A new sports development unfolded in the auditorium of Xavier's Lower School this past Saturday.
Coordinated by the Bahamas Judo Federation, President D'Arcy Rahming and his colleagues presented a sporting mix that could well become the trend locally. Judo, wrestling and fencing combined to provide excitement for the onlookers.
"We're really happy to be able to this. I think this is the first time in the modern era that wrestling has been displayed like this. Well, the first time in recent years, I'm sure," said Rahming as he explained the idea.
"It's about being able to showcase two or several other sports at one show. I believe it will be accepted that we got off to a good start."
That was the case indeed. The crowd was not a large one, but it was enthusiastic and seemed knowledgeable as well. Judo is more of a finesse sport, with more of a concentration on grip, throw and pin, whereas with wrestling the contact could be more physically intensive. Fencing is skill-based and not a well-known entity on the Bahamian sports scene.
Without a doubt though, the male and female participants, in judo, fencing and wrestling, all gave a good account of themselves. Rahming and his associates are on to a good thing. The combination of mat sports could take off in a big way. In the future, tae kwon do and boxing are definite disciplines that will be included.
"We are headed to a point whereby all the organizations can come together in tournaments to give exposure to multiple sports. The tournament's objective was to create a multi-sport event that highlights the combat sports found in the Olympics. I hope to expand to all Olympic combat sports and then use this event as a basis for growing the sports locally and then internationally," said Rahming.
"Seventy-three athletes participated from four to 25 in ages. Wrestling, fencing and judo were involved and the hope is for the expansion to include tae kwon do, boxing and archery."
Excitement is in the air for a combined mat sports competition. Several expressed a profound interest.
"The last novice fencing event to my memory was in 1978 in Freeport. I just returned from a fencing congress in Paris. There is hope to expand and improve to the Olympic level with the help of the International Fencing Federation. This was a good start, although there is much more work to be done particularly on defense," said Maestro Anthony Lewis.
"Fencing is my favorite because it is not as aggressive. I felt strong and empowered without the contact," said Genaye Sherman of The College of The Bahamas Club.
COB's Bria Brown said: "I prefer physical sports without all of the running. I felt a sense of accomplishment. I would want to continue in wrestling."
Alana Cleare of COB said she "really enjoyed fencing because of its precision".
Robert Walkine of the All Star Family Centre Club said of fencing that "it was a challenge seeing through the helmet".
Taimak Saunders, a fencing instructor from the COB Club, said: "I always enjoyed the sword culture. Each combat sport offers something different."
Sherman and Brown participated in judo, wrestling and fencing.
Rahming said another such event is just around the corner.

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