Senator Young Honors Local Jujitsu Athletes for Gold Medal Win at World Championships

OLEAN, NY – With Americans everywhere riveted by the displays of athletic excellence coming from the Olympics in PyeongChang, Senator Young honored local jujitsu competitors whose mastery helped propel the United States National Jujitsu Team to recent gold medal wins at the World Jujitsu Championships in Queensland, Australia. Senator Young presented a New York State Senate resolution to athletes Bryana Baer, Mike Hanchett, Desmond White, Charles Love and their coach, Barry Broughton, owner of AKT Combatives Academy, recognizing their gold medal wins in the men’s and women’s team competitions as well as in individual award categories.

“It is extremely exciting and a great source of pride to our community that these remarkable athletes ascended to competition on the world stage, helping lead Team USA to victory and establishing themselves as the best in the world in the challenging sport of jujitsu. In addition to countless hours of intensive training, their achievements were built on relentless determination, confidence in their abilities and a drive for excellence. Their inspiring example is a reminder that no dream is out of reach if you are willing to invest 100 percent.”

Jujitsu is a martial art developed in Japan that uses the strength and weight of an adversary to disable him or her. AKT Combatives Academy in Olean was founded by grandmaster Dr. Barry Broughton, a noted expert in the martial arts who offers training for a range of ages and ability levels. All four of the local competitors trained at AKT Combatives under the direction of Dr. Broughton.

Awards earned by each competitor are below. 

Bryana Baer: Silver Medal – Ladies Individual Grappling; Silver Medal – Ladies Individual Sport Jujitsu; Silver Medal – Jujitsu Demonstration Team; Gold Medal – Ladies Sport Jujitsu Championship Team.  

Mike Hanchett: Silver Medal – Jujitsu Demonstration Team; Gold Medal – Men’s Sport Jujitsu Championship Team.

Desmond White: Silver Medal – Men’s Individual Sport Jujitsu; Silver Medal – Jujitsu Demonstration Team; Gold Medal – Men’s Sport Jujitsu Championship Team.

Charles Love: Gold Medal – Men’s Individual Sport Jujitsu; Silver Medal – Jujitsu Demonstration Team; Gold Medal – Men’s Sport Jujitsu Championship Team.

Barry Broughton: Silver Medal – Jujitsu Demonstration Team (Competitor/Coach); Gold Medal – Men’s Sport Jujitsu Championship Team (Coach); Gold Medal – Women’s Sport Jujitsu Championship Team (Coach).

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