Brazilian jiu-jitsu makes a comeback in Quebec this weekend
For the first time in years, a Brazilian jiu-jitsu competition is being held in Quebec and on Saturday hundreds of athletes are competing in Montreal.
The sport was considered illegal, but has now been given the green light by the province quebec.
About 650 competitors from ages five to 55 are competing. Organizers point out the sport is very popular in Quebec but for years these athletes had to compete outside of the province.
In march, Quebec legalized the sport once again. For close to seven years, competitions were banned because of an update to Canada's Criminal Code in 2013, which made amateur combat sports, including Brazilian jiu-jitsu, illegal.
But a door was left open for each province to legalize the sport. Brazilian jiu jitsu is a martial art that does not allow punching or kicking. Athletes and organizers tried to convince Quebec, but it took years for the government to listen.
Quebec was the only province in Canada where competition was deemed illegal, but the change in status will likely help the sport in the province because younger athletes and those just starting jiu jitsu will no longer have to travel to compete.
"It's important because people don't need to travel in the U.S., in Ontario, anywhere to compete. They can compete in Quebec again, especially for kids and newcomers," said Johnny Zemouli of the Quebec Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation.
The expectation is the sport will only continue to grow. The Brazilian jiu-jitsu federation said it will work to ensure safety is a top priority at every competition.
Shopping Trends
The Shopping Trends team is independent of the journalists at CTV News. We may earn a commission when you use our links to shop. Read about us.
Montreal Top Stories
-
-
-
-
MISSINGMISSING Montreal man, 84, not seen since Saturday
-
WEATHER WARNINGWEATHER WARNING Snowfall warning issued for Montreal, southern Quebec
-
-
-
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Global Affairs confirms Canadian death in Lebanon, 8th since Israel-Hamas war began
Global Affairs Canada is announcing the death of an eighth Canadian citizen in the Israel-Hamas war. The department says the death was in Lebanon, but offered no further details in an update Sunday evening.
This Canadian couple used surrogacy to have a child. Here's what they want you to know
Families that need help conceiving a child are met with financial burdens that should be covered through government health care and insurance, advocates say.
Conspiracy theories are popular in Canada, especially among conservatives: poll
The Earth is flat. We have been secretly contacted by intelligent beings from other planets. Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin did not land on the moon in 1969. They may sound like bizarre statements, but a new poll suggests a sizable number of Canadians believe in these and other conspiracy theories.
Renowned Quebec entrepreneur, partner reported dead in Caribbean
Quebec entrepreneur Daniel Langlois and his spouse Dominique Marchand have died in their adopted home of Dominica, in the Caribbean, a source has confirmed.
Renowned Canadian musician and former April Wine singer Myles Goodwyn dead at 75
Myles Goodwyn, the award-winning Canadian singer and songwriter who shot to stardom as the former lead singer of April Wine, has died at age 75.
Canada issues updated travel advisory for Guyana amid border dispute referendum in Venezuela
Amid a referendum that will see Venezuelans asked about the future of a chunk of neighbouring Guyana that Venezuela currently claims ownership over, Canada has adjusted its travel advisory to warn against travelling in Guyana near the border.
Another inmate dead at notoriously harsh Newfoundland jail, officials confirm
An inmate has died at Her Majesty's Penitentiary in Newfoundland, one of the oldest operating provincial jails in the country, officials with the provincial Justice Department confirmed.
Commercial ships hit by missiles in Houthi attack in Red Sea, U.S. warship downs 3 drones
Ballistics missiles fired by Yemen's Houthi rebels struck three commercial ships Sunday in the Red Sea, while a U.S. warship shot down three drones in self-defence during the hourslong assault, the U.S. military said. The Iranian-backed Houthis claimed two of the attacks.
Fatal stabbing of German tourist by suspected radical puts sharp focus on Paris Olympics
A bloodstain by a bridge over the Seine river was the only remaining sign on Sunday of a fatal knife attack 12 hours earlier on a German tourist, allegedly carried out by a young man under watch for suspected Islamic radicalization.
Toronto
-
What's Ontario's winter forecast this year? Here's what you need to know
Winter is coming, but what will that look like in Ontario? Well, El Niño could bring on a milder season than usual this year.
-
4 men sought in connection with aggravated assault investigation in Brampton
Police in Peel Region are looking for four men who are sought in connection with an aggravated assault investigation in Brampton.
-
This Canadian couple used surrogacy to have a child. Here's what they want you to know
Families that need help conceiving a child are met with financial burdens that should be covered through government health care and insurance, advocates say.
Atlantic
-
April Wine lead vocalist Myles Goodwyn dead at 75
Myles Goodwyn, lead vocalist, guitarist and principal songwriter for April Wine, passed away after a battle with cancer, according to bandmate and close friend, Jim Henman.
-
Weather statements issued ahead of Sunday night and Monday snowfall
A low pressure system exiting the northeastern United States and then passing by the Atlantic coastline of Nova Scotia will bring a mix of snow and rain to the region Sunday night and Monday.
-
The 60th Annual Christmas Daddies Telethon nets over $600,000 for children in need
The 60th Annual Christmas Daddies Telethon continued its Maritime traditions on Saturday, showcasing various Maritime talents throughout the seven-hour show.
London
-
Public asked to avoid section of Oxford Street East due to high-rise fire
London fire crews are asking the public to avoid a section of Oxford Street East after a parking garage fire spread through the lower levels of a high-rise building on Sunday afternoon.
-
'I’m excited to perform': Local dancers will take stage with professionals in 'The Nutcracker'
'The Nutcracker — A Canadian Tradition' is a staple of the holiday season. Once again, 13 young dancers from seven different studios in London, Ont. will get the opportunity to dance on stage with professionals later this month.
