Juijitsu champ is new Belleville sensation

Story and Photo by John R. Moodie

He was the smallest and possibly the youngest athlete to be recognized that night. Though Eleven-year-old Tyler Banez may be small he compensates with strength of character.

Banez became the first athlete to be recognized for Brazilian jujitsu by the City of Belleville. On Tuesday Belleville hosted its honors and awards event to recognize local athletes for their achievements at the provincial, national and international level.

“Its not all about strength, its about technique and speed. If you’re a lot stronger than a person you’re not necessarily going to beat them,“ said Banez.

The event was held at the Belleville Sports Centre and was hosted by councilor Jack Miller. Athletes were honored for floor ball, rugby, gymnastics, swimming, power lifting and speed skating. Athletes are nominated by coaches and teachers.

“Its very hockey dominated or its floor hockey or ball hockey, but jujitsu we have never had that before,” said recreation program supervisor Tanya Grierson.

He was honoured for winning four gold medals in 2012 at the Ontario provincial level.

“You have to be fast, you have to know what to do and when to do it and you have to do it well,” said Banez.

Banez worked his way up to a brown belt in karate before he switched to Brazilian jujitsu.

He said he would like to someday compete in boxing or mixed martial arts. His father who is supportive and also a martial artist was surprised by his son’s announcement.

“You do? That’s news to me,” said Mark Banez, Tyler’s father.

Tyler said he also wants to earn his black belt in jujitsu. His father said it can take up to ten years to get a black belt in jujitsu.

Mark Banez has been into martial arts since he was Tyler’s age. He has his black belt in karate. Tyler’s father said he began taking jujitsu classes when his son became involved in the sport.

The father and son on occasion spar together. It can get competitive at times.

“He will catch me every once in a while. If I make a mistake he will make sure I know about it,” said Mark.

Listen to Tyler Banez’s story here:

Inline hockey player, Jackie Jarrell was also honoured. She was awarded the Robinson Kelleher Memorial Award as Belleville’s athlete of the year.

“There are a lot of amazing athletes in this area. I am grateful that they picked me. I am humbled and honoured,” said Jarrell.

Jarrell was a member the Canadian championship team that won a gold medal at the worlds in 2012. She led her team with 15 point in six games for the tournament.

Miller who is a local sportscaster remembers Jarrell as a young up-and-coming hockey player. Miller recalls Jarrell playing boys peewee hockey at a time when girls’ hockey hadn’t yet taken off.

“She played with the boys they were her peers and she didn’t take a back seat to anybody,” said Miller.