Mixed martial arts: Victor Estima, chief instructor at Gracie Barra Midlands, has made a flying start to 2012 by winning the European Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Championships, in Portugal.

The Brazilian, who is now based in Hockley, won three of his four fights by submission, including an inverted triangle choke in the final.

He adds the European title to the world title he won in California last November.

Steve Marton and Christine McDonagh also picked up gold medals, while David Holland and 60-year-old Rob Sheehan won silvers.

Just for good measure, Estima's Gracie Barra club won the adult team trophy.

Gareth Neale, Mark Picton, Tomek Rolinski, Jamie and Jody Paxman, Vanessa English and Tomek Slowinski also travelled over.

"It is going to be a big year and I am excited about the future. Nottingham is a great place to be," said Estima.

"The school in Hockley is going well and we already have 40 students.

"I have the Pan-American championships, which I have won before, in California in March.

"And then there is the World Professional Cup in Abu Dhabi which has a prize of $30,000 dollars for the absolute champion."

Estima, younger brother of the better-known Braulio, is also working on other concepts, like a GB Inter-club competition at Harvey Hadden on February 26.

Estima, who also has a club in Mansfield, helps train team Rough House MMA stars Dan Hardy, Jim Wallhead, Andre Winner and Ross Pearson.