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: Thomas Bracher
Tell us your name & nickname, if you have one?
Thomas Bracher
What’s your belt rank & division?
Blue belt Medium Heavy
Where do you train & what team do you represent?
I’m a blue belt under Victor Estima and train at Gracie Barra Nottingham
What have been your main achievements so far?
Europeans No Gi Champion
Quad Gold Poznan
3x British Open British Champion
American Nationals Silver
Double gold Nottingham Open
What got you into jiu jitsu? What do you get out of it?
I got into Jiu jitsu to help with discipline and channel some mischievous energy, So far I have had chances to to travel the world, not to mention weight loss from 116kg to 85kg and a new outlook and approach to everyday life.
Is this your first time at the Worlds? Do you know who else is in your division? What have you been doing to prepare?
It’s my second time at the Worlds. I know a few of the UK guys going and to prepare I’ve been training 2 times daily for the last year Monday to Friday with GB Nottingham Comp Team.
What is your favourite position/technique? Be as (dis)honest as you like!
Half guard, lapel choke.
What are your plans for after the worlds?
My plans after the worlds are to celebrate being world champion! Tthen training hard again to move up to the next level in my career.
What advice would you give to somebody just starting to compete in BJJ?
Stay calm and keep confident in all your techniques and never doubt yourself! Your hardest fights are in the gym!
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