Ju Jitsu: Sophie Cox wins World Masters title

Sophie Cox on the podiums with gold and silver medals

Littleborough's two-time judo Olympian Sophie Cox was in imperious form when winning an IBJJF (International Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Federation) World Masters title in Las Vegas.

Competing at Masters Level Two, Purple Belt, Featherweight, Sophie dominated her three opponents to win her second world title of the year, having previously claimed the UAEJJF World Pro crown in Abu Dhabi in the lightweight blue belt category.

Sophie said: "“It was fantastic to win in the glittering iconic city of Las Vegas.

“There are no easy fights at elite level and I had the added pressure of my first competition at purple belt.

"I havve been giving numerous seminars on judo take-downs for BJJ and it is rewarding doing it successfully in practice. It might seem a simple score, two points, but psychologically such an advantage can have a significant impact in gaining an early dominant position."

Sophie's quarter final opponent, Adelita McGrath, provided a stern opening test. Winning by eight points and submission take down with knee pin, mount and armbar was a real confidence booster, Sophie said.

A bruising semi final against Abigail Kate Pacine was settled with a two point take down and a three point advantage.

The agile, technically gifted Ha Bui presented a different challenge in the final. Two points for a drop shoulder take down and three more for an armbar saw Sophie clinch the world title.

Sophie said: “As usual I had great support from my family and club mat-side.

“My coach Adam Adshead (BJJ Factory) was an inspiration.

"I was conscious of the many family, friends and supporters who were up in the early hours of Sunday morning following the live streaming from FloGrapplng.

"Thanks to my gi sponsors Fuji and all my dedicated followers.

"Sharing a photo of my gold medal with my two-year-old son Leo reminded me that none of my medals are my own these days. In fact, they never have been. They are made up of the many people who are part of my life and have helped me along the way.

“I was tempted to relax after my weight group win, but felt physically and mentally confident to enter the Absolute, open weight, bracket.

"My first fight was won with a bread cutter choke, my second with a thee points to two score. After a tense struggle I lost the final five points to two against Laura Ann Martins, the middleweight gold winner, so had to settle for silver.”

Coach Adam Adhead is enthusiastic about Sophie's achievements, he said: “Some textbook competition performances, showing not only her trade mark judo but some great passing, watertight control and some nifty submissions along the way too.”

Sophie continues her America adventure with coaching commitments in Los Angeles and San Diego.

She added: “I have ambitions to win my third world title of the year when I compete in the World Judo Masters in Sardinia in October.

"It is hectic juggling family, coaching and competition, but I am realising true challenge and am looking forward to continued success at elevate level in both BJJ and competitive judo.”