Alyssa Ridenour
reporter@greenepublishing.com
Brayson Thompson is the nine-year-old son of Matt and Devin Thompson. The pair added Thompson to Brazilian Jiu Jitsu classes at Sticks and Stones Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, in Lake City, Fla., in August of 2020. Thompson has made great strides in the art and is taking his training very seriously. He began in the six to 10-year-old class, but after a couple of weeks, his coach, Michael McInally, quickly realized he was too aggressive and moved him to the 10 to 14-year-old group. "We noticed he was too aggressive of a fighter for the six to 10-year-old class, so we put him in the 10 to 14-year-old group," said McInally. "We made this decision after just a few weeks of training." He is a third degree white belt.
On Saturday, Jan. 9, Thompson competed in his first Jiu Jitsu competition in Jacksonville, Fla., where he dominated his opponents, claiming first place, not once but twice. Due to not having anyone of the same rank available to fight, he took on competitors who were ranked higher; some with years more experience. "We decided to have him fight kids who were more experienced than he was, because I knew that he could handle it," said McInally. However, this did not intimidate Thompson. "A lot of students, when they go out there for the first time, they can be hesitant and not as aggressive as they should," said McInally. "Not Brayson. He told his dad he needed to get there the night before, so he could be well rested for the competition. He did a full stretch routine before the match, as well as any adult would."
Thompson won two gold medals during his competition: one for his gi fight and one for the no-gi fight. His parents were thrilled when he was victorious. Thompson's team won the most points in the youth championship, bringing back a trophy to their gym.
Aside of Jiu Jitsu, Thompson also enjoys playing baseball, working out and lifting weights to help train. He spends three to four days a week in Lake City, Fla., training in Jiu Jitsu. His parents are proud of everything he has accomplished and look forward to walking with him as he continues to grow.