By Matt Morriscontributing Writer
Facing the toughest and fastest fighters the world had to offer in the sport of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, arguably one of the most intense forms of martial arts known, U of L senior Kyle Cannon struck gold as he dominated an amateur world competition in Columbus, OH.
Cannon, who is studying graphic design, competed in the Arnold World Gracie Championship competition. That’s Arnold, as in Schwarzenegger, a very prominent supporter of the tournament, which hosted 400 participants. Each participant was placed in a division decided by weight class and skill level. The competition pitted martial artists trained in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu against each other in a tournament setup that followed Jiu-Jitsu rules, though participants were free to use other fighting techniques.
Each six-minute match was judged on a point system; however, if one opponent submitted, the match would end early.
Cannon fought in the middleweight division of the upper class skill level. He was victorious by submission in all of his four matches, with each one lasting a mere two minutes or less. In the final match, where he competed for the gold, Cannon was victorious in a fight that lasted approximately 50 seconds.
Cannon has had the proper training to be able to compete in a tournament of this magnitude. He has been active in the sport since 1996 and has been competing since 1998. During his preparation, Cannon trained with Royce Gracie, a three time Ultimate Fighting Champion.
“You just try to train as hard as you can, but you never know what’s going to happen,” said Cannon.
Cannon is passing on the skills that it takes to be a world-class competitor. At the Powerhouse Gym on Westport Road here in Louisville, Cannon and his brother Collin instruct a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu team known as “From the Element.” He is currently offering discounts to college students interested in learning the sport.
One of his students, U of L senior Jason Sherard, won his weight division without a single point being scored on him through five matches, just like his instructor. This victory came only two months after Sherard began training.
Cannon, like the champion he is, was nervous for a time but was cool and collected for the matches.
He said, “You’re always nervous at first, but after the match starts, all that goes out the window.”
