Sandusky boy, 12, becomes a world grappling champion

SANDUSKY — Not many 12-year-old children can say they're a Brazilian jiu-jitsu champion.But Dylan Ott can.Earlier this month, the Sandusky resident participated at The Arnold Sports Festival in Columbus, competing in a "super fight" grappling combat challenge. It's considered the world's largest open tournament for this particular martial arts category. About 600 people registered for the event.Dylan, a Sandusky Middle School student, won his division's bracket, defeating renowned grappler Marcos Flores in the finals. Dylan made Flores tap out to his signature submission hold: an arm bar.He won a gold medal, and many, including his parents, Jeff and Susan Ott, applauded him as Dylan stood atop a podium in the heightened first-place section. Even WBNS-10TV in Columbus profiled Dylan's achievements on a segment during a nightly news broadcast.Many characterized Dylan's accomplishments as "magnificent."Making it even more impressive: Dylan just started taking Brazilian jiu-jitsu classes about a year ago at The Adrenaline Academy, a mixed martial arts (MMA) facility, on West Monroe Street by Lions Park."For me, as a coach, I have probably trained 100 fighters, and what Dylan did is my proudest moment," said Chad Catri, the academy's owner and operator who personally trains Dylan.Dylan Ott, 12, grapples with his trainer Chad Catri at The Adrenaline Academy in Sandusky on Thursday, March 15, 2018. Ott recently won a gold medal in a grappling competition earlier this month The Arnold Sports Festival in Columbus.Catri cites Dylan's energy, positive attitude, fierceness and fearlessness as key reasons for why he won."It meant so much to him, but also for me, that he won," Catri said. "He has come a long way. He didn't do it for the fame or recognition. He did it to prove he is tough and just wants to compete with everyone else."At a young age, doctors diagnosed Dylan with autism. Like many others with the condition, he struggles with communicating and forming relationships with other people.Though working out at the academy and taking up jiu-jitsu has greatly improved his social interaction skills and athleticism."This has brought him out of his shell," Jeff said. "He's a social butterfly here. Everyone knows him. He comes up here three days a week and even helps the coaches train people."Catri believes other people, children or adults, dealing with autism or a similar condition can cope and excel as individuals through his academy's training. It specializes in boxing, kickboxing, wrestling and fitness programs for these and other similar sports."Just like Dylan, people are able to break barriers, and individuals with autism or other disabilities just want a chance like everyone else, and they, too, can be a champion, just like Dylan."Brazilian jiu-jitsu champion Dylan Ott, 12, poses for a photo with his teacher Chad Catri at The Adrenaline Academy in Sandusky. Earlier this month, Dylan, a Sandusky Middle School student, participated at The Arnold Sports Festival in Columbus, winning first place in a "super fight" grappling combat challenge.Reach reporter Andy Ouriel at ouriel@sanduskyregister.com and follow him on Twitter @AndyOuriel.