FOUR Gracie Barra Warrington students claimed gold medals in the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Junior National Gi and No Gi Championships.

Brad McDonough, nine, only started training with the Evans House club in January and in his first competition he achieved national titles in Gi, which allows grabbing the clothing of an opponent, and No Gi, which is grappling without the traditional uniform.

Similarly Marcus Runcis, eight, who has been training in the sport at Gracie Barra since October - became junior national champion for his age and weight in his first competition.

Club junior coach Benjamin Finneran, nine, is now national champion for his weight and age, while he was also promoted on the day to grey and black belt.

Callum Grassby, 14, won gold for his division as well as in the yellow-belt absolute division, an open-weight tournament.

“I can’t say how proud I am for my students,” said head coach Graeme Finneran.

“These competitive kids get pushed hard. It’s not easy being a competitor but when you see the end product of their hard work, when a plan comes together and you take home the gold, this is priceless.

“We are building something special here!”