Dedication being rewarded with results – medal glory for Gracie Barra Hastings

Fighters from Gracie Barra Hastings have returned with six medals from the All Stars Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Southern Pro tournament writes Rob Griffin. The team claimed five silver medals and a bronze at the competition, which was held at the Hornchurch Sports Centre in East London. Zak Horsley got off to a flying start in […]

Dan and Craig claim ‘Southend gold’ as Hastings fighters clean up

Fighters from Gracie Barra Hastings Brazilian Jiu Jitsu academy have returned with a haul of silverware from a competition in Essex writes Rob Griffin. The team scooped two gold, two silver and one bronze medal at the event, which was held at the Chase Sports and Fitness Centre in Southend. Dan Young continued his impressive […]

Keeping tradition alive… Paul’s bringing iconic British wrestling to his gym

For Paul Bridges tradition is important, a lifelong martial artist he believes it’s vital to learn from the best; from those who understand what they are teaching at the most fundamental level. One of the UK’s leading Brazilian Jiu Jitsu instructors Paul hasn’t got to where he is today without putting himself through some tough […]

‘Slayer’ Kial triumphs again with gold in Guildford

Teenage martial artist Kial Wilkins has struck gold at a prestigious Brazilian Jiu Jitsu competition in Guildford writes Rob Griffin. The 19-year-old, who trains at the Gracie Barra Hastings academy, won both his fights in the gi purple belt featherweight division at the Surrey Open. In his first contest, Wilkins was in total control and […]

To the victors go the spoils

Fighters from Gracie Barra Hastings returned from the Brighton Open Brazilian Jiu Jitsu tournament with an incredible haul of 15 medals writes Rob Griffin. The team picked up two golds, eight silvers and five bronze medals from the annual event, which featured both gi and nogi divisions. Photographers Noah Moralis, Caivan Namvar and John Rose caught […]

The scourge of male suicide – being big doesn’t make you less vulnerable!

The club that is quite literally ‘fighting’ to combat male suicide. Rob Griffin reports on a novel fundraiser that took place in Hastings…   Martial artists in Hastings have raised £1,000 to help combat worryingly high levels of male suicides across the country. Five black belts taught masterclasses at the Gracie Barra Hastings Brazilian Jiu […]

‘Godfather’ of Jiu Jitsu shares his half century of wisdom

Mauricio Gomes, one of the highest ranked instructors of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, has been in Hastings to share his knowledge at a sold-out seminar writes Rob Griffin. The red and white coral Belt, known as the Godfather of British Jiu Jitsu for his efforts to promote the sport, visited the Gracie Barra Hastings academy in […]

Dedication pays off – World Champion encourages local martial artists

Talented martial artists have been promoted for their achievements in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in front of a world champion who refused to let cancer destroy his dream of competition glory writes Rob Griffin. Six members of Gracie Barra Hastings received their next coloured belts in a ceremony held at the academy’s Earl Street home and […]