Jiu-jitsu: Manx athlete becomes Kids European Champion

Henson bags big win as academy claims trio of medals in Lisbon

An Isle of Man jiu-jitsu competitor has been crowned an IBJJF European Kids Champion.

Summit Grappling Academy's Hanako Henson claimed first place and the gold medal during the IBJJF tournament in Lisbon last weekend (26-27 October).

During the same period the Island club also claimed two medals at the IBJJF Lisbon Open for adult competitors with Mark Purcell scooping gold in his class and Sarah Redmond fighting well to secure silver in her category.

Two other members of the competition squad - Hayley Curtis and Alan Greenhalgh - withdrew from competing due to injury and instead provided coaching assistance over the two events.

On her way to success, Henson started with a setback in her semi-final showdown going behind on points before rallying back on her opponent to take victory with an armbar submission.

In the final she then faced an experienced Brazilian competitor with a 'significant' height advantage, but this wouldn't stop Henson gaining top position and scoring enough points to guarantee a win.

She then finished the contest in style managing to submit her opponent before time ran out.

Elsewhere in the Lisbon Open, Purcell overcame a tough semi-final test on points only to face the same opponent in the final due to the tournament bracket system.

Going in with an altered strategy, Purcell once again proved too much for his challenger managing an early takedown and top position scoring on his way to gold.

Meanwhile academy coach Redmond took to the mat for the first time in 18 months after spending a long-term spell out due to a foot injury.

Summit Grappling Academy Head Coach Conrad Roberts says Redmond's 'hard work' to get back into competition has paid off, describing her second-placed finish as 'well-deserved.'