Albert Oborowsky performing a kimura lock on his opponent. (Image Credit: Albert Oborowsky/ Facebook)

By Alyssa Rudolph

LOCAL TALENT

From a late beginner: North Battleford wrestler wins gold in first tournament

Mar 16, 2026 | 2:05 PM

For 42-year-old Albert Oborowsky, winning a gold medal at his first wrestling tournament meant not letting excuses stop him.  

“I’ve got bad knees, back, arthritis all over, but I just keep on going,” he laughed.  

Oborowsky began grappling at Warrior Spirit Martial Arts Academy in North Battleford nine months ago. That’s where he was quickly put to work, training on rapid grappling, joint locks, and takedowns.  

“I had put my son into kickboxing, and after seeing him, I figured, I should maybe give it a try. So, I started doing the kickboxing and then grappling as well.”  

After seeing progression in his skills, Oborowski signed up for his first tournament in St. Albert, Alberta, which took place this past weekend.

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As he walked into the building, his nerves quickly disappeared and were replaced with excitement.  

“I was just focused and ready to go.”  

Both men he was up against were younger with more experience, but the fighter said the knowledge and training he has received was what brought him to the win.  

“I did conditioning, drills, I learnt what to utilize to get in there and dominate and that’s I guess what happened,” he said.  

Oborowsky’s parents and two youngest children joined him at the tournament, capturing every moment of his events and cheering him on every step of the way. 

Albert Oborowsky winning gold. (Image Credit: Albert Oborowsky/ Facebook)

For his children, it was a special opportunity to watch their dad compete and serve as a true sporting role model.  

“My son was getting pretty excited watching there because I’ve been trying to convince him to get into grappling for a while. Both kids ended up saying, ‘I want to practice more, and I want to do that.’” 

“Just that alone really helps motivate and keep a guy going,” he smiled as he recalled the memory. 

Moving forward, Oborowsky hopes to keep training for upcoming tournaments while sharing his love for martial arts with other upcoming fighters. 

“It’s a get off the couch and do it type of thing. Keep up with your stretches, keep trying to be healthy, and don’t let your excuses stop you.” 

—

Alyssa.rudolph@pattisonmedia.com