Rodrigo Gracie and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Black Belt Jim Hughes Awards College MMA Challenge Grappling Division Champions: Josh Barrows and John Bushpies with Scottish Dirk

West Hartford, CT, February 09, 2009 --(PR.com)-- "It was an exciting day and evening of MMA Grappling at Union Station in Downtown Hartford Connecticut" says promoter Jim Hughes. Students from all over New England converged upon the College MMA Challenge (TM) Grappling Division tournament to see who would meet in the finals in a full scale show. "This is the most difficult kind of tournament" says Perry Siegel, Director of Events, "it is an absolute division pool where contestants are randomly assigned pools regardless of weight and experience. However, it guarantees that fighters get a lot of matches and don't have to wait around forever to get a fight, consequently, this is a tournament for competitors who want to fight." They had many competitors so the field was split into two divisions. John Bushpies and Josh Barrows rose to the top of their respective divisions and received first place medals and a special gift honoring Grandmaster Helio Gracie who passed away last Thursday. They were presented a Scottish Dirk by Jim Hughes and Rodrigo Gracie. The Dirk is a sword with significant historical importance. It was used in the Scottish Highlands to fight for Freedom and defend their families. The Scottish Dirk was given in honor of Helio Gracie and the entire Gracie Family whose roots are from Scotland. Congratulations to student Champions Mr. Bushpies and Mr. Barrows. The event was sponsored by Hot Tomatos, 106.9 WCCC, Whitford Security, Cold Steel, and Royce Gracie MMA. J. Raven from WCCC was the master of ceremonies.

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