Leoni Munslow (second from the right on the podium) wins bronze at the Brazillian Ju Jitsu World Championships

Congratulations to Leoni Munslow, 28, who returned home from California yesterday with a Bronze medal from the Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) World Championships.

Leoni represented New School BJJ, based at Battersea Sports Centre, in the brown belt division, competing against the top women from around the world to finish on the podium.

Leoni is a full-time firefighter and has trained at Battersea Sports Centre for the last six years. She is a three-time British Champion, current European Nogi champion and holds a world ranking of #2.

Wandsworth council recently announced it will demolish Battersea Sports Centre despite a petition from 750 local people calling for it to be saved. Battersea Sports Centre is great and the Tories are wrong to wrong to close it.

Leoni said: “It’s fantastic to bring a World Championship medal back to Battersea. The coaches and team at New School BJJ have supported me every step of the way to help me achieve my dreams.

“We should be looking at ways to help future athletes in the local area, offering more people the opportunity to engage in sport and experience success. Battersea Sports Centre is more than just a football pitch and sports hall. Local people need to step up and get their voices heard.”

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, which stems from judo, is the fastest growing martial art in Europe.

Leoni added: “It was an amazing experience to medal at the Worlds, although I’m disappointed not to have made the final. I hope I can inspire the guys and girls in my club to believe in themselves and to keep chasing their dreams.

“I wouldn’t have been able to achieve any of this without the fantastic support from my coaches and team mates at New School BJJ, and my sponsors Tatami Fightwear.”

•  For more information on classes or to book a free trial class at Battersea Sports Centre visit www.newschoolbjj.com