LUKE Etheridge has made an excellent start to his career in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, winning gold medals in National and English Championships last year.

The seven-year-old only took up the sport 15 months ago and as well as winning at National and English Championships, he also collected bronze medals at the British and European Championships.

Etheridge trains three times a week with team Ipppon under Kevin Hall at the Basingstoke School of Martial Arts in the art of Brazilian Jiu jitsu. He also trains once in judo with Paul Jones.

Coach Hall said: “Luke’s key to success is his work ethic and passion for the sport of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.

“He is a dream student to have in class. Hard-working, focused, well-behaved and always has a positive attitude. “He is a great example for every other student in our class. All of this and he is still only seven years old.

“Luke has a very bright future not only in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, but whatever he applies himself to.”

Etheridge is looking forward to another fruitful year in 2016 with his focus firmly on the World Championships in early 2017.

His brother Ethan Etheridge, aged 10, also does Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and also won the National championship last year.

l BASINGSTOKE School of Martial Arts hosted the final Southern England Kids Brazilian Jiu Jitsu League.

More than 50 competitors aged between five and 16, both boys and girls, competed to win titles in their respective categories, with competitors travelling from across southern England.

This was the final event in a series of monthly competitions held under the auspices of the UK Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Association, the sport’s governing body elect.

After a day of hard-fought contests, four young champions were crowned.

Ke Jhen Peng and George Baker took away the awards for the top boy and girl in the under-40kg category.

Billy Hayes and Holly Collins were crowned over-40kg boys and girls champions.

Thanks must go to sponsors Faixa Rua and the UK Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Association – the juniors received a new gi and will gain free entry to every Southern England Kids Brazilian Jiu Jitsu League event in 2016.

Liam Puttock received the special fair play award for the competitor judged to have consistently displayed respect to their opponents, referees and staff at the event.

He also consistently practised good Jiu Jitsu and fought hard with a smile on their face.

The next event is not until February when the Southern England Kids Brazilian Jiu Jitsu League starts again.

The Basingstoke School of Martial Arts is based on the Moniton Trading Estate and for more details, contact them via their website basingstokesma.co.uk.