Sara Kolybaba won her match at the Battling Grappling event in Bellingham. It was the first female victory in this type of competition for a member of the Nanaimo-based Island Top Team, a Brazilian jiu-jitsu academy. (Rob Biernacki)

By Dan Marshall

On the Mat

Island Top Team athletes compete in all-female jiu-jitsu event

Feb 8, 2025 | 9:31 AM

NANAIMO — Island Top Team, a Brazilian jiu-jitsu academy in Nanaimo, recently sent two students to a women’s only jiu-jitsu event in Bellingham called Battle Grappling.

Laya Walker and Sarah Kolybaba travelled stateside along with coach Rob Biernacki.

In the adult intermediate category, Walker returned to competition after a long layoff.

She lost in a decision to a much bigger opponent with a long resume on the mat.

Kolybaba competed in the adult advanced division.

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She won her match via decision and coach Biernacki said she showed extremely well.

“She displayed excellent work from her guard attempting multiple submissions, eventually working her way to the top and passing the guard of her opponent, leaving a clear and easy decision for the judges.”

Kolybaba’s victory was significant for ITT with it being the first-ever superfight victory for a female athlete from Top Team.

Her win was the third ever for any athlete from the Nanaimo-based club at this kind of event.

Biernacki said her triumph was made sweeter because of a history of competition against her rival.

“Sarah lost to this opponent at the recent ADCC Canada event in Vancouver. She was severely ill then and wasn’t able to do a full camp for the ADCC Open. Although she was unable to give a proper account of her skills in that tournament, coming back a few months later to prove she had a lot more to give was very satisfying for her and our coaching staff who know what she is capable of.”

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