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When Jamie Hall first stepped onto the mat at the Etihad Stadium Complex, he was ready to give everything he had. A second-year Level 3 Business student at Bury College, Jamie competed in the ADCC British Open Championships on 20th September 2025, facing some of the best young athletes in the country.
By the end of the competition, Jamie stood proudly at the top of the podium, taking home gold in his weight category and making his mark on the national martial arts stage.
Finding inspiration and chasing goals
Jamie’s journey into martial arts began long before he won gold. Inspired by his dad, a former kickboxer, Jamie developed a passion for jiu jitsu from an early age. Five years ago, he made the decision to fully commit to the sport, determined to push his abilities as far as they would go.
“I believe that I can be the best,” Jamie said, a mindset that has guided his journey so far.
Competing in the 16–17 age bracket, Jamie faced 15 other qualified junior champions from across the UK and Ireland. After a series of tough matches, he secured first place, a moment that reflects years of hard work and dedication.
Alongside his training with Smooth Combat Academy in Bury and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in Bolton, Jamie has continued to build his skills, setting his sights on one day becoming a world champion.
Balancing college and competition
For Jamie, excelling in his sport has always gone hand-in-hand with staying focused on his studies. Training and studying at a high level is a challenge, but he has developed a routine that allows him to succeed in both.
“It’s about pushing through when you don’t feel motivated. Consistency is the key to success,” he explained. “There’s 24 hours in a day; you can fit so much into that time. On the way to the gym I’ll sit and work through my notes, and if I show up early to class, I’ll use that time to do coursework on my laptop.”
This approach of studying frequently in focused periods helps Jamie stay on top of his assignments while dedicating significant time to training. He also credits martial arts for teaching him discipline, a skill that he carries into the classroom every day.
His commitment and determination have also been noticed during his time in college. Nichola Gibson, Team Leader – Business Level 3, shared:
“Congratulations to Jamie for winning the British Championship in jiu jitsu! Not only has he excelled in his sport, but he’s also achieved outstanding success in his business course so far. The Business Academy are incredibly proud of his dedication both in the classroom and to his sport.
“What’s more inspiring is that Jamie also gives back by training younger students, a fantastic quality that shows true leadership and commitment.”
Leading the way for others
Jamie’s journey isn’t just about personal success; it’s also about helping others grow. Through a sponsored programme at Smooth Combat Academy, teenagers aged 16 can access a year of free training, and Jamie plays an important role as one of the coaches.
Some of the young people he coaches are also Bury College students. For Jamie, it’s an opportunity to inspire his peers and pass on what he has learned.
“I’m hoping my influence of how I approach college, and training will rub off on them too,” he said. “It’s a massive achievement to see how far some of them have come with the training.”
Coaching has also given Jamie valuable leadership and communication skills that he believes will support his future goals.
“In the future if I want to open my own business, I’ll have an idea of how to teach people and how best to communicate. When you take a class, those individuals are relying on you to guide them and help them correct any mistakes. Those leadership qualities will be helpful to me in the future.”
Strengthening the mind as well as the body
For Jamie, jiu jitsu isn’t just a sport, it’s a vital part of his mental wellbeing.
“For my mental health it’s the best thing,” he said. “I couldn’t advise it any more for those who are struggling with their mental wellbeing.”
The focus, structure and sense of community that come with martial arts have helped him stay grounded, resilient, and motivated both inside and outside the classroom.
Looking ahead
Jamie’s story is one of determination, discipline, and ambition. From securing a national title to supporting other young athletes, he is showing what can be achieved when passion and hard work come together.
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