WHAKATĀNE martial artist Brad Kora has landed the New Zealand Grappler’s Black Belt Gi Champion award for the 2023-2024 season.

Kora shares the award with Nicholas Te Aute of Papamoa.

He said the championship was awarded based on placements during the season and on points awarded for techniques executed during the fights.

“My strength is technique,” he said.

“The points system is similar to that used in UFC.”

The placements and points required for taking home the grappling award were gathered during the Gi Nationals and the Oceania Championship.