Nathan Roberts’ flying visit reaps a rich reward
As far as days out go, Wolverhampton martial arts ace Nathan Roberts’s trip to Spain is pretty tough to beat.
He jetted out to Madrid on the morning for the annual IBJJF (International Brazilian Jiujitsu Federation) Spanish National Championships – and came back on the night with a gold medal in his grasp.
Roberts, the professor at the growing Gracie Barra Wolverhampton, came out on top in the black belt middleweight division (under 72kg) while also contributing to the winning team trophy at the event, with Rhys Price, an instructor at the school, also competing.
“It was a great day trip. I flew from London on Saturday morning at half six, and then I was back in the country for half nine,” said Roberts.
“I flew in, got to the venue just outside Madrid, competed, then had about an hour downtime before flying back.
“I have been dealing with an injury recently, my neck, so it was touch and go as to whether I would go and compete, but it all worked out well in the end and I’m really pleased.”
Price was eliminated in the second round in the lightweight purple belt class (under 72kg).
For Roberts, who won three fights to claim the prize in the knockout format, the win stands him in good stead ahead of a potential trip to Las Vegas, America for the World Masters or a return to Tokyo, Japan for the Asian Open.
“I am looking at the World Masters which takes place in Las Vegas at the end of August,” he said.
“I went to Tokyo last year though for the Asian open and enjoyed that.
“I got a silver in my weight class and a bronze in the open weight, so I might go back there in September.”
As Roberts aims to add his medal haul, he will continue to oversee the development of his students at Gracie Barra – one of 600 across the world – on Sedgley Street.
The club boasts many members across both sexes and many age groups, and opened in February 2016.
“We are building members all the time and putting extra classes on for our younger kids now,” added Roberts.
“We have got a really good mix. We have got about 10 ladies now.
“Our oldest member at the club is 59, and then the youngest is four.”
Brazilian jiu-jitsu is a martial art which focuses on grappling and ground fighting.
It promotes the concept that a small person can successfully defend themselves against a larger foe by using technique and submission holds to defeat their opponent.
For more information and on how to get involved, email info@gbwolverhampton.com or visit http://www.gbwolverhamp ton.com/
