Two young Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu athletes from Melksham are making waves on the national stage after winning gold at the British Championships.
Seven-year-old Moses Clayton-Badat won the British Open and 16-year-old Rico Manos won the British Championship title in the juvenile blue belt division (ages 16–17).
Moses, who lives in Sandridge and attends Bowerhill Primary School, trains at Gracie Barra Melksham, and has quickly developed a strong reputation in the sport, with his latest win adding to a growing medal collection that also includes back-to-back Eng-lish Championship titles in 2024 and 2025, a gold and three silvers at the British Championships in 2024 and 2025 and a bronze at the London IBJJF Open last year.
His father, Nadeem Badat, said the family were “incredibly proud” of his dedication and progress. “Beyond the medals, what really stands out is the discipline, confidence, resilience and sportsmanship he is learning through the sport at such a young age,” he said.
“We’re incredibly grateful to the amazing coaches at Gracie Barra Melksham for the time, effort and support they put into helping him develop both on and off the mats.”
Also representing the Gracie Barra Melksham club, 16-year-old Rico Manos has continued his rise in the sport by securing the British Championship title last month in the juvenile blue belt division (ages 16–17). He claimed victory with two dominant submission wins, finishing his opponents in just 1 minute 33 seconds and 34 seconds respectively.
Rico, who has been training for four years, already boasts an extensive competitive record, competing in 39 tournaments, recording 83 wins and winning 35 gold medals, 15 silver medals and seven bronze medals, as well as claiming three championship belts, alongside his latest British Championship title.
Speaking after his latest success, he said he was “very proud” of his performances and the progress he has made through consistent hard work and training.
Training three evenings a week at Gracie Barra Melksham, Rico has also tested himself against adult competitors, regularly competing above his age group and earning impressive results.
Gracie Barra Melksham, a non-profit club based at Bowerhill, runs classes for children and adults, along with self-defence classes.
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