A NINE-YEAR-OLD boy who teaches Brazilian jiu-jitsu at a Warrington club is hailed as a role model after being crowned British champion.

Benjamin Finneran, junior coach at Gracie Barra Warrington, took the national title in his weight category for the first time at Crystal Palace National Sports Hall in London.

And he is no stranger to success, having last year been crowned European champion in his age and division as well as reaching the quarter finals in the Pan Am Junior World Championships in California.

"It's a fantastic achievement for Ben," said Hannah Bailey of Gracie Barra Warrington, a martial arts club based on the second floor of Evans House in Norman Street.

"Ben won in the final in less than 30 seconds via submission of tap-out with an arm bar.

"He was determined from the start and sprinted out to the mats for the referee to begin his contest."

An avid swimmer and rugby player too, his British title success has been five years in the making while also showing ability to help others develop their skills.

"Ben has been training seriously in the sport since he was four-years-old but has been becoming familiar with this since age three with his father Graeme, who is also an international competitor in Brazilian jiu-jitsu.

"He has lots of coaching experience too as he coaches alongside his dad, who is head coach at Gracie Barra Warrington!

"As a young coach he is great with the children and also as a role model for where you can get to in the sport given the dedication and passion that Ben has."

Bailey highlighted the characteristics that have helped the Lowton St Marys Primary School pupil become a young force in the martial art, a combat sport system that focuses on grappling and especially ground fighting.

"Ben loves Brazilian jiu-jitsu and is a keen competitor – just like his dad," she said.

"He trains hard and shows what you can achieve when you set your mind to it.

"At the heart he is a warm, funny kid who loves being outdoors and has to juggle Brazilian jiu-jitsu training with activities and homework but shows that drive and passion can make you a champion!"