The World Jiu-Jitsu IBJJF Championship 2017 will be taking place in Long Beach, California from May 31st to June 4th.
As always, there will be a good contingent of UKBJJA athletes heading out to win some medals for the UK. In the run up to the competition, we will be profiling some of these athletes. Wish them luck!
Athlete Profile: Ellis Younger
Tell us your name & nickname, if you have one?
Ellis Younger. No nickname unfortunately.
What’s your belt rank & division?
Purple belt lightweight (adult), under Darragh O’Conaill of East Coast Jiu Jitsu Academy.
Where do you train & what team do you represent?
I run an academy called North East Jiu Jitsu and train there everyday. I go out to Dublin on a pretty regular basis to train with Darragh and his squad at ECJJA.
What have been your main achievements so far?
British Open purple belt lightweight champion 2016, 2017. Nogi British open 2016 Gold. Athens Abu Dhabi trials absolute winner. IBJJF London open 2016 Gold.
What got you into jiu jitsu? What do you get out of it?
I got into jiu jitsu the usual route via the UFC/MMA. I began training MMA and slowly got pulled over to full time sport Jiu Jitsu. I get so much out of Jiu Jitsu. I get to travel the world and spend everyday doing what I enjoy!
Is this your first time at the Worlds? Do you know who else is in your division? What have you been doing to prepare?
This is my second time at the worlds. I don’t know who is in my division. I’ve been training hard everyday as normal.
What is your favourite position/technique? Be as (dis)honest as you like!
I like to attack the back.
What are your plans for after the worlds?
After worlds I go to Oregon to visit my friends and train Jiu Jitsu. Once I’m home I’ll be hitting up some of the national competitions with my team.
What advice would you give to somebody just starting to compete in BJJ?
Dont be disheartened by the result. Keep at it!
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