A determined 15-year-old Swindon girl is now a double national champion after a phenomenal performance at the 2025 England Jiu Jitsu GBJ Nationals in Walsall.
Victoria, a pupil at Lawn Manor Academy, returned home with two gold medals around her neck after dominating in four matches and winning every single one. Her achievements add to an already impressive collection, bringing her career medal tally to ten.
Having started her martial arts journey at just eight years old at Draco Dojo, based here in Swindon, Victoria has already earned international recognition and competes as part of the GB Youth Team. The recent wins, however, mark a new high point in her competitive journey.
“It’s an unbelievable achievement,” said Victoria. “I’m really proud of myself and everyone else who competed. The competition was tough – everyone clearly came to win.”
And she’s not stopping there. With eyes on bigger targets, she’s already working towards her next belts, planning to become an assistant at the dojo, and – eventually – a Sensei. A potential world-level competition later this summer could see Victoria’s journey reach even greater heights.
Back at Lawn Manor Academy, staff couldn’t be prouder.
“Victoria’s commitment to being at the top of her game at such a young age is truly inspiring,” said Assistant Headteacher Marek Koza. “She’s a brilliant example for other young people across Swindon, both in and out of school.”
Draco Dojo, already well regarded in the local martial arts scene, had a superb weekend at the nationals. The team took home an impressive six golds, four silvers, and two bronze medals, firmly establishing their reputation as one of the region’s top clubs.
Sensei Adam Esz, who also stepped onto the mats himself to claim a silver medal, praised the club’s efforts: “It was an amazing weekend at the British Jiu Jitsu Nationals in Walsall. Huge congratulations to the whole team – their skill, attitude, and team spirit were brilliant throughout.”
Amongst the medal winners were:
- Filip, 18, Chippenham – Gold & Bronze
- Kacper, 12, Swindon – Gold & Silver
- Igor, 12, Swindon – Gold
- Henry, 17, Malmesbury – Gold
- Patryk, 15, Swindon – SilverMaciej, 10, Swindon – Silver
- Mateusz, 12, Swindon – Bronze
- Sensei Adam Esz, Swindon – Silver
Lawn Manor Academy, part of the Ascend Learning Trust, continues to support pupils both academically and personally – and Victoria’s story is one that will no doubt inspire others across the borough.
For more about Lawn Manor Academy, visit www.lawnmanor.org.
