BRAZILIAN jiu-jitsu is not a headline sport, yet, however in recent years it has quickly moved up the global rankings and is one of the fastest growing sports in the world.

Originating from Japan and developed in Brazil, it is a martial art with more action and pace that matches most combat sports.

Local youngster Elliott Gover is one of those riding the wave of popularity, spending the past three years engrossed in the sport and beginning to take his talents across the country.

Having recently turned 18, the young man, nicknamed ‘Mad Dog’ by his fellow club members, is becoming known for his tenacious approach, combined with the strength and speed for someone of his age.

Weymouth councillor, Alex Fuhrmann, noted Gover’s enthusiasm and was determined to help the young man, as he chases his dream while undertaking an apprenticeship in stone masonry.

Fuhrmann, who has led on a number of young initiatives in recent months, explained: “I went to try the sport myself and immediately noticed Elliott who no stranger to rolling with the top members of the club and certainly showing me my own age and strength, or lack of.

“Having worked with local organisations before to support other young people, it was amazing to see how the Moose Lodge, Round Table, Weymouth & Portland Lions and Portland Rotary all came together in offering equal donations towards Gover’s expenses, often taking him across the country and costing a significant amount to facilitate.”

Jiu-jitsu is not only becoming popular with younger people as the sport and Weymouth see an increase in its offering.

Gover is pleased to be a part of a new community club, Triton BJJ Weymouth.

The club’s mission, in setting themselves apart from most, is exclusively non-profit, using their surplus to improve their provision to members, offering concessions across the community, financially assisting those in competition and helping to foster sessions of positive well-being.

When presented with the news of the support, a surprised Gover said: “Oh my goodness thank you so much to all involved.

“I’m excited to be able to go further with my jiu-jitsu journey, as I look forward to see what the future holds for my skills as a jiu-jitsu athlete.

“Without this funding I’d be unable to compete as often as I would like, allowing be to test my knowledge and skill.”

Gover’s coach and club chairman Mark Stephenson was amazed in the support Gover received from multiple community organisations.

“Elliott has been training for three years now and has shown great enthusiasm and dedication for BJJ.

“He is learning and improving day by day and we all believe he has bright future in competitions.

“There are a lot of costs involved in competing, so young people often want to compete but can’t afford to, we are very grateful for the support Elliott has received from local organisations to help him on his journey and we hope to be able to offer support for all our competitors moving forward.”

Stephenson added: “We are so pleased to see Elliott’s progress and we encourage anyone in our community to get in contact and come along to one of our sessions.

“It’s a fantastic, low impact way of maintaining a healthy lifestyle in which you can go at your own speed.”

Visit https://www.tritonbjj.com for more details.