TWO youngsters who train under Southend’s mixed martial arts expert Dan Burzotta have scooped major trophies at the Brazilian ju jitsu British championship.

Eight-year-old Tristan Miller, from Shoebury, won his age group national title at the competition which attracted 1,200 competitors to the two-day event at the NEC in Birmingham.

And his friend and fellow BBJ fighter Jacob Gifford, 10 – who lives in Corringham – did nearly as well, bagging a silver in his category at the event.

Echo:

Silver - for Jacob Gifford

Tristan’s father, Scott Miller, said he was delighted with his son’s success at the major championship.

“When I see him fight I can see why he does so well,” he said.

“He’s a very aggressive competitor and is just on his opponent and not giving them a moment to think.

“He’s also a skilful fighter and uses his brain.

“Winning at the national championship is fantastic, and I’m his number one fan!”

Tristan’s background is in kung fu and also judo, in which he trains twice a week.

He is a regular at Burzotta’s TSG MMA gym in London Road, Westcliff, and his national success did not really sink in straight away.

Scott Miller said: “I don’t think it was until he went to school the next day and they made a real fuss of him that he realised how well he’d done.

“He was the main feature of assembly and had to do a show and tell thing, and so many of the kids and teachers were coming up to him and saying well done.”

But the youngster is now shaping up for his next big challenge which is the BJJ open meeting in Southend next month.

And then there is a bit of a quiet spell until the English open in Dartford in October.