Ely: Pair win junior national Brazilian jiu-jitsu titles

Lily Robinson and Alex Ellington, of Ely, both won gold in their age and weight categories at the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Junior National Championships in Wolverhampton on March 26. 

Lily and Alex both train at Avaddon MMA Academy, which has sites in Ely and Wisbech, and have been training there for the last two to three years. 

“The competition is nationwide with hundreds of the clubs from across the country putting their best team forward,” said Sarah Robinson, Lily and Alex’s mother. 

“It is a huge achievement for them; they train very hard and they didn’t know what to expect.” 

Lily, 12, won the 12-13-year-old under 53kg category, while Alex triumphed in the eight to nine-year-old under 32kg class in a series of four-minute matches. 

Lily Robinson [centre] after winning the 12-13-year-old under 53kg category. (Image: Sarah Robinson)

Brazilian jiu-jitsu is a martial art specialising in submission holds and ground fighting techniques, which both Lily and Alex used to full effect. 

“As a parent, I think martial arts gives children an air of confidence and teaches them discipline,” said Sarah. 

“Lily and Alex are very happy [with their achievement] and it has spurred them on for the world championships.” 

READ MORE: Ely schoolgirls buzzing to represent England for first time

Alex Ellington [centre] won the eight to nine-year-old under 32kg category. (Image: Sarah Robinson)

Those championships take place in July, where Lily and Alex will represent England against teams from other continents. 

The pair have also been into their local schools to show off their medals and are looking up to role models including British UFC star Leon Edwards. 

And Sarah is expecting a tougher test at the worlds. 

“They have a good chance at the worlds; they are lucky to have a good team of coaches to enable them to have a chance of competing in competitions,” she added.  

“They have the commitment and drive to want to do that.”