ROLLING across the mats has become second nature for 12-year-old Tamborine Mountain student Luca Voulcaris, who recently claimed gold at the Australian Jiu-Jitsu Championship in Melbourne, held from August 15 to 17.
Training out of Tamborine Mountain Lions, Luca has been honing his skills for three years and says the sport quickly became a passion after trying karate and taekwondo.
“When I started jiu-jitsu, I thought this is the best sport I’ve ever done,” he said. “Everyone in the team is so positive and supportive, and I loved it from the first lesson.”
Luca’s journey to the national podium was built on persistence.
In just three years, Luca has already collected an impressive 17 medals from tournaments, including victories at the Queensland State Titles, Moreton Bay, and Byron Bay competitions. But winning gold in Melbourne marked his proudest achievement so far.
“Winning states was really exciting, but winning nationals was probably the biggest thing I’ve ever done,” he said.
“I’m so grateful to my dad because he has pushed me, helped me with training, strength and conditioning, and even eating healthily. I couldn’t have done it without him.”
The young competitor has his eyes set on bigger stages, with hopes of competing at the Pan Pacific Championships in America.
“I wouldn’t care if I lost at something like that,” he said.
“It’s not win or lose, it’s win or learn. Every match is a chance to get better.”
Beyond medals, Luca says jiu-jitsu has given him confidence both on and off the mat.
“It’s helped me with courage, like being able to speak in front of my school or do well in class presentations,” he said.
“Jiu-jitsu is probably the best thing I’ve ever had in my life. It’s not like MMA – there’s no punching or kicking – and it teaches you skills that help later in life too.”
With his Melbourne win secured, Luca says he is ready to keep challenging himself and representing Tamborine Mountain on bigger stages.
