The mats in Barcelona always bring a certain kind of intensity. This past April, a small but dedicated contingent from Roll Deep BJJ made the trip to Spain for the 2026 IBJJF European Championships.
As a team, we went there to test ourselves against the best in the world. While we didn’t all come home with hardware, we came home with exactly what we needed: experience, lessons, and one very important gold medal.
The Standard-Bearer: Conn Leighton Takes Gold 🥇
The highlight of the weekend was undoubtedly the performance of our boy, Conn Leighton.
This was Conn’s first major tournament competing as a purple belt in the Master 1 division. To step onto a stage this big for your debut at a new rank is one thing; to dominate the way he did is another. Conn secured the Gold medal with an outstanding performance that reflected every hour of sweat and grind he’s put in at the academy.
His work ethic is second to none, and seeing it pay off on the European stage is a proud moment for the entire Roll Deep family. Conn is the perfect example of what happens when you trust the process and stay disciplined.
The Heart of the Team: Resilience in the Trenches
While the gold shines the brightest, the stories of our other competitors are just as vital to who we are as a gym.
- Dominika Brykakika stepped up and put it all on the line. She lost a very tight first round, but the margins at this level are razor-thin. We are incredibly proud of her courage and the way she represents the team.
- Craig Thomas had an amazing start to his tournament, winning a tough first match with a great performance. He narrowly lost his second match on points, showing he absolutely belongs at this elite level.
- Coach Carlos also saw action, battling his way through to the quarter-finals before losing a tight match.
No Sad Stories
In BJJ, you either win or you learn. There are no sad stories here. We went to Barcelona, we stood our ground, and we saw exactly where we are and where we need to go.
That’s the beauty of this sport—the mats don’t lie. We’re heading back to the UK to adjust the details, tighten up the game, and get back to work. We’re already looking forward to returning next year with an even bigger squad and more experience under our belts.
What’s Next?
The European Championships was a major milestone for 2026, but the year is far from over. Our focus now shifts back to the academy, developing our students, and preparing for the next set of challenges.
Whether you’re looking to compete on the world stage like Conn or you’re just looking to start your own journey, there is a place for you on our mats.
Contact us today to get involved
WhatsApp us at +44 7711 028362 or email Rolldeepbjj@gmail.com
Let’s keep rolling.
— Team Roll Deep BJJ