BRIDGETOWN - The Athlete Center made its debut on the international Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu stage this past weekend during a prestigious tournament in Barbados, as reported by Gideon Jonker, founder and owner of Immartial Athletes Center (IAC).
Under the guidance of coach Fernando Huguett, athletes Baris Namlioglu and Chris Soeterboek showcased their skills and left a lasting impact on the Caribbean martial arts community.
Baris Namlioglu earned gold in both the Gi and No-Gi categories. "He demonstrated his technical skills, perseverance, and his signature arm triangle against opponents from St. Lucia, Belize, and Barbados, securing two first-place finishes," said Coach Huguett.
Chris Soeterboek also contributed to IAC’s success, winning a silver medal in the Gi competition and gold in the No-Gi category.
Huguett expressed immense pride in his team's accomplishments: "The successful debut in Barbados is a significant step for us and affirms the strength and continuity of our training program. Baris and Chris have made a great impression on the international stage with their dedication and determination," he said.
With this successful international appearance, IAC has firmly established itself in the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu world, further solidifying the position of Curaçaoan athletes in the global martial arts community, according to Jonker.