From rookie to champion in 12 months

In just 12 months, Burpengary’s Riley Stevens has fought his way from martial arts rookie to regional, state and national champion.

Riley’s first contest was one year ago this week, having started Brazilian Jiu Jitzu (BJJ) with TDS in Burpengary East at the age of four.

Now aged five, the St Eugene’s College Year 1 student has won 66 BJJ contests, 38 by submission and won 27 gold, eight silver and five bronze medals.

Riley was ranked second in Australia for Under 10 white belts last year and recently moved up having received his grey belt.

He has also won titles at the AFBJJ Australian and BJJOA National Championships - and become a brand ambassador for Braus, the sportwear he uses.

This year, Riley is a NSW State Champion and this month won the Moreton Bay Championships Under 6 Grey U25kgs section to help TDS BJJ land the team title.

Now he is preparing for the Victoria Championships (May 31-June 1), Queensland Championships (June 21-22) and National titles in Melbourne (August 16-17).

TDS head coach Todd Spareboom said Riley showed a lot of early promise and “his willingness to learn and strong will, while wrestling, really excelled”.

“Coach Gary (Porter) now trains him and with the TDS team, they have really pushed each other through their training and competitions,” Todd said.

Gary said Riley’s progress “has been nothing short of impressive”. He “genuinely wants to learn and grow” and enjoys "being on the mats with his mates”.

“What really stands out is his heart and determination, he doesn’t back down from a challenge and always gives his best,” coach Gary said.

Mum Laura Stevens said Riley had been keen to get into sport and “in terms of the discipline” needed, felt martial arts “was right for him”.

Riley had already been on the ninja course at TDS and took to jiu jitsu straight away. He currently trains three times a week.

“The coach Gary Porter is beyond amazing with the kids he trains,” Laura said, “they learn so much from him and all the coaches there.”

Brazilian jiu-jitsu is a “self-defence system, martial art and combat sport based on grappling, ground fighting and submission holds”.