By Sheree Hoddinett
Greightness (Gr8ness) and Meighty Marco Tamayo (M8y) might be young, but they’re certainly leaving their mark in the world of Brazilian Jiu jitsu. They recently won gold medals at the East Coast Championships held by the Australian Federation of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (AFBJJ) in Caloundra (November 3), but have also previously competed on an international level, bringing home silver medals from world championships in both Abu Dhabi and Japan, as well as winning three state championships in Australia.
At just seven and eight-years-old respectively, M8y and Gr8ness recently moved to the Island with their parents and have been training diligently, mostly in their garage at home in Woorim. Their dad Marco, who is also a fitness and martial arts coach, is overjoyed with how far his young superstars have progressed, given they started training in Jiu jitsu six years ago when Gr8ness was three and M8y aged two.
“I’m incredibly proud of my children’s dedication to Brazilian Jiu jitsu,” Marco said. “It’s been amazing to watch their growth both on and off the mats.
“It’s not just a sport for them, but a discipline that teaches them life skills like focus, respect, resilience and perseverance. And most of all, because of Jiu jitsu, we have gained more friends and it has become more of a community for us.”
Gr8ness and M8y dedicate one morning and afternoon three times a week to training for Jiu jitsu, as well as dancing once a week for Gr8ness and basketball twice a week after school for M8y, plus golf on the weekend every now and then.
“They train several times a week, balancing it with their school and other activities,” Marco said. “Their training includes both technique and sparring sessions, as well as drills that focus on building strength, flexibility and strategy. It’s a comprehensive approach to learning the sport and functional strength training. Incorporating the exercises not just for Jiu jitsu alone, but as a whole to improve motor skills and coordination and conditioning and most of all playing is still part of it.”
Given how long they have been immersed in the world of BJJ, it’s no surprise this young duo have their favourite aspects of the sport. For Gr8ness it’s submission techniques, meeting new friends and travelling to compete, while M8y enjoys the rear naked choke technique and that it makes him fit and strong. So, what does winning gold mean to these youngsters and what do they hope to achieve through BJJ?
“I feel proud and thankful for my family and team winning gold medals. I feel 5th wave strong!” Gr8ness said. “I want to be a black belt and teach kids to be better than me. I want to get stronger and learn how to defend myself. I also hope to get better at focusing and not giving up when things are hard. I like learning new moves and making friends in my class and I hope I can keep getting better and maybe even win some world championships one day.”
“I feel I deserve it if I win and if I don’t, I see it as an opportunity to improve and learn,” M8y added. “I hope to be a black belt one day, be a pro and teach someday in my dad’s gym in the Philippines, so I can share it with kids just like me. Aside from sharing it, I hope someday I can produce world champions just like my dad did.”
Gr8ness is a three times Queensland State Champion (2022,2023 and 2024) and National Champion 2023, held in Melbourne. As of now, she has 52 wins in total with 33 submissions. M8y had his first competition at four-years-old and won gold in the East Coast Australian Championship. He won the New South Wales State Championship 2022 and he currently has 46 wins with 27 submissions.
In his role as a coach, Marco works with various age groups and experience levels.
“It’s not just about martial arts; I also focus on fitness, strength and personal development to help my students achieve their best in all aspects of life,” Marco said. “And I do work with their parents to make it more enjoyable and effective. It’s more on lifestyle and teaching them how to be confident while learning self-defence.
“I also do personal training for individuals who want just physical fitness and I also volunteer every Friday to teach seniors at Bribie Island U3A Inc. for their balance and flexibility. And on top of that, twice a week we head to Narangba for our team training at 5th Wave BJJ and MMA.”
So, what does the future hold for this talented family?
“Gr8ness and M8y will continue to refine their techniques, work on new strategies and set higher goals for their competitions,” Marco said. “The journey never stops and they are excited about the next steps in their Jiu jitsu journey. “I’m excited about the future here on Bribie Island and look forward to seeing the local community grow in their fitness and martial arts journey. It’s about building not just athletes, but confident, disciplined individuals. And we don’t have much in the way of clubs or gyms that offer boxing and Jiu jitsu, so hopefully I could build one in the future.”
You can follow the journey of Gr8ness and M8y via their Facebook page.
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