Northern Combat Invitational 9 being held in Chetwynd for first time

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — The Northern Combat Club (NCC), based in Fort St. John, will hold its first-ever event in Chetwynd on June 8th.

According to event promoter Clint Parker, Northern Combat Invitational 9 will be held at the White Knuckle Boxing Academy at 5032 49th Avenue in Chetwynd.

“[White Knuckle] has been around for a year. I went down and checked out the gym. It’s a fantastic place. [Owner] Chance Ernewin and I want to establish it,” said Parker, noting that the invitational will help showcase the gym. 

“There’s never been a tournament in Chetwynd, so its location does make it easier for guys travelling from Prince George.”

Parker, also the head coach and owner of the NCC, and Ernewin started chatting after White Knuckle sent fighters up to compete at previous events the NCC has held.

The main attraction at the invitational will be the no-gi grappling grand prix but will include other events, such as Car Jitsu, where submission grappling takes place inside a mid-sized van.

Ernewin says a car will be donated locally to ensure participants’ safety.

“We’ll get a vehicle towed in, so we won’t have to worry about damages,” said Ernewin. 

Parker hopes the grand prix will build momentum toward the two pro grappling events he has scheduled for Fort Nelson later in 2024.

“I’m hoping this tournament will set up for guys in the next pro show,” Parker said, adding that the first of the two events will take place in August at the Phoenix Theatre in Fort Nelson.

Entry fees for adults to enter exhibitions or the grappling tournament are $90 and $45 for children.

For more information, check out  White Knuckle Boxing Academy’s Facebook page or visit their website.