BRAZILIAN JIU Jitsu Club Gracie Barra Bradford picked up nine medals at the Junior National Championships in Wolverhampton, including three golds.

The national champions among an overall entry that topped 600 were Sa?a Paterson and brothers Lucas and Logan Smith.

Silvers went to Jessica Hipwell, Evan Duncan and Salmone Emonds, and bronzes to Liam Scandrett, Hayden Quirke and Sasa's brother Karter Paterson.

Also competing in the 11-strong contingent from the Beacon Road-based club under the guidance of Black Belt Craig Tetley were brothers Seth and Finlay Dawson.

This follows Gracie Barra's ten medals at last November's European Championships, made up of three gold, including one for Scandrett, two silvers and five bronzes.

The club's next competition is the British Open in the Midlands on Saturday, May 13, while there is also an inter-club event at the Richard Dunn Sports Centrer on Sunday, May 28.

Brazilian Jui Jitsu is a grappling art where participants use their own bodyweight to try and dominate opponents.

Once in the ascendancy, pupils can go for a submission, be that a joint lock or a choke.

However, despite how it sounds, the martial art is practised in a safe environment utilising a tap system, which means that the attacker must let go before they have the option of starting again.

Classes are held for pupils aged five and above right up to adults, with standards varying from total beginners to advanced grades.

Among the by-products of the martial art are building strength and co-ordination, confidence and self-esteem, learning discipline and respecting teamwork.

Further information is available from the club's website at www.graciebarrabradford.com or by ringing 07584-054713.