Orpington Judo star Grace Griffiths won her third National Championship title at Sheffield’s Institute of Sport last week.

The Chislehurst and Sidcup Grammar School pupil fought her way to victory in her new weight division of 57kg.

Griffiths, 13, also competes as part of the GB squad and has flourished since being introduced to the sport at the age of seven.

Mum Ellaine said: “We are all so proud of her, it was quite a bit tournament so to go there and win was a great achievement.

“She had three fights and thankfully won them all. I travelled up there with my husband, Roger, my younger daughter and Rob New, Grace’s coach.

“It was a great trip and we were over the moon with the result.”

Griffiths, who trains three or four times a week at the Tsukuru Judo Academy at Walnuts Leisure Centre, Orpington, competed in three fights at the renowned Sheffield centre.

While she eased to victories in her first two fights, the finale proved more of a challenge, although Griffiths eventually recorded the win to claim the title.

“It can be very nerve wracking but it’s so exciting and to see your daughter out there doing what she loves and performing so well is just amazing,” Mrs Griffiths, 47, said.

“She looked really strong throughout the tournament and I’m chuffed for her that she was able to win.

“The final lasted a bit longer than her other fights and it was closer, but Grace still won after about a minute and thirty seconds. She was so excited and pleased.”

Griffiths has been in the England Judo squad for around a year and trains every six to eight weeks with the national team in Birmingham.

Mrs Griffiths admits at being surprised by her daughter’s rapid progression in the sport.

“We had no idea that it would get to this stage and escalate as much as it has,” she added.

“She was a natural really and just loves it.

“She’s not setting any long-term targets, we’ll just see how it goes and as long as she continues enjoying it, we’re more than happy.”