Year 13 student Lucas Alabastro is the New Zealand champion in Grappling following his wins against two semi-finalists at the national championships held recently in Auckland. Lucas defeated Tumukai Ikifitu on points and Sean Maguire by submission at the Barfoot and Thompson Stadium in Kohimaramara on 21 November. Grappling is a version of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Lucas won the gold medal in the White Belt Juvenile division.

Lucas has been training at the Oliver MMA gym in New Lynn for 3-4 hours each day, under the guidance of his coaches Nick Thornton, Karlo Witana, Kyle Murtagh and others. Their coaching clearly paid off as Lucas only started the sport in October 2019 and this was his very first competition.

Lucas has exhibited superb resolve and tenacity to achieve this result at the same time as achieving NCEA level three and University Entrance and we congratulate him heartily on his achievements!

Rutherford is very proud of your accomplishment