Young Brazilian jiu jitsu star Jayda hits the mark

NINE-year-old Sunbury girl Jayda Golding is not perturbed the slightest on the unique challenges her love of Brazilian jiu jitsu throws up.

Jayda Golding grapples with her older brother Nathan.Picture: Rob Leeson

NINE-year-old Sunbury girl Jayda Golding is not perturbed the slightest on the unique challenges her love of Brazilian jiu jitsu throws up.

The grappling martial art has become her calling for three years, posting up wins and placings at various state championship events — including a first place in Tasmania last year.

The sport is usually divided into girls and boys and then further over weight divisions.

Jayda Golding shows off her moves. Picture: Rob Leeson

But as a nine-year-old in a male-dominated sport, it’s inevitable she has to wrestle with the boys often, sometimes up an age group.

Her brother Nathan was competing in the sport when Jayda first got the idea of competing.

She was hooked after one training session.

“She used to be into gymnastics but she had a heel injury which ruled her out of the big flips so she wanted a more ground level sport,” mum Erin Golding said.

“Jiu jitsu is a very a different sport for a girl, being so rugged, but she absolutely loves it and becomes a different person when she is on the mat competing,” she said.

“She was in a competition recently where she had nine fights, all with boys — she won all of them until her final fight.”

Jayda trains four nights a week at the Limitless Mixed Martial Arts and Fitness in Sunbury.

Jayda is a Leader Local Sports Stars Sporting Spirit nominee. CLICK HERE to nominate someone in your community. Thanks to our sponsors Sportsmart and Gold 104.