Guyana made a powerful impression at the Muay Thai Mafia II Kickboxing and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu tournament on Sunday, May 4th, as two fighters from the John Campayne Martial Arts Academy delivered exceptional performances on foreign soil.
Zidhan Wray, representing the Guyana Defence Force and fighting under the banner of the John Campayne Martial Arts Academy, stunned the local crowd in his debut kickboxing bout. Facing Leandro Dongo, Suriname’s top-ranked amateur super heavyweight, Wray entered the ring as the underdog, outweighed by a staggering 25 kilograms. However, he quickly turned the odds in his favor, delivering a commanding performance that ended with a knockout in the second round.
In the Brazilian Jiu Jitsu leg of the tournament, seasoned fighter Ryan Cox also brought pride to the nation. After a series of grueling matches, Cox secured second place in the division following a fierce showdown with Suriname’s Taarish Sheoratan.
The event, held in Paramaribo, featured top fighters from across the region and served as a platform for emerging talent and cross-border rivalry. The strong showing by Team Guyana especially the combination of experience and debut success, highlighted the growing impact of martial arts in the country and the effectiveness of local training institutions like the John Campayne Martial Arts Academy.
