Siblings are crowned national champions

Brothers Luca and Luan Veras were crowned National champions in Brazilian Jiu-jitsu at Wolverhampton recently.

Nine-year-old Luca won his first contest in the under-34kg category by way of submission, then took his second bout on points and advantages.

And after winning his semi-final with another submission, he went on to claim the gold medal after winning the final on points.

Older sibling Luan, 12, had undergone four hours of intensive training with the national pre-cadets judo squad in Walsall the day before, but was up for the challenge at under-50kg and won all of his contests by way of submission in a dominant display.

The third brother, 11-year-old Liam, was also in action at under-34kg level, but despite dominating his fight in the first round, he was given a penalty for attempting an arm triangle choke and lost to the eventual champion.

Dad Raphael said: “The boys are still adapting to the rules of this new sport they have been practising since May last year.

“Without a coach on the day to warn him about the rules children were not allowed to do, at this competition he missed out on the medals.”

The Veras brothers have enjoyed plenty of success in karate, judo and boxing and are currently looking for sponsors to help them realise their dreams of becoming world and Olympic champions in those martial arts.

For more information, see their facebook, Twitter or Instagram pages.