Hoxne family impress at National Champs

John Barounis is hoping that his family’s recent success on the national stage will help to convince others to take up Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.

Barounis, along with his daughters, Sia and Maggie, returned from the British Open Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Championships in Coventry with four medals between them.

Eight-year-old Maggie won gold in the 8-9 year 30kg category, while Sia, 12, picked up a silver and bronze medal.

Meanwhile, Barounis, who opened the Eye-based Alpha Martial Arts Gymnasium last year, got his hands on a silver medal, winning two of his three rounds by submission before fatigue took its toll.

“We were fully prepared and went with the expectation that all three of us could win medals,” said Hoxne resident Barounis.

“Maggie has won some medals before and she did really well.

“It was slightly tougher for Sia because she had to compete in a higher weight category, so to get medals was impressive.

“It was a great experience for them and it will help to boost their confidence.

“This will help them massively with the next event – they know what it is all about now.

“There were more than 1,500 people competing in Coventry, it was such a big event.”

And with all of that success in mind, Barounis is keen for others to give the martial art a try.

“For a small family club we did really well in Coventry, bringing back four medals is fantastic,” he added.

“There are some really good clubs around us in places like Diss and Eye for sports like boxing, but it would be nice for people to know we are here as well.

“We have the facilities and a very good competitive team of people.”

For more information on the club or to find out about the availability of sessions, contact either 01379 669013/07825 000767 or martialarts@alpha-gym.co.uk.