“The Unknown Grind of Club Jiu Jitsu “
COLUMBIA, S.C. – Club sports and activities are a staple of college life, with students joining groups that align with their interests. While basketball, flag football, and photography clubs are commonly found at the University of South Carolina, the Jiu Jitsu club stands out for its unique focus on fighting sports.
Led by club president Jack Jennings, a freshman, the Jiu Jitsu club benefits from the expertise of various instructors, including John Paulling, Tyler McNamara, and Tina Lewis. Meetings typically draw 10 to 15 members, where students learn techniques involving leverage, angles, pressure, timing, and submission. Over the past few months, the club has prepared for its end-of-the-year tournament, featuring a double-elimination format with two weight divisions: 165 pounds and over, and 164 pounds and under. Jennings claimed first place in his division, while Will Dilligard excelled in the heavier weight class. The club’s activities will resume next school year.
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Late arriver hurrys and takes his shoes off to get to the mats on February 21, 2022. Photo by Zachery Kelly
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Jiu Jitsu Club warming up with a jog around the mats on February 21, 2022. Photo by Zachery Kelly
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Jui Jitsu instructor showing over-the-shoulder throws with the help of club member Mohammed on February 21, 2022. Photo by Zachery Kelly
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Instructor John Paulling showing the guys a new way to escape with the help of Colt Gross at the Jiu Jitsu Club meeting on March 16, 2022. Photo by Zachery Kelly
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Michael Jacobs III exhausted after a long day at the Jiu Jitsu Club on March 28, 2022. Photo by Zachery Kelly
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Bracket for the tournament at the Jiu Jitsu Club on April 20, 2022 during their end of the year tournament. Photo by Zachery Kelly
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Lennon Hunt taking some personal videos during the end of the year tournament for Jiu Jitsu Club on April 20, 2022. Photo by Zachery Kelly
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Grant Reagin and Will Dilligard getting ready to grapple at the Jiu Jitsu Club meeting on March 16, 2022. Photo by Zachery Kelly
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Club members smiling and laughing before the next round of fights at the end of the year tournament for Jiu Jitsu Club on April 20, 2022. Photo by Zachery Kelly
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Jack Jennings (Club President) and Will Dilligard win first place in their weight classes during the end of the year tournament for Jiu Jitsu Club on April 20, 2022. Photo by Zachery Kelly
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Grant Reagin putting up the mats after their last meeting of the semester on April 20, 2022. Photo by Zachery Kelly
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Club members and instructors saying their goodbyes until next semester on April 20, 2022. Photo by Zachery Kelly
Zachery Kelly
My name is Zach, and I’m a senior majoring in Visual Communications with a focus on sports media. I began my photography journey using my mom’s Nikon D3500 at family gatherings, which sparked my passion and led me to work as a second shooter for portraits and weddings. Now, with a Canon EOS 5D MKIV and a range of lenses, I primarily concentrate on sports photography and use Adobe’s suite for editing; you can see my work on Instagram @photosbyzachery.
