Photo – Lara with her gold medal

After finishing 2022 on a high with bronze and silver medal at the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) Junior European Championships, grappling star, Lara Spajic (Year 9), claimed a gold medal at the All Stars BJJ Winter Tournament.

Held this past Sunday at Hemel Hempstead, the BJJ practitioner competed against the very best martial artists in the UK ‘South Edition’ of the All Stars tournament. During the gold medal match, the Kraken Academy student competed against an undefeated opponent who was at a higher belt category and in a heavier weight division. Lara put in a fantastic performance, winning via submission in very rapid fashion!

Lara said: “This was the first competition of 2023 and it felt really good to start with a gold. Tournaments are tough but, for me, Martial Arts feels far less stressful than picking GCSEs!”

During 2022, Lara picked up medals at the British Open (Silver), the Worlds (two Bronzes) and the Europeans (Bronze and Silver).

Many congratulations, Lara! We look forward to following your promising martial arts career.