How two young Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu fighters conquered the world

Two boys from Manchester, Carlos Southworth and Zac Shaffi, have achieved something no other European children have done: they’ve swept the International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation’s (IBJJF) Grand Slam titles in a single year.

For two young athletes who grew up in a city known for its football, making their names in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu wasn’t exactly a typical path. But for Carlos and Zac, 2024 became the year they took their passion, hard work, and the support of family and community and turned it into a moment that will be remembered for years.

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in Manchester

Carlos, a 12-year-old with an intense focus and love for BJJ, has been training since he was four under the guidance of his father, Ashley. Carlos has poured hours into training at MatratzBJJ within Manchester’s Predators MMA & BJJ Academy, where he’s become both a student and a mentor, helping younger kids work on their skills.

You can find out more about Manchester’s Predators MMA & BJJ Academy by clicking here

“BJJ isn’t just about the moves,” Ashley said, “it’s about mental strength, patience, and discipline. Those are things that’ll stick with Carlos long after any tournament.”

Sporting success around the world

This year, after winning back-to-back European titles in 2022 and 2023, Carlos decided to aim even higher. With support from local sponsors like Hotel Football, Mr Investa, and Wright Robinson Sports College, he traveled to tournaments in Brazil, California, Las Vegas, and Florida in his quest for gold. His hard work paid off: Carlos completed the Grand Slam by clinching titles at the Brasileiro, Pan American, and European championships—events traditionally dominated by Brazilian and American competitors.

Zac Shaffi, Carlos’s training partner and friend, joined Carlos on this journey, making his mark as a fierce competitor. Despite only training in BJJ for a year, Zac’s hard work quickly earned him wins across all three major championships.

Together, the boys became the first European children to achieve the Grand Slam in their divisions, an accomplishment they’re still letting sink in.

For Carlos, one of the highlights of the year was a trip to California, where he had the chance to train with top athletes at the Art of Jiu-Jitsu Academy. Competing in Las Vegas afterward, he added two more gold medals to his tally, and Ashley even stepped up to compete himself, winning his own medals and bringing fresh skills and insights back to their home gym in Manchester.

12 gold medals, five silver and five bronze

The dedication and hard work of the entire team paid off, with MatratzBJJ bringing home an impressive 12 gold, 5 silver, and 5 bronze medals in total, earning the Manchester-based club a reputation on the international stage.

Reflecting on the year, Carlos shared: “I love this sport, and I love coaching the younger kids at the gym. Maybe one day, BJJ will be in the Olympics, and we’ll have a shot at showing everyone that the UK has talent too.”

For now, Carlos and Zac are taking a short break and looking forward to the next season in 2025. Their journey might have started in a local gym, but they’ve now made Manchester known in a sport that usually shines brightest in Brazil and the United States.

In a city that loves its football stars, Carlos and Zac are showing that champions can come from all sports—and sometimes from places no one expects.