Team UK Athlete Profile: Thomas Bracher

Team UK Athlete Profile: Thomas Bracher

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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The UKBJJA is committed to helping British athletes compete internationally at the highest levels, but we need your help! If you are a brand or company looking for excellent exposure and want to be involved in the growth of UK Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, please download our sponsorship brochure and get in touch!