A 12-year-old Brazilian Jiu Jitsu competitor who trains out of a Cannington gym will face his toughest test yet when he takes part in a superfight at the Australian Brazilian Jiu Jitsu junior WA State Titles in Byford on Sunday.
Luckily, Henrique Peres, who trains out of Cannington’s Legion 13, was raised on the BJJ mats.
Peres’ father, Rodrigo, is a black-belt in the martial art, and Henrique spent his formative years watching his father in Brazil before his family moved to Australia when he was just seven.
His mother Helen, herself a blue belt in BJJ, said her son had hit a streak of form over the last few years, winning multiple state titles.
Henrique will take on 13-year-old Torez Carro, who trains at the Academy of Mixed Martial Arts in Balcatta and boasts an impressive resume, including a Pan-Pacific championship and five state titles.
Helen said although her son was grappling up an age group, he was confident he could put on a good show.
“His coach at Legion 13, Bernadette Bishop, she has been instrumental in his progression lately,” she said.
“His father Rodrigo has also been coaching him at home so he has had extra sessions to prepare.
“Our whole family grapples, his brother Miguel, myself, Rodrigo, we are all on the mats and we’re very proud of Henrique.”
