Sauk Valley Jiu Jitsu sends pair to World Master Championship

STERLING — Two martial arts competitors from Sauk Valley Jiu Jitsu in Sterling each reached the podium in their divisions the weekend of Nov. 11-12 at the World Master Championship at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

Timmy Mills was a gold medalist in his category and was promoted during the award ceremony. Scot D. Roeder had a bronze.

The competition is governed by the International Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Federation. The “Master” in the event title means all entrants are ages 30 and older.

Mills, competing in the light-featherweight blue belt class in the 30-34 age group, had four victories in the tournament. Three wins were by submission, including his opening round match against the No. 2 seed.

On the podium, Mills was awarded a purple belt. This is his fourth year as student of the martial art.

Roeder, a white belt in the super-heavyweight class in the 40-44 age group, lost his semifinal and placed third.

The Sauk Valley Jiu Jitsu coaches are Justin Penaflor and Tony Garza.