A RISING Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu talent, Taya Jones, is aiming to bring home more medals at the World Championships.

The 12-year-old, who is a yellow and white belt, trains almost daily out of Gracie Barra Salisbury and Gracie Barra Frome.

Taya has now set her eyes on the World Championships in Abu Dhabi this November after she took home silver at the International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation Rome Open in spring.

The match in Rome was a big step up, as Taya only recently moved to her new belt division (yellow) and underscored her ability to perform on the international stage against elite competition.

This follows on from her maiden European gold in October 2024 in Lisbon, Portugal.

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She was also recently named a Gracie Barra UK ambassador athlete for 2025 — a title reserved for the most promising young athletes in the organisation.

Her 2025 competition season also featured standout performances at invitation-only events such as Tanto, held in Weston-super-Mare, and most recently a dominant victory at ENYO, the UK’s premier all-female grappling showcase on June 7.

Hollywood actor and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu competitor Tom Hardy was in attendance and even signed Taya’s gold medal.

“Taya trains with unmatched dedication — almost every day of the week — and has shown the mindset and talent to compete at the very highest levels,” said her coach Callum Swift at Gracie Barra Salisbury.

“She represents the future of Gracie Barra & Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in the UK, and I wager that she will become a future black belt world champion.”

Now, with her eyes set firmly on the World Championships in Abu Dhabi this November, Taya is intensifying her training and competition schedule.

To support travel and accommodation costs, a GoFundMe has been launched.

Follow her journey on Instagram at www.instagram.com/tayaj_bjj_tagb