Competition success once again for local martial arts team

GRACIE Barra Frome has proven their merit once again at the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Championships Somerset Open, securing their second consecutive 1st place team trophy. 

Held at the Hutton Moor Leisure Centre in Weston-Super-Mare on Sunday 23rd October, this event saw competitors from across the country competing in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, a grappling form of martial art. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu can often be recognised as one of the keys skillsets seen in Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) and events like the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), incorporating explosive takedown, heavy pinning techniques, and dynamic submissions. 

This most recent event saw Gracie Barra Frome students earn a total of six gold medals, 10 silvers, and four bronze, placing them high on the podium, and walking away with the first-place team trophy at the close of the event.  

Gracie Barra Frome have a tested track record at local and national competitions, having previously being awarded 1st place team trophy at the British Brazilian jiu-jitsu open earlier this year. 

Stand out performance goes to Ricky Lee-Oliver (pictured on top of the podium), also known as “Lil’ Ricky” who came away with a gold and silver medals in the Ultra HeavyWeight divisions, having reached the finals in both the ‘Gi’ & ‘No-Gi’ brackets, despite only starting learning Jiu-Jitsu three months ago. 

Gracie Barra Frome head coach, Callum Swift said, “2022 has been an exciting year for the team, with numerous competition successes and team trophies. I am looking forward to the continued growth of the team, both on our mats in Frome, and the competition circuit.”