Fighter Profile: Tyrone 'Tyweezy' Elliott
by Omied Khakshour
OK: So Tyweezy, what’s your Age, rank and school?
Ty: I’m 15, a Green belt (4 stripe) and I train at Gracie Barra Newcastle
OK: How long have you been training jiu-jitsu and how did you start?
Ty: I’ve been doing BJJ for 11 years now. I started watching UFC with my dad, and we used to mess around and play fight at home. My dad has done martial arts for as long as I can remember, so it was natural for me to do the same.
OK: At fifteen you already have an enviable competition record with 3 SENI titles to your name, what are your aspirations/goals in BJJ and MMA?
Ty: Ultimately I want to be the first British black belt world champion but first I want to focus on the big competitions in the UK and Europe at all the belt levels. In December I will be getting my blue belt and I realise that the step up will be difficult to adjust to at first but it’s a challenge I’m looking forward to.
I also have a British amateur MMA title fight in October on my Dad’s show against a tough opponent with a good record. We have similar styles and strengths so it’s going to be a hard fight. I am training very hard with my strength and conditioning coach Chris Bunton for this fight.
OK: What is your most memorable achievement?
Ty: My first SENI gold medal. I think I was 8 and it was my first big competition.
OK: How much of an influence and support has your Dad, been in your martial arts development?
Ty: He has been a huge influence on my BJJ, he always motivates me to do well and has helped me to achieve all the competition success I have had so far. We used to train everyday but as I have gotten older it has slowed down a bit because of school and rugby (and girls, ha – Omied)
OK: Apart from your dad, who have been some of the biggest influences on your jiu-jitsu game?
Ty: Marc Walder and Ian Malone have been big influences. All the guys at the club influence and help me every training session.
OK: Do you feel any pressure from the expectations many people have about your Jiu jitsu and what you may achieve in the future?
Ty: When I go into big competitions there is definitely pressure for me to do well because people know my dad and what I have done so far. I use the pressure as motivation to spur on my training and to make sure my technique is tight.
OK: What else are you in to apart from martial arts?
Ty: I play rugby for North Shields under 16s. I play blindside flanker and really enjoy the team sport aspect of rugby. There is more chance of injury in rugby but it’s a risk I’m willing to take as I really enjoy it.
OK: What can we expect from you in the future?
Ty: I want to compete at the Euros next year; it’ll be my first big competition as a blue belt and my dad’s first black belt comp.
OK: Any last comments?
Ty: I would like to thank Tatami for all my equipment and for supporting me. I’d also like to thank my strength and conditioning Coach Chris for putting a programme together for me, and of course my family for supporting me.
Ed: My thanks to Omied for submitting these interviews and thanks to the Elliott clan for agreeing to be featured. Coming soon...teen BJJ sensation, 'The Straussinator'
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