and more grappling.
Training has become a full time commitment for the Grade 5 student and his family. Kasey trains three times a week at Boa Martial Arts in Kamloops. Twice per week he takes part in cross-fit training in Merritt at the Persistence Personal Training centre. His spare days are spent commuting down to the coast for extra sessions on the mat at the Apex Martial Arts gym in Richmond.
Despite the busy schedule, Matt said if there was an extra day in the week, Kasey would like to spend it in the gym.
“His birthday is coming up, and I’m trying to get hints for what I should do,” said Matt. “[I asked him] if you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go?”
Kasey’s answer? Back to the Art of Jiu-Jitsu Academy to train.
Though the Nicola-Canford Elementary school student has proved himself as a prodigious grappler, Matt said the cost of attending competitions and training sessions can add up for the family.
Kasey Wycotte will travel to Las Vegas for the American National IBJJF Jiu-Jitsu Championships at the end of June. (Photo contributed).
In that regard, Matt said he is looking for more local businesses who might want to sponsor Kasey’s burgeoning martial arts career. Currently, Kasey’s only local sponsorship comes from Johnny’s on the Rez.
Next up for the family is a trip to Las Vegas at the end of June for the American National IBJJF Jiu-Jitsu Championships where Kasey finished second last year.
