Brazilian Jiu Jitsu: Andrew Perez claims gold at Cleveland Coastal Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Championships

Andrew Perez celebrated a gold medal at the Cleveland Coastal Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Championships in Saltburn-by-the-Sea on Sunday (2 June).

The eight-year old submitted two opponents at this tournament, quickly taking control on his first fight, winning by rear naked choke submission.

In his second fight, the group final, Andrew used a judo takedown: he caught a loose arm and applied an unescapable arm-bar to secure the submission win in less than two minutes.  

Facing a tough lad who had impressed the crowd in his earlier fight, Andrew secured the hold and applied an arm lock to end the fight in 1 min 25 sec and claim the gold medal.

He said: “I feel very happy with how my fights went, as this is just the beginning of my coming competitions this year. I also met a new friend.”

Talented Andrew from Rochdale, has been training since 2016 and has been active on the UK’s BJJ competition circuit since 2018. 

 

 

He has had a remarkable year on the Brazilian Jiu Jitsu tournament circuit, clocking up over 3,000 miles travelling the length and breadth of the country to test himself against his peers.

Andrew has competed in across the UK in Wolverhampton, Kendal, Glasgow, Cheltenham, Manchester, London, Bristol, Walsall and Llanelli.

With 15 medals from 14 competitions entered between 2018/2019, it has definitely been worth the effort, and suggests the rising of a new sporting star.

Andrew's most recent medals include bronze at the Bristol Open BJJ 2019, silver at NAGA UK, silver and bronze in two weight categories at the Welsh Junior BJJ League.

The St Vincent's pupil has also previously won a silver medal at the Scottish Cup of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in October, and a bronze medal at the largest junior tournament in the UK, the BJJ Junior World Championships.

• www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/4/sport-news/122951/talented-eightyearold-wins-four-medals-in-brazilian-jiu-jitsu-and-judo