12-year-old Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu star aiming for world championships
A 12-year-old athlete is making a name for herself in the fiercely competitive world of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
Taya Jones, who trains at Gracie Barra Salisbury and Gracie Barra Frome, was recently named a Gracie Barra UK ambassador athlete for 2025.
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The title is reserved for the most promising young athletes within the organisation.
Taya secured silver at the IBJJF Rome Open, narrowly missing gold in a close final against an experienced Brazilian opponent.
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Taya has her sights set on the world championships. (Image: Gracie Barra Salisbury)
She only recently moved up to her current yellow belt division, marking the match as a significant step forward in her career.
This achievement follows her first European gold win in October 2024 in Lisbon, Portugal.
Taya has also competed in invitation-only events this year, including Tanto in Weston-super-Mare and ENYO, the UK's leading all-female grappling showcase, where she secured a dominate victory on Saturday, June 7.
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The recent competition had a star studded audience including actor and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu competitor Tom Hardy, who signed Taya's gold medal.
Her coach at Gracie Barra Salisbury, Callum Swift, said: "Taya trains with unmatched dedication — almost every day of the week — and has shown the mindset and talent to compete at the very highest levels.
"She represents the future of Gracie Barra and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in the UK, and I wager that she will become a future black belt world champion."
Taya is now focused on the World Championships in Abu Dhabi this November and has launched a GoFundMe campaign to help cover travel and accommodation costs.
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She continues to train and compete almost daily as she prepares for the international stage.
Fans and supporters can follow her journey on Instagram at by searching 'tayaj_bjj_tagb'.
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