T’s Grand Prix Final T-shirt

T is so proud of his accomplishment today in the -49kg weight division. It was a new division for him. He gets to go to team trials in January in the new weight division. It was an invitation only event today.  You had to medal at one of the three Grand Prix’s they held to be able to compete today at the Final. Huge steps forward for T. So stinkin’ proud of this kid. 

Final Bracket Winners 🥇🥈🥉

Here’s the final bracket winners. 

Grand Prix Final Results…

T fought hard and won his first match. He lost his second match to the eventual Gold Medalist. For him being in a new weight division we couldn’t be more proud of how well he did. T’s main goal was to medal so he could qualify for team trials and he accomplished that goal. So proud of our boy. Now we look ahead to getting ready between now and January for team trials. 

Brackets Are Up…

The brackets are up. T has a good first round match up. Everyone pray he wins his first match and moves forward to medal rounds. If he moves forward to medal rounds he gets to do team trials in January. We are secretly hoping for gold but we also realize it’s his first time in a new weight division and just from past experience first times in a division are tough but nothing that T can’t step up to the challenge of either. He’s growing. His mind is in a good place. We feel he could really do well.  Right side of the bracket is on top and left side (where T is) is on the bottom. As usual T has the harder side of the bracket but it’s nothing he’s not had to deal with before.  Just keep him in your prayers. His report time tomorrow is 11am. 

Venue is Ready…

Someone took this picture of the venue.  Four rings. T is so excited to be going to this event. He’s looking forward to all he’s going to learn. 

T’s New Arm and Leg Gear…

T’s new arm and leg gear. He already loves them. He said they feel so good and so much lighter on his legs and arms😊. 

T’s Credentials…

They now send credentials digitally.  Just wanted to share it with you here. He weighs in tomorrow and fights Saturday😊. He’s fighting a heavier weight division this time. Pray he has a good showing and brings home a medal. A medal moves him forward to team trials in January. If he doesn’t medal that will be ok because he’s getting much needed experience for what’s ahead when he moves weight divisions for his first year as a Jr fighter come January. Either way it’s a win win for him. Getting him ready and moving forward in doing what he loves😁. 

Master Issoufou…

A picture of Master Issoufou with his Olympic Silver medal 🥈 from Rio 2016:

Here’s a pic of him with his countries flag:

Master Issoufou is still fighting. He’s heading to Worlds again this year representing his country. T will continue to stay in touch with him and follow him on social media. He made quite the impact on T in the short time T got to spend with him. 

Tonight’s Training with a Special Guest from Niger Africa…

Tonight we had a special guest from Niger 🇳🇪, Master Razak Issoufou Alfaga, at sparring training. He asked to be called, Master Issoufou. He’s a great athlete and a great guy. He won a silver medal at the Olympics and a gold medal at the World Championships. He’s the real deal. I’m so glad that T got to train with him. T really enjoyed getting to know him and learning from him.  T told us how encouraging he was to him and how much that meant to him. T dreams of having legs as long as his someday😊…LOL! 

Private Training @ Core w/Master Doug 9.12.2022

Here’s a video of some of T’s training getting ready for the Grand Prix Final this weekend in a new heavier weight division with taller fighters.