Jiu Jitsu guru Ben's chance to scoop WORLD champ gong after clutching gold in Europe

Jiu Jitsi guru Ben Swainston scooped a gold medal in Rome at the European championship super heavyweight contest.

And on December 9, the 18-year-old from Stockton, flies out to compete in the Jiu Jitsi World Finals in Las Vegas - where he could become Super Heavyweight World Champion in his category.

The former St Patrick's Primary School and St Bede’s Catholic Academy pupil, started his Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) journey by training with his grandad, Garry Swainston, and started kick boxing at Middlesbrough ’s Instinct Martial Arts at just eight years old. He got the bug and then moved to Innovation Jiu Jitsu, in Eaglescliffe, where his competitive flare took hold and he started to compete in competitions up and down the country .

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Ben then took the step to become a professional fighter, taking on major European and world championships across the globe. He's now in training for the fight of his life so far - and his full family are behind him.

Ben’s super proud grandad, said: “As a family we are all proud of Ben’s dedication, sacrifice and determination to be the best he can be and everyone wishes this down to earth young man all the success his efforts deserve.”

BJJ is a form of grappling originating from Japan and Brazil - and Ben, and his brother Josh, run their own gym, Evolve BJJ Teesside, in central Stockton, coaching the sport to children and adults of all abilities.

You can read more about the talented siblings' gym here.

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