Lenzie jiu-jitsu brothers looking to be world's best

Eight-year-old Leo McLaughlin and his six-year-old brother Matthew McLaughlin, from Lenzie, have recently wowed at national and international level competitions.

The pair, who have been practising the martial art for a year-and-a-half now, have continued to strike gold over the last few weekends.

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Proud parents Ryan McLaughlin, 42, and Marie McLaughlin, 37, talked to the Glasgow Times about their children's success. 

Ryan said: "They love working hard and getting better, they are so focused and dedicated and for two little boys, it's something to see.

"They just love it. They love the friendship that comes with it and the robustness of the sport. They just pack away their medals and think about what is next.

"They are wanting to become the world's best, and I think they will be."

The pair won gold in the English open at the last weekend of November, which was hosted at the University of East London.

Following on from their victory there, both brothers won gold at the British no-gi open at Warwick Uni sports centre during the first weekend of December.

Additionally, the day before the no-gi open, Leo attended the European Championships hosted by the international Brazilian jiu-jitsu federation and grabbed gold after fending off German and Portugal competition.

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Marie said: "As a parent to these boys, it is just pride.

"Them getting gold isn't it though, it is seeing them recognise what they've achieved throughout this time.

"It makes them so happy and seeing that is amazing."

Ryan added: "The boys think they're little superheroes, that's how they see themselves and that's exactly how we see them too."

However, it is not just recognition from their parents that the boys receive.

Ryan said: "At one of their matches, there were some older jiu-jitsu competitors, and they were asking how old the boys were.

"When they realised how young they were, they told us how phenomenal they are going to be in years to come.

"That's the best kind of recognition for us, is hearing people say that."

Since beginning the popular martial art form, Leo in particular has learnt much about his own capabilities and self.

Ryan said: "Leo has learned to be able to control himself and situations, and now he knows how to defend himself and help others do the same.

"Jiu-jitsu just makes him feel like he belongs."  

Going forward, the boys have their eyes on the prize with what's to come in the new year.

Next year, the pair will be attending the Scottish Nationals in March, as well as the UK Nationals in the same month.

However, the big tournament in sight is the Pan Jiu-Jitsu Championship in Florida next summer, which is said to be "the largest Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu tournament held in North America."

To help fund their upcoming competitions Leo has made a song, which has subsequently been uploaded onto Spotify.

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The boys train at the Griphouse on Glasgow's Possil Road and are coached by wrestling coach, Cammy Nicol and Brazilian jiu-jitsu coach, Nathaniel Montgomery. 

Leo is a grey belt, whilst Matthew is a white belt.

Ryan said: "People will be hearing a lot about them in the future, I think. So, keep an eye out."