An elated Nia Blackman says becoming the 2016 Kids Pan Am Jiu-Jitsu World Champion is a dream come true.

The young star from Beckenham travelled to Los Angeles to compete in the Championship and two dominant fights saw her take home the title.

Nia was joined by sister Zuri at the Walter Pyramid arena in Long Beach, California and the younger of the two siblings bagged the bronze medal in her category.

Nia, 11, said: “I was so happy with the win, it’s definitely a dream come true.

“Everyone was so excited. My friends and coach were really happy for me. It felt amazing when the referee raised my arm, it showed that all my training and hard work paid off.

“At school everyone was proud and talking about it.”

The Langley Park pupil started traditional Jiu-Jitsu at the age of five, before transferring to the Brazilian format at seven.

The upcoming star has been competing for around two years and secured the Championship with two dominant victories without conceding a point.

“It’s a really fun sport, when you first try it out you get drawn in and I just love the training and competing,” she added.

“My family are nervous watching me but I stay calm. I trust my coaches, they’ve taught me well and I know what to do so it’s just about putting my training into action.”

After witnessing both her daughters claim medals at the highly competitive Championships, Mum Sherise Blackman said: “The whole family is incredibly proud of both of them.

“We’re all a bit shell-shocked by it all. Their involvement in the sport is taking on a life of its own really.”

“Nia has gone from strength to strength and for her to get to this level is testament to how hard she works.

“They will both be able to look back and say: ‘I achieved that’.”

Competitors from across the globe flocked to LA to take part in the tournament, and Mrs Blackman acknowledged the event marked a huge step in her daughters’ progress.

“It was a different level out there, everything was bigger and almost professional,” she added.

“There were kids from all over the world and that makes the achievement even greater.

“The gym [New School BJJ in Battersea] and her trainer Anthony Chahal have been phenomenal. They have supported the girls through everything and we’re so grateful for that.”

The talented duo, who both claimed gold medals in their respective divisions at the European Championships in November, now turn their attentions to next month’s competition in Brazil.

Mrs Blackman said: “We are very excited for the trip. Nia will be hoping to maintain her number one ranking while Zuri is also going for gold.”