Local Brazilian jiujitsu fighter grabs podium finish at national championships

Local fighter Tahj Smith continued a strong year with bronze at Melbourne National Championships over the weekend.

Fresh off his gold medal in the State Championship in July, Reyson Gracie Jiu Jitsu’s Tahj Smith placed third in his division.

Smith’s coach and founder of Geraldton BJJ, Israel Riberio, was over the moon with his student’s achievements.

“He stepped on the mats against 6 of the best grapplers of Australia in a really tough division 69 kg plus grey/yellow belt,” he said.

“Being the lowest rank of the division, he didn’t get intimidated by his opponents and left everything on the mats with his heart.”

Smith won the bronze for his division but unfortunately, he lost his semifinal match in a very close fight on a points decision, against the competitor that went on to win.

“He has learned a great deal from the experience and can’t wait to represent the club in his next competition.”

Smith remained humble in his recent achievements and gave praise to his club and his coach.

“A very big thanks to Israel for coaching me and helping me get to the comp, thanks to my teammates for training with me and helping me refine my technique and a big thanks to my family for motivating me and helping me improve,” he said.