Eastchester Martial Arts School Wins Top Awards at Grappling Competition

Pictured at the NAGA Championships in Connecticut, from left: Gracie Rivera, Frankie Rivera, Matt Sidoti, Amanda Monteleone, Bobby Martin and Lauren Naclerio.

Students from the Westchester Martial Arts Academy in Eastchester returned from the North American Grappling Association’s New England competition Jan. 31 with six first- and three second-place medals.

WMAA’s mixed martial arts instructor Ron Barone and his assistant Aidan Connolly, also a student at the school, prepped the group for weeks prior to the NAGA tournament, which was held in the Connecticut Sports Arena in Milford, Conn.

The students competed in the Gi and No-Gi grappling divisions for children and teens, which differ in the type of clothing that is worn by the competitors and in their technique and tactics.

The first-prize winners were: Bobby Martin, Amanda Monteleone, Lauren Naclerio, Joseph Paladino, Gracie Rivera and Matt Sidoti, who also received a belt for his efforts. Second-place prizes were awarded to Alexa Grassi, Emma Keegan and Frankie Rivera.

“I am very proud of the awesome job all of our students did, which is proof of their hard work and efforts,” said Barone.