BALTIC

GRAPPLING CHAMPIONSHIP

Kasparas Strazdas, an eighteen year-old
member of Vilnius “Smauglys” club, triuphed
in the grappling championship of the
Baltic States. In the finals of the Absolute NoGi
group (without the kimono), he defeated
Mindaugas Veržbickas, a representative of
Ukmerg Judo Club. In addition, on his way to
the finals, he managed to beat the biggest
star of the tournament Teodoras Aukstuolis,
who has won a number of MMA tourna-
ments in Japan. Theodoras Aukstuolis himself
though, doesn’t consider this defeat as very
significant.
“Of course, I tried to win, but I am not very
upset, because my main goal was to test my
strength,” – said T. Aukstuolis after the contest.
In the female group, in the Absolute cate-
gory, Julija Stoliarenko from Kaunas, one of
the brightest Lithuanian stars of the marshal
arts, became the winner. She has beaten the
rest of the contestants by employing hurtful

actions against her competitors.

At the finals she also snatched the victory

from the world champion Aida Vasiliauskait.

However, in the Gi discipline (with the

kimono) she proved to be better than any of

her opponents.

“I was hoping to win everything, so I’m disap-

pointed. The championship has reminded me

that I have to improve, and the experience

gained there will obviously help me achieve

that,” said A.Vasiliauskait.

Stoliarenko shared her thoughts saying

“It wasn’t very difficult for me, but I expected

it. In fact, I take part in such tournaments so

that other athletes can see and experience

higher level fights and try to reach that level.”

In a male category in Gi (with kimono)

Martynas Banaitis from Kaunas became the

absolute winner and the owner of the

champion’s belt. In female personal weight

categories championship was won by: