Sensei Raphael Veras struck silver at the Spanish National Brazilian Ju-Jitsu Championships near Madrid at the weekend.
Veras, who coaches karate at his academy’s Islington dojo, made his way through to the final at thePolideportivo David Santamaria, where he faced a rival from Georgia.
And although he was edged out of the gold medal, he was more than pleased with his efforts, saying: “I was informed my last opponent from Georgia is a world wrestling champion, so I am really proud of myself.
“As a full time university student, coach to many children and elite athletes and having been training BJJ only over a year I am still reaching the podium.”
Veras then travelled on to Toledo to coach karate athletes Carla Burkitt and world champion Jordan Thomas to medals, but Alton Brown lost in the first round.
Sons Luan, Liam and Luca won bronze at the London Youth Games judo finals for the Tower Hamlets squad.
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