Bradford jiu-jitsu stars shine on Wolverhampton world stage

The Championships were held in Wolverhampton earlier this month, with Bradford-based Gracie Barra school now the highest-ranking Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu academy in the country.

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is a ground-based martial art emphasizing grappling and submission holds.

It is effective for self-defence, focusing on leverage, technique, and positional control.

BJJ uses joint locks, chokes, and sweeps, requiring skill and strategic thinking.

The Gracie Barra Bradford Team was led by coach Craig Tetley in Wolverhampton. He is a black belt who trained under Master Braulio Estima.

In Wolverhampton, Gracie Barra Bradford swept up the top spot for their second year and show no signs of slowing down.

The Gi team with their first-place trophy. (Image: UGC.)

Sam McGinty, who runs the club alongside Tetley, said: “We are beaming with pride after this latest performance at the World Championships.

“The courage and talent they showed us on the mat was truly inspiring.

“And nothing beats the heart-warming feeling you get while you watch them encourage and support each other throughout the day.”

A total of 26 youths, from as young as six, represented Gracie Barra Bradford at the prestigious event, which had over a thousand competitors from across 23 different countries, all competing in Gi and No-Gi principles.

One young competitor, Mohammed, described his victory as “the best feeling in the world”, as he triumphed against several opponents in their division and achieved a double gold.

Another, Kyle, who also won double gold, added: “The emotion in competing is like no other. You feel a healthy amount of nerves and excitement that push you to train harder and become better as a competitor and a person.”

The club also prides itself on being an ideal place to send youngsters to improve their self-esteem, confidence, and general wellbeing.

John, dad of rising Jiu-Jitsu star Zac Toothill, describes enrolling Zac into Gracie Barra Bradford as the best decision he ever made, saying: “I couldn’t be prouder of what Zac has accomplished. Just watching our little warriors from the side lines as they dominated was just amazing.

“Zac always looks forward to his Jiu Jitsu classes, it’s just the environment that the coaches have created with these kids, where they not only learn the technical skills needed to excel in BJJ, but they are in a disciplined, yet nurturing and caring environment.”

Kabir Idris, father of double gold winners, Abubakr and Umar, shared his thoughts, saying: “It really is one big family, and that credit goes to both Craig and Sam, who have made it such a comfortable environment for the kids and parents.

“I love catching up with some of the other parents as we watch on and just to see the progression my kids have made in just over a year just makes me so happy.”

Owain (left) won four golds for Gracie Barra Bradford, and is seen here going through tactics with coach Rich. (Image: UGC.)

Tetley credits Gracie Barra’s success to the whole group, saying: “We have hardworking students, a knowledgeable and dedicated team of coaches and super supportive parents who give up their time, their money and so many other sacrifices week in, week out, making all this possible for their little people.

“We are so lucky to have such an amazing group of humans all working together to develop our next generation.”

The Gracie Barra Bradford students are now aiming for an equally impressive haul at the Junior European Championships, which are set to be held in September later this year.