Seven-year-old Riley Stevens from Burpengary has claimed back-to-back Queensland titles after successfully defending his crown at the 2026 Queensland Jiu-Jitsu Championships. The Year 2 student at St Eugene’s College will now turn his attention to the Australian Jiu-Jitsu Championships in Melbourne this August.
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Queensland State Championships 2026
The 2026 Queensland Jiu-Jitsu Championships attracted more than 2,000 entries, bringing together competitors from across Queensland.
Riley competed in both the Gi and Nogi divisions. According to competition records, he had seven opponents in the Gi division and five in Nogi. In a post after the event, he shared that both of his Nogi fights were won by armbar submission, helping him retain his Queensland title.
Before the championships, Riley said the preparation was complete and that he was looking forward to representing TDS Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. After claiming the title, he described the matches as hard-fought contests against strong competitors and said he was grateful for the win.
National Titles in Sight
Attention now turns to the Australian Jiu-Jitsu Championships in Melbourne on 16 August, with Riley training four times a week ahead of the event.
Despite being only seven years old, Riley has already compiled an extensive competition record. To date, he has recorded 188 wins and collected 88 medals, including 57 gold medals.
His achievements in 2025 included titles at the AFBJJ Australian Championships, the BJJOA National Championships, the NSW State Championships and the Moreton Bay Championships.
Riley also hopes to compete internationally this year, with plans to enter the Irish Jiu-Jitsu Nationals, a competition in London and potentially other overseas events. He has also attended training camps organised through the Australian Jiu-Jitsu Futures Program, where young athletes train with visiting multi-time world champions.
Training at TDS Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Riley’s introduction to Brazilian jiu-jitsu came through the ninja program at TDS Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in Burpengary.
Established in 2012 by head coach Todd Sparreboom, TDS Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu offers classes for children from the age of three through to adults. The academy teaches Brazilian jiu-jitsu and self-defence while aiming to develop confidence, self-discipline and respect.
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Brazilian jiu-jitsu is a martial art, combat sport and self-defence system based on grappling, ground fighting and submission techniques. With another Queensland title secured, Riley will next compete at the Australian Jiu-Jitsu Championships in Melbourne.
Published 7-August-2026
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