Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is taking hold

A NEW Latin breed of martial arts is emerging in Guernsey. Brazilian jiu-jitsu blends kick-boxing with conventional jiu-jitsu.

'It is a hybrid of the grappling arts,' said international competitor Chris Goldsbor-ough.

He has started a Brazilian jiu-jitsu club in the island called Gracie Barra CI, a branch of the one that already exists in Jersey.

He has been working with children through Jan's Fitness Studio and has also been to St Peter Port School to demonstrate the art.

Because most fights end up on the ground, Brazilian jiu-jitsu teaches people to overcome their opponent once it reaches that stage.

'It involves judo take-downs and then carries on. It is very new to the UK, there are not even any black belts in the UK; only a couple have brown,' he said.

Goldsborough, 28, is a blue belt in the discipline and has learnt through books and videos.

'It is a very long-winded way of learning but it is the only way at the moment.'

Matthew Robins, 32, also competes internationally.

'I first saw the grappling side in the Ultimate Fighting Championships on videos where people from different disciplines fight against each other and see which is the most effective and Brazilian jiu-jitsu came out on top,' he said.

Both have done over a decade of kick-boxing and are hooked on their new discovery.

They have competed against people from the US, Canada, New Zealand, Argentina and Brazil in Leeds, Canada and Jersey.

Goldsborough took third place in the event four months ago.

It is classed as sports jiu-jitsu, which allows a blend of disciplines to be used. The judges give three points for a take-down, one for a kick or punch and four for a submission.

It is in the submission where Brazilian jiu-jitsu helps the competitor since it focuses on the ground.

'It doesn't sound like enough for a whole martial art but it is. The whole art is devised on leverage and angles and was designed by someone with a very small frame,' said Goldsborough.

'It gives good personal awareness, flexibility and strength and teaches you how to manipulate other people's body. You can be put into any position and you feel confident; you learn a lot about restraint. It is fun and rewarding and anybody can do it.'

'It is chess for the human body,' said Robins.

Goldsborough is competing in an 'anything-goes' amateur judo competition at the end of the month.