-
Two-vehicle collision temporarily closes Wonderland Road South between Highway 402 on-ramps
Injuries have been reported after a two-vehicle collision shut down a section of Wonderland Road South between the Highway 402 on-ramps late Saturday night.
Northern Ontario
-
Customers line up for final loaves from Golden Grain after 92 years operating in Sudbury
Long-time business in downtown Sudbury sells its final baked goods to loyal customers before closing its doors for good.
-
What's Ontario's winter forecast this year? Here's what you need to know
Winter is coming, but what will that look like in Ontario? Well, El Niño could bring on a milder season than usual this year.
-
Section of the Sault Canal drained for maintenance
Inspection crews will be spending the next couple of weeks conducting a maintenance check on the bottom of the Sault Ste. Marie Canal.
Calgary
-
Uproar erupts over CCSD administration changing school hours
Reaction has been swift to a story CTV reported on Thursday about plans by the Calgary Catholic School District (CCSD) to change classroom hours one day a week.
-
Annual toy drive to be held in honour of Calgary officer Sgt. Andrew Harnett
The 3rd annual Fill the “Sgt. Andrew Harnett Rink” Toy Drive is set for Sunday night.
-
Man shot and killed after fight at Sunchild First Nation gas station
A man was shot to death Sunday morning at the Sunchild First Nation gas station.
Kitchener
-
Pedestrian and young child struck while crossing a Kitchener street
A Cambridge man and a young child were taken to hospital Saturday afternoon after being struck by an SUV while crossing a Kitchener street.
-
Toy Mountain continues to grow with donations from Doon Toy Drive
With Christmas quickly approaching, Toy Mountain got a little taller Saturday thanks to the 7th annual Doon Toy Drive in Kitchener.
-
Arrest made in November sexual assault at a Kitchener mall: WRPS
A 24-year-old man was arrested Saturday and charged in connection to a sexual assault police say happened at Fairview Park Mall last month.
Vancouver
-
Hundreds of B.C. businesses apply for vandalism fund
More than 600 businesses in B.C. have applied to a provincial rebate program to help prevent and repair damage from vandalism, according to the Ministry of Jobs and Economic Development.
-
'Potent and impactful storm' on the way to B.C.'s South Coast, Vancouver Island
Heavy rainfall is in store for much of southern B.C. starting Monday, when a “potent and impactful storm” is forecast to make landfall, according to Environment and Climate Change Canada.
-
Woman's death in the Downtown Eastside under investigation
The Vancouver Police Department confirmed Sunday that it is investigating a woman’s death in the Downtown Eastside.
Edmonton
-
Man shot and killed after fight at Sunchild First Nation gas station
A man was shot to death Sunday morning at the Sunchild First Nation gas station.
-
Edmonton man makes 'exceptionally rare' meteorite recovery
In October 2022, Doug Olsen was folding laundry in his southeast Edmonton home when he was startled by the loud bang of a meteorite landing on his roof.
-
Gun sighting prompts lockdown of West Edmonton Mall Saturday
West Edmonton Mall was locked down late Saturday afternoon after a shopper was seen with a gun.
Windsor
-
Windsor police investigating 'targeted' double shooting
A man and a woman are suffering from serious gunshot-related injuries following a double shooting early Saturday morning at a downtown Windsor residence.
-
St. Clair College students win international digital marketing competition
A St. Clair College advertising class has pulled off the unexpected after they won an international competition over the weekend.
-
'It’s nice to bring it into the winter': Downtown open market a big success for Windsorites
The downtown open market held before and during the Windsor Santa Claus Parade Saturday night was a big success.
Regina
-
'You knew a hit was coming': Sask. economist reacts to province's $250M deficit following forecasted $1B surplus
A Saskatchewan economics professor says the province's recent news of a deficit was not unexpected. However, the surprise was how much the forecast has dropped since the province's latest budget.
-
Sask. refinery fights order to reinstate two workers fired for refusing COVID-19 testing policy
A Regina employer is asking the court to quash a provincial arbitrator’s order to reinstate two employees who were fired for failing to follow the company’s COVID-19 vaccination and testing policy.
-
A warm meal on the coldest of days, Soup After Dark seeks to address hunger in Regina's downtown
A Regina organization has been working to make sure those in downtown Regina have a hot meal on cold days.
Ottawa
-
WINTER STORM WARNINGWINTER STORM WARNING First winter storm of the season to bring 15 cm of snow to Ottawa by Monday afternoon
A winter storm warning is now in effect for the city of Ottawa, with freezing rain and up to 15 cm of snow expected Sunday night and on Monday. The city of Ottawa has issued an on-street parking ban for Monday between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m.
-
Father-son business in Ottawa raises money for autism support
Tucked in at the 613flea Christmas Market at Carleton University on Sunday was Jonathan Crone and his business Distinctive Woodworking.
-
Watch where you park near the Ottawa Hospital General Campus
A "no-stopping zone" is in effect on a section of the eastern side of Lynda Lane, from Lynda Lane to Smyth Road, between Dec. 1 and March 31.
Saskatoon
-
Family seeks justice as Saskatchewan Mountie goes to trial for first-degree murder
Brett Herman thinks back fondly on his childhood, running outside his grandfather's house in northern Saskatchewan with his younger brother chasing behind.
-
Saskatoon sisters share the stage in Royal Winnipeg Ballet's 'The Nutcracker'
Blake and Cooper Robinson, sisters united by their passion for ballet, are set to grace the stage together in a rendition of the classic ballet play, The Nutcracker.
-
Sask. refinery fights order to reinstate two workers fired for refusing COVID-19 testing policy
A Regina employer is asking the court to quash a provincial arbitrator’s order to reinstate two employees who were fired for failing to follow the company’s COVID-19 vaccination and testing policy.
