Summit Grappling Academy’s Hanako Henson has been crowned Jiu-Jitsu European Kids Champion.
Henson took part in the tournament in Lisbon to become the first ever to win the title from the Isle of Man.
Hana has been training exceptionally hard in the lead up to this tournament and has had a busy year competing in the UK.
This tournament was her main focus however, and many hours on the mat and in the gym meant she was ready to take on the best.
The tournament is open to competitors from around the world and as such, many Brazilians (where it is a national sport) along with high level American and other European Competitors also enter.
European Champion
Hana made an early error in her semi-final and found herself down on points with work to do in order to be in with a chance to win.
However, something changed within her a minute or so into the match and an eagerness to win showed through with her reversing her opponent and ultimately battling for armbar submission which she managed to finish in style leading to a place in the final.
She came up against an experienced Brazilian competitor and although the same weight division, her opponent was significantly taller which could have proven problematic however, it made absolutely no difference for Hana.
Enthused by the semi-final win and competing on the big stage, Hana was in her element and remained calmed, composed and confident in equal measure. Hana managed to gain top position and score enough points for the win.
But not content with that, she gained a further top position of ‘mount’ and submitted her opponent before the clock ran out.
An incredible achievement for Hana who has the potential to excel at the sport in the Adult divisions in a number of years not before continuing her dominance in the Junior divisions.
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