A Frome schoolgirl is making a name for herself on the UK and international martial arts scene, and she’s only 12. And she’s got her eyes set firmly on the World Championships in Abu Dhabi in November.
Taya Jones, who trains at Gracie Barra Frome, is fast becoming one of the brightest young stars in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ). She has earned her yellow and white belt and, with a string of impressive performances, has recently been named a Gracie Barra UK ambassador athlete for 2025 – a role given to only a handful of the most promising competitors in the country.
This spring, Taya took silver at the IBJJF Rome Open, narrowly missing gold in a highly competitive final against an experienced Brazilian opponent. The match was a big step up, as Taya only recently moved to her new belt division (yellow) and it showed her ability to perform on the international stage against elite competition. This follows on from her maiden European gold in October 2024 in Lisbon, Portugal.
Her 2025 competition season has also featured standout performances at invitation-only events including Tanto, held in Weston-super-Mare, and most recently a dominant victory at ENYO, the UK’s premier all-female grappling showcase last month. These appearances have cemented her reputation as one of the UK’s most promising young grapplers.
Now, with her eyes set firmly on the World Championships in Abu Dhabi this November, Taya is intensifying her training and competition schedule. In pursuit of this goal, she has launched a GoFundMe campaign to support the cost of travel and accommodation.
“Taya trains with unmatched dedication almost every day of the week and has shown the mindset and talent to compete at the very highest levels,” said her coach Callum Swift at Gracie Barra Salisbury, where Taya also trains. “She represents the future of Gracie Barra and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in the UK, and I wager that she will become a future black belt world champion.”
Supporters and fans can follow Taya’s journey via her official channels and contribute to her GoFundMe here www.instagram.com/tayaj_bjj_tagb
Pictured: Taya
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