Team Ross brings home National Championships

Ross Martial Arts & Fitness Academy in Demopolis captured five National Titles and placed overall fifth in the nation at the North American Grappling Association (NAGA) U.S. Nationals held in Foley July 20. 

“We are very proud of our kids and that their hard work paid off,” said Ross trainer, Ronda Russell. “We took 13 kids this year, ranging in ages mostly from 7-11 years old, and our total medal count is five gold, including an Expert Championship Belt, eight silver and eight bronze.” 

Teams from all over the country attend this event each year. Some schools brought more than 60 young students to compete, fighting individually towards earning a spot in the top 10 teams in the nation. 

“Placing in the top five is a pretty big feat, especially for a school as small as ours,” said Russell, “and we have done it now for the past five years.”

The school placed fifth in 2019, fourth in both 2018 and 2017, and third in 2016 with its biggest team of 20 students. 

Team Ross youth grappling team competes at various events throughout the year to prepare for the national event. The school hosted a Grappling tournament in Demopolis, this past February and attended the American Grappling Federation (AGF) tournaments held in Mississippi and Georgia and other small events throughout the south. 

Team Ross will now focus on filling in the gaps they saw during their last competition and keep the focus on overall improvement until next tournament season starting in February 2020. 

“I would like to also say a huge thank you to all our parents who have helped tremendously throughout the season in helping get the kids ready and for keeping them positive and committed to success.” Russell added.