Ten-year-old Giorgio Villis has been crowned junior world champion in the Brazilian Jiu Jitsu No Gi event at Wolverhampton.

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu player, Giorgio Villis, aged 10, has been crowned junior world champion in the No Gi event held at the Aldersley Stadium in Wolverhampton.

Attracting more than 1,600 competitors from around the world, this two-day event, highlighted the growing success of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in the UK.

During day one, Giorgio successfully won his fights via arm bars, submitting his opponents and gaining him a place in the final. After displaying fantastic skills, the talented junior walked away as a silver medallist, in one of the toughest categories.

Sunday came and Giorgio was even more determined to bring home the champion title in the No Gi event. No Gi is a form of BJJ without the kimono, therefore using different techniques and further wrestling and grappling skills to gain points, or submit for defeat.

Giorgio’s mum explained: “His usual training programme hadn’t included No Gi specifics recently, so Giorgio was a little apprehensive, but still adamant he would win.”

After a swift final, to Giorgio’s delight, he was crowned junior world champion, by submitting his opponent, yet again via an arm lock.

Being the fastest growing sport in the UK, with increasing numbers of juniors taking up the sport each day, the competition circuit is vast. With so many kids developing their skills, Giorgio and other youngsters are continuously pushed to improve, as standards for kids this age are incredible.

With so much gain for children, not only in fitness and skills, but confidence, discipline and building friendships and respect for others, Giorgio’s Gracie Barra Team moto to ‘bully proof’ kids, is continuously succeeding.

Giorgio is thankful to his local sponsors Moose Hall Chiropractics and Parish Wharf Leisure Centre, for their continued support in aiding his health and wellbeing. His regular adjustments have kept Giorgio at optimum performance and been vital, even at this young age.

Giorgio will continue to train hard over the summer, with his GB Bristol team, in preparation for the Europeans in September, after starting at Gordano Secondary School.

Anyone wishing to try out the sport, get in touch with your local Gracie Barra Team, who have several local schools with regular programmes for both adults and kids.