The European IBJJF Jiu-Jitsu Championship 2018 are currently taking place in Lisbon, Portugal .

As always, there is a good contingent of UKBJJA athletes out to win some medals for the UK. Here we will be profiling some of these athletes. Wish them luck!

Athlete Profile: Sean Coates

Club: Gracie Barra Nottingham

Notable achievements: 3 x Worlds Medalist. 5 x British Champion. Abu Dhabi Grand Slam Champion. Euros Silver. Multiple time IBJJF & UAEJJF double gold medalist.

Favourite move: Any sub really. But probably triangles and leg locks are my most common.

Sporting heroes….BJJ or otherwise: BJJ would be Victor Estima, Braulio Estima, Roger Gracie. Non BJJ, I would have to say Eddie Hall (world’s strongest man), Lawrence Dallaglio and Alan Shearer.

What inspires you to compete? I just really enjoy it. I like being nervous and I really like the sense of accomplishment when you win a tough fight or competition.

What advice would you give other competitors? Just get stuck in. Being a good competitor is a skill that needs to be learned. Chances are you won’t be great at it at first but don’t let that put you off. Keep going and working on your mistakes and you will progress.

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