LAKE CITY, Fla. — Mason Deas is 11 years old and began Jiu-Jitsu in September of 2020. After having spent the prior five years playing baseball, he was looking for a change. In the time he has been attending Sticks and Stones Studio in Lake City, he has attended class three days a week and has competed in three tournaments, being awarded five medals in total: four silver and one gold. Mason often competes in a higher age or weight class, so he has the opportunity to go against other competitors outside of his own teammates.

While at competition, a competitor may win a match in two ways: by submission or by points. Some points are calculated by takedowns, passing guard, back control, and side control.

Mason’s favorite thing about competitions is the travel and learning all he can from his fellow competitors. Arm bars and choke holds are two skills that he enjoys and hopes to perfect in the future. When asked about the biggest lesson he’s learned thus far from Jiu-Jitsu, Mason replied, “self-defense and learning the will to accept defeat,”. Being with his friends makes the entire sport worth all of his efforts, though its challenging. Mason also attests to the benefits of all the exercise.

A big part of the learning experience and growth in the sport is the role of the coaches. Mason says his coaches at Sticks and Stones are nothing short of amazing. They add on to his mom’s teaching of respect, losing gracefully, and how to defend himself. The coaches regularly pray with him and support his faith in God.

In the years to come, Mason, with the support from his family and dedication of his coaches, will continue to soar upward as he sharpens his skills in Jiu-Jitsu.

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