POUGHKEEPSIE – The first-ever “submission-only” grappling event is being held on February 1 in Poughkeepsie’s newest venue, Revel 32. The event is sponsored by the Hudson Valley Grappling Invitational.
According to co-promoter Michael Wacker, “Grappling is any kind of combat that doesn’t involve striking. It’s a broad category that includes many sports such as wrestling, judo, and our particular sport, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ).”
Wacker described grappling saying it is designed to allow a smaller, weaker person to successfully defend themselves against a bigger, stronger, heavier opponent by using technique and leverage. “The objective is to take the fight to the ground, where the size difference isn’t as important and you can minimize the danger of strikes, and then apply joint locks and chokeholds to defeat the opponent,” said Wacker, himself a third-degree black belt in BJJ and owner of Black Hole Jiu-Jitsu in Wappingers Falls.
“We want to bring a high-quality, professional event to our backyard,” said co-promoter John Ventosa. “Grappling is such an awesome sport and is rapidly growing in popularity right now,” he added. Citing a full fight card of competitors, Ventosa said the venue is important. “It’s our way of helping to contribute to the revitalization of the City of Poughkeepsie, which is important to both of us as Dutchess County residents and local business owners.” Ventosa is an attorney practicing in the City of Poughkeepsie.
Weigh-in is set for 4 PM with matches beginning at 6 PM. Ticket information can be found at https://hvgi.ticketleap.com/hvgi2019/?fbclid=IwAR2ukYAf0YWBjEX82AH90ugds0k3fecv9O0BJLGAjzhWkKHpgrtJHEKK2Jg
