(UPDATE) Northern Combat Invitational returns with all-female card on International Women’s Day

Update, June 19th, 2.25 p.m.: There was no fundraising for the Fort St. John Women’s Resource Society (FSJWRS) because the scheduled silent auction did not take place in the end, according to Clint Parker.

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — A local grappling extravaganza returns on March 8th – with a card strictly for the ladies.

Northern Combat Invitational (NCI) 13 is taking place on International Women’s Day, and Clint Parker said the Brazilian jiu-jitsu-only cards usually have some women’s competition and those fights “always steal the show.”

Parker is the owner of the Northern Combat Club and has promoted events since 2022. 

“We’ll have ladies from both Prince George and Grande Prairie competing,” said Parker. “There will be a men’s preliminary card, but the main card will just be women.” 

The five-fight main card will also have a family feel: mother and daughter Amanda and Ashleigh Bartelds from Grande Prairie will each be competing for a title.

Amanda will be going for the over 130-pound “open” class belt against Fort St. John’s Brooklyn Jodoin, while the younger Bartelds will be up against Dawson Creek’s Jessica Holland for the 130-pound lightweight strap.

Parker says the excitement surrounding the Bartelds/Holland match will be the fact both have mixed martial arts (MMA) experience.

“They’re both undefeated in the weight class,” said Parker. “So it’s a couple of MMA veterans battling it out.”

Historically, NCI hosts one exclusive card per year for kids. However, Parker was unable to host one in 2025 due to scheduling issues.

Thus, the day at the Pomeroy Hotel and Conference Centre will start with kids only grappling at 11 a.m.  

Parker says any child who enters will have a free ticket to the evening’s card, the doors of which will open at 5:30 p.m. 

Gladiators Martial Arts Academy from Grande Prairie will host a weapons and taekwondo demonstration during the event. 

Face painting, pre-prepared or “flash” tattoos and a supplement booth will also be available. Parker also says a custom-made bean bag toss board has been donated for the event.

Better known as cornhole in North America, the board will be the focus of a silent auction to benefit the Fort St. John Women’s Resource Society.

“I’m fairly confident these five fights are just going to be crazy,” said Parker. “I’m excited to have all the women [here competing].”

NCI 13 takes place on March 8th at the Pomeroy Hotel and Conference Centre, at 11308 Alaska Road North in Fort St. John.

Tickets are $35 for adults, while kids under 12 are $10.  For more information, please visit Northern Combat Club’s Facebook page.