Europeans 2026: Questions, Answers, and the Work Behind the Results
The European Championships are more than medals and match results. They’re moments of truth, where preparation, mindset, and years of work are tested under pressure. At Europeans 2026, Atos Jiu Jitsu UK had three powerful stories unfold across the mats in Lisbon.
We asked each athlete a few simple questions. Their answers say everything.
Professor Tom — European Champion
Question: What did it mean personally to bring home a European gold?
“It means the world. I’ve been competing my whole life, and this is what took me to where we are today. To finally win a major title and to do it at black belt, I couldn’t be happier. I’ve been in ten major finals before this weekend and missed that feeling of a big win. I’ve had four bronzes and five silvers, including four world finals.
I’ve always been confident in my no-gi game and thought my biggest win might come there. But to do it in the gi, playing guard like I did in the final, I couldn’t be happier. I don’t think I could’ve shown a more complete game.”
Question: Describe the final in three words.
Emotional, surreal, exactly how I wanted it to be.
Question: Back to training, what’s next?
“I didn’t mention it before the competition, but at No-Gi Worlds where I won silver and here at Euros where I won gold, I’ve been competing with a full ACL tear, probably one of the most severe knee injuries. It gives me pain daily.
I’m assessing things with surgeons this week and we may operate, which would mean being out for the no-gi season. It’s hard not to want to ride this momentum straight into the next big competitions. We’ll see.”
Question: What was the treat meal after competing?
“Believe it or not, I flew out of Lisbon that night. The only cheat meal I had was on the M6 driving home from Manchester Airport, a double cheeseburger (no cheese), extra sauce, extra onion, extra pickles, fries and a Coke, plus Danny’s leftover nuggets.”
Sometimes champions celebrate wherever they can.
Professor Danny — First Europeans as a Black Belt
Question: How did it feel stepping onto the mats as a black belt at a major competition?
“It felt quiet and confronting. There was no sense of arrival, no feeling of ‘making it.’ Just the reality of where my level of jiu jitsu is right now.
At black belt, there’s nothing to lean on, no surprise factor, no room to hide behind intensity or toughness. What shows up on the mat is exactly what you’ve built over the years, the good and the gaps.”
Question: What stood out most about the experience?
“The calm. Not because it was easy, it definitely wasn’t, but because the work had already been done in training.
Stepping onto the competition mat as a black belt felt less like proving something and more like accepting responsibility for my jiu jitsu exactly as it is. I really enjoyed that.”
Question: Describe competing at black belt in three words.
Honest, uncomfortable, ongoing.
“Honest because there’s nowhere to hide and the mat doesn’t lie.
Uncomfortable because growth still demands friction.
Ongoing because the belt doesn’t finish the work, it just removes the excuses.”
Question: Treat meal after competing?
“After the pastel de nata, I got home and had a mutton curry with a couple of dumplings. Good food for the heart. The nuggets on the M6 were just a source of protein at midnight.”
Coach Sareena — First Europeans as a Purple Belt
Question: How was it getting a victory in your first competitive fight as a purple belt?
“It felt amazing. To get a submission win and make it to the quarter-finals, and to be close to another submission in the final minute, was incredible feedback for where I’m at.
It solidified the belief that I’m ready for this belt and that I’ll be winning my first major medal this year. This was my most confident and composed performance. I felt physically and mentally strong, and technically my game felt really sharp. It’s only up from here.”
Question: Describe your first time competing at purple belt in three words.
Exhilarating, composed, fun.
Europeans feels like no other competition. The arena in Lisbon is hard to describe. The noise, the sheer volume of people, the banging on the walls as people compete - it’s one of the craziest experiences ever and it can make or break you. To perform under that pressure is an achievement in itself and also the most unforgettable moments that we have so few of in this lifetime
Question: Treat meal after competing?
“On the day it was two pastel de natas from a random Portuguese bakery Tom found, then a Domino’s pizza as soon as I walked through my front door that night.”
One Team. One Standard.
Three athletes. Three very different moments. One shared mindset.
Europeans 2026 wasn’t just about results, it was about honesty, responsibility, and commitment to the work. Gold medals, first steps, and narrow losses all tell the same story when the standard stays high.
We’re proud of everyone who stepped onto the mats representing Atos Jiu Jitsu UK.
Now it’s back to training.
