Sophie Cox wins gold at European Jiu Jitsu Championships

Sophie Cox on the podium after winning gold, European Masters blue belt lightweight

Double judo Olympian Sophie Cox claimed her first European Masters Jiu Jitsu crown in Lisbon over the weekend.

Sophie said: “4,000 competitors from around the world took part in these open championships over five days of intense and high quality competition.

“I’m still competing in the blue belt category at the moment, working my way up the belts, and the opposition is getting tougher with every tournament.

"I began with a convincing 16 – 0 points win in my first fight and then won victories with a choke and a strangle. The final was a titanic struggle. I gained an early advantage with a judo take-down, but after that it was an aggressive battle on the ground. I managed to hold on to my two point advantage and was thrilled to win my first European title.

"I’m involved in a wide range of coaching activities in judo, Brazilian jiu jitsu and MMA, but there is nothing like the hotbed of top competition to keep up-to-date with techniques and match strategies.

"Coaching and family commitments permitting, I am hoping to compete at world masters level in both jiu jitsu and judo whilst progressing to jiu jitsu purple belt during the year.

"I’m lucky to have great support from the coaching team at BJJ Factory Club Stockport, and was fortunate in getting the Lisbon trip covered by OC Industries sponsorship for winning the Celtic open in November 2016.

"It’s an exciting time to be competing in both judo and jiu jitsu disciplines. MMA and jiu jitsu is on the march worldwide with competition entries growing rapidly, and Judo Masters events are finally getting the attention they deserve from the governing bodies.

"My current ambition is to attempt the unique double of European and World Masters titles in both judo and jiu jitsu.”