A Brazilian jiu-jitsu and multiple MMA champion graced a Darlington academy which bears his name this week.

Jakub Niski, 33, from Darlington, who runs the Roger Gracie Jiu Jitsu school on Valley Street, welcomed Mr Gracie on Wednesday (July 10).

Mr Niski, who has trained directly under Roger Gracie and opened the martial arts school in 2022,  said it was an honour to welcome Mr Gracie.

He said his students were left in awe, with some scared to approach him, while others were extremely excited.

Mr Niski, who first met Mr Gracie in 2015, said: “It’s probably a once in a lifetime [thing] because, obviously, he’s very, very busy. To get him here in Darlington was a big thing.

“There is no bigger and better an inspiration than such a person, he’s a 10-time world champion as a black belt and multiple MMA champion.

“Just seeing him, being on the mats with him, in the same room, it’s very, very inspirational.

“Everyone loved it, and I’m sure everyone picked something up.”

He added Mr Gracie took part in the introduction and showcased moves to the students – and the day was finished with a grading where a few people were promoted.

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Mr Niski urged anyone looking to get involved with BJJ to not be “too scared” and said he understands it is hard to make that first step.

“At the end of the day it’s fighting, people are scared they’re going to get beat up. They don’t know what to expect.

“I can assure them that they are going to be welcomed here with a big smile once they get through those doors. You’re most likely not going to want to get out.”