Wood maintains status as one of jiu-jitsu’s best

After 20 years of competing in jiu-jitsu, Jay Wood continues to hold his place as one of jiu-jitsu’s top competitors.
Wood, a 2003 Chase County graduate, took time off earlier in the year to recover from two knee surgeries.
While there are usually three or four months between tournaments, Wood said this year was unusual and he had time to recover before major tournaments in October and November.
Last month, Wood won the four-day 2021 International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation World No-Gi tournament in Dallas, Texas.
Wood said he’s had more success in No-Gi tournaments and is undefeated. His lifetime of training for wrestling and jiu-jitsu  makes him well suited for the style.
Earlier in November Wood competed in the World Master IBJJF Jiu-Jitsu Championship in Las Vegas, Nevada, winning the Master 2 Brown Belt Heavy Gi title.
Wood made the switch from only No-Gi to Gi three years ago, in part, because moving up in belt rank can only be accomplished in Gi.
A Gi, the traditional garment worn while competing, can be used to do different grips and throws.
The challenge that comes from Gi competitions is important to Wood.
“Historically in jiu-jitsu, it’s all about the Gi,” Wood said.
“It’s a true test of knowledge and execution,” he said, adding there’s more respect when it comes to Gi.
Wood said he competes more for piece of mind than winning.
“It’s more about competing at a high level,” he said.
While many of his competitors come from and travel around the globe for tournaments, Wood has always stayed state side.
Wood competes for SAS Team and his training has taken place in Minnesota, Omaha, Texas and now in Ohio where he lives with wife, Alisha (Large) and sons Carter, 12, and Duncan, 8.
Both boys train in wrestling and jiu-jitsu.
Alisha also trains in jiu-jitsu and is recovering from an injury.
With November’s tournament behind him, Wood said he’s looking forward to teaching jiu-jitsu seminars.
Wood works as a personal trainer and says he’s a better teacher than competitor.
“I want to spread knowledge and help people get better, both in training and in jiu-jitsu,” he said.