Sioux Falls Youth Will Compete at World Championships

An 11-year-old local martial artist is set to represent South Dakota at the International Combat Organization World Championships.

Updated on Oct. 10, 2026 in Mixed Martial Arts

Expressive editorial sports illustration of a young martial artist performing a dynamic Brazilian Jiu Jitsu movement in a white gi.
Landon Fink, an 11-year-old martial artist from Sioux Falls, South Dakota, will compete at the International Combat Organization World Championships in France this October. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Landon Fink, an 11-year-old martial artist from Sioux Falls, will compete at the International Combat Organization World Championships in France. The competition is scheduled to begin on October 15, 2026.

Why it matters

Fink is the only youth competitor from South Dakota heading to the tournament, highlighting a rare opportunity for a young athlete from the region to compete on the international stage. His participation underscores the growing dedication of local youth to competitive Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.

Landon Fink has practiced Brazilian Jiu Jitsu for 2 years and currently trains at a frequency of 5 days a week. The 11-year-old athlete focuses his sessions on technique, takedowns, and passing guard.

The players

Landon Fink

Landon Fink is an 11-year-old martial arts athlete from Sioux Falls who has been practicing Brazilian Jiu Jitsu for two years.

The details

Fink is preparing for the world-stage event by centering his training regimen on specific technical skills. He maintains a rigorous schedule to ensure he is ready to face international opponents when the tournament commences in France.

Timeline

  1. October 15, 2026: The International Combat Organization World Championships begin.

Season Trajectory

Participation in the International Combat Organization World Championships marks a significant step for youth martial arts development in the region. This experience sets a new standard for local training intensity and competitive reach for Sioux Falls athletes.

Fink's training frequency of five days a week establishes a baseline for the preparation required to compete at the world level. The event serves as a focal point for the local community to observe the competitive outcomes of dedicated youth athletic training.

The takeaway

Fink's path shows the value of consistent, technique-focused training in achieving competitive milestones. Young athletes looking to reach similar stages should prioritize guard passing and takedown drills as foundational skills.

Further reading

Learn more about local combat sports training by visiting our Mixed Martial Arts section.

Source note: This article includes information reported by KELO-LAND TV.