By Kyle Roberts
LOUTRAKI, Greece — Ruston native and eighth grader Owen Hebert is headed overseas for the first time in his life today as he will be one of over a dozen athletes from the United States representing the red, white and blue at the 2025 U15, U17, U20 and Veteran Grappling World Championships Nov. 1 – 4.
“It means a lot,” Hebert said of competing for the United States. “It’s an honor to represent this country, and it’s such a blessing.”
Hebert has been competing in jiu jitsu for nearly four years now, making a name for himself locally training under Josh and Makayla Lee at Triad Martial Arts Academy of Ruston — and now nationally as he’ll be the only competitor from the state of Louisiana.
“I really like that it takes grit and determination,” Hebert said. “There’s just something truly physical about jiu jitsu that I just love.”
This Saturday, Hebert will competing in the No-Gi Division and then will compete in the Gi Division on Sunday. He’ll compete in the 47 kg division competing against others in his age group from countries all over the world, including Russia, Kazakhstan, Greece and India.
This year, the American Grappling Federation teamed up with USA Grappling to create multiple qualifiers all over the nation. Hebert qualified by winning in a Dallas qualifer back in June.
Hebert, too, was part of the recent Ruston Junior High eighth grade squad that went undefeated at 8-0.
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