It was a successful Jiu Jitsu World Championships for three Eastern Bay competitors.

Sisters Jordana Stringer and Skylah Crosswell won gold and two bronze between them, while the highlight was Te Waereti Te Kaha, who powered her way to two gold medals.

The trio represented the East Coast BJJ and Omarumutu BJJ clubs and made their region proud in Japan at the World Jiu Jitsu Championships.

Their performances showed the rest of the world that New Zealand belongs at events like this.

For Te Kaha, the experience was something special.

“Japan was incredible. The culture, the people, the food, it was such a cool experience. Being there for worlds made it even more special, but outside the competition, I really enjoyed just soaking up the atmosphere.”

“The highlight was the whole experience of competing on that stage. Testing myself against athletes from around the world and being part of that environment, it reminded me why I love the sport so much.”

Winning two golds was surreal, she said, but she is already looking ahead to next year to defend her titles.

“It felt amazing, but I’m also quick to remind myself you’re only as good as your last fight. So, while I celebrated it, almost immediately my mind moved to the next challenge. It was a proud moment, but for me, it’s back to training and back to improving.”

It’s a sport she loves and something she continues to better herself at every day.

“I’ve been training for about four-and-a-half years now. Honestly, when I first walked into East Coast BJJ, I had no idea what I was getting into. I was just looking for a healthy outlet and maybe some self-defence. But I ended up falling in love with the sport - the intensity, the mental challenge, and the physical side of it. It’s become my biggest passion. I love it.”

As expected, the level of competition in Japan was exceptional.

“Everyone was sharp and hungry, which is what you expect. I went in underestimating my own abilities, my training, and the pressure I bring. Training with mostly men back home, I sometimes forget how much that pushes me. So, stepping in against women of my own weight, I really felt the difference.”

It had always been a dream for Te Kaha to tick off, and she’s stoked to have achieved that.

“Worlds have always been the dream, so to come back with double gold was a proud moment for me. But it also just makes me hungrier for what’s next.”

Now it’s back to training.

“I want to test myself overseas more. Long term, the goal is to keep climbing and see how far I can take it.”

She represented the gym, her coaches, teammates, and her whānau back home.

“I feel like I carry my people with me every time I step on the mats. It was intense but so inspiring. The energy, the level of jiu jitsu, it really showed me what the sport is about. I learned heaps just by being there.”

She is thankful for the support that surrounds her. “My coaches (Brad Kora) for pushing me through every tough round, my teammates for always showing up for me and my whānau for the constant support.”

For Jordana, competing in Japan was one of the most amazing experiences she has had had within the jiu jitsu community.

“Just being there seeing some of the world’s most amazing grapplers and competing against some talented girls truly was amazing and I am so grateful to have been a part of it.”

She feels fortunate to have shared the experience with her family.

“I got to have a special trip with my mum and sisters and to experience Japanese culture, which was cool."

Jordana said it was within the past year that she had started taking the sport seriously.

I have only been competing in national competitions the past year. Before that I just casually trained for fun and just to get a skill – until I realised I really enjoyed it and loved the rewards you get from competing.

Her sister, Skylah, 8, agreed it was fantastic experience and said she was stoked to get bronze.

She loved the challenge of competing against other girls from around the world.

“My goal for next time I go in the future is to win gold in a higher belt division and to continue training hard.”

Skylah was competing in only her second overseas tournament following Australian nationals last year, where she nabbed silver.

In Japan, her bronze came in the No-Gi, competing in a weight division above what she usually does.

The sisters have competed in competitions around New Zealand this year and training in fight camps at their clubs.

In Japan, they fought opponents from Japan, Mongolia and Australia in their brackets.

Jordana and Skylah hope to help others in their clubs who aim to attend next year’s worlds.