Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu prodigy moves to California in a bid for global glory
- Written by Thom Bamford
- Last updated 3 weeks ago
- City of Manchester, Sport
In a city built on football glory, two young boys from Manchester rewrote the script in 2024 by dominating a very different sport—Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
That year, Carlos Southworth and his teammate Zac Shaffi became the first European children ever to win all three major International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation (IBJJF) Grand Slam tournaments in the same calendar year: the Europeans, the Brasileiro, and the Pan Ams.
For most, that kind of success would be enough. But for Carlos Southworth, aged 13, it was just the beginning.
Carlos Southworth takes on the world
Today, he’s splitting his time between Manchester and Southern California, living independently with a Brazilian host family and training full-time at the Art of Jiu-Jitsu Academy (AOJ)—one of the world’s most prestigious BJJ teams, founded by legendary black belt brothers Rafael and Guilherme Mendes.
“The past 10 years of my life have been spent working towards this goal,” Carlos wrote on Instagram, announcing his new chapter at AOJ.
“This is a huge step forward towards achieving my goals and dreams in Jiu-Jitsu. The work starts now.”
It’s not every day a 13-year-old leaves his home country and family to chase greatness. But Carlos is no ordinary teen.
The decision to move to California wasn’t made lightly. It came from him, thoughtfully, independently, and with a crystal-clear sense of purpose.
He now lives with a Brazilian family close to the academy, training six hours a day, every day, and completing his education through homeschooling. It’s a lifestyle that demands discipline, maturity, and mental strength beyond his years.
“It’s a big, bold move,” said his dad and long-time coach Ashley Southworth, “but Carlos has always had a clear vision. He’s never just followed the crowd. When the chance came up to train at AOJ, we supported him 100%.”
Carlos started his journey at MatratzBJJ, training within Predators MMA & BJJ Academy in Manchester from the age of four.
Under Ashley’s watchful eye, he became not only a fierce competitor but a mentor to younger athletes. The gym became his second home, and coaching became just as important as competing.
Now, those years of hard work are paying off. After just a few months settling into his new Californian life, Carlos returned to competition in May and immediately made his mark: winning gold in Rome and becoming a 4-time European Champion under his new academy’s banner.
“He’s taken everything he’s learned in Manchester and is now developing under some of the best coaches in the world,” said Ashley. “As a father, it’s emotional to step back and just be dad again, but I couldn’t be prouder.”
“He’s taken everything he’s learned in Manchester to now take on the world”
Carlos hasn’t forgotten where he came from. His journey wouldn’t be possible without the support of four Manchester-based businesses that have backed him through this next chapter:
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OBI Property
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This is Me by Emma Neville
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Mr Investa
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Relentless Developments
Their sponsorship has helped cover boarding, travel, and competition costs as Carlos transitions to life in the U.S., a remarkable show of local belief in global talent.
He’s also still closely connected to Zac Shaffi, his training partner and fellow Grand Slam champion, who has made the move with his family to join Carlos at AOJ. Together, they represent a new era for BJJ in the UK: one where Manchester becomes known not just for football, but for producing world-class jiu-jitsu athletes.
It’s easy to get caught up in the medals. In 2024 alone, MatratzBJJ took dozens of kids to Brazil, Florida, and Lisbon, returning with 12 gold, 5 silver, and 5 bronze medals. Both Carlos and Zac ended the year ranked #1 in the world in their respective divisions: Carlos in Yellow Belt Teen Rooster, Zac in Grey Belt Pee-Wee Rooster.
But Carlos is looking further ahead. He dreams of becoming a Multiple world black belt champion and a role model in the sport
“I’ve worked hard for years,” Carlos said. “I love the sport, I love coaching my younger teammates, and I want to show that the UK has amazing BJJ athletes, just like Brazil and America.”
Carlos is hoping to build a big legacy in the sport.
His story has already inspired kids across Manchester and beyond, showing that with enough grit, ambition, and the backing of the community, anything is possible.
Even Ashley found himself inspired enough to compete again last year, entering tournaments in the U.S. and taking home double gold—proof that the learning never stops, whether you’re a coach or a kid.
“To see Carlos doing what he’s doing, on his own terms, makes me proud,” Ashley said. “He’s not just chasing medals, he’s growing into a leader, an athlete, and a young man who understands the value of hard work.”
How to follow Carlos Southworth’s journey
You can follow Carlos Southworth’s journey on instagram by clicking here
- This article was last updated 3 weeks ago.
- It was first published on 30 May 2025 and is subject to be updated from time to time. Please refresh or return to see the latest version.
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