We are super proud of talented martial artist Lara Spajic (Year 8), who has won two bronze medals at the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu World Junior Championships this past weekend (9th & 10th July 2022) in Wolverhampton.

Lara competed against many superb competitors and reigning champions in Gi and No-Gi in what was only her second major tournament after claiming a silver medal in the British Open earlier this year.

On day one she competed in a Gi, the uniform of jacket and drawstring trousers with a coloured belt, similar to those in Judo and Karate. In what was a hard-fought semi-final - she ran out of time and lost on points. However, she claimed a podium finish and a very well-deserved bronze medal. The following day was the No-Gi competition, without the jacket and drawstrings, so no sleeves or lapels to grab. Lara fought the newly crowned World Gi Champion in the semi-final and had her in the guard for almost the entire match but lost narrowly on points. Lara added another World bronze to her collection, a highly treasured medal as this was her first No-Gi competition. Lara commented: “Next year, I’m coming back to win gold”, she said with a glint in her eye and a cheeky smile. 

A member of Kraken MMA Academy, Lara’s journey has taken nine years, over three different continents and four amazing academies. Martial art competitions require both physical and mental toughness, paired with extraordinary skill, high speed and a whole lot of heart. Fortunately, Lara loves sport and the chance to compete against others at the highest level possible. 

Well done, Lara! We look forward to following your promising martial arts journey and hope it will inspire many students to take up self-defence classes!