How Jiu Jitsu gave Derry’s Sara Dalzell the confidence to become a champion, aged 12, just two years after taking up the sport

Sara tops the podium at the Junior World Championships

JUST two years after taking up the art of Jiu Jitsu, 12 year old Sara Dalzell, from Derry, keeps adding to her impressive medal collection.

This year alone, Sara, who competes for the Kombat Jiu Jitsu club, has claimed titles at the Empire All Ireland Open in March, the Irish Open in Dublin in May and the Junior Worlds in Wolverhampton in July.

Her latest success saw her take double gold at the recent Empire NI Open in Belfast.

Proud dad Noel said: “It’s amazing how far Sara has come on in the last two years.

“What this sport has done for her is gave her so much confidence within herself. Its incredible to see how far Sara has come.

“Jiu Jitsu has truly changed her life beyond the physical techniques it’s instilled in her, giving Sara a level of focus, resilience and confidence that is simply inspiring.

“For any young girls out there, this sport can truly change your life.”