Two young friends flew the flag for Teesside when they triumphed at the World Jiu-jitsu Championship.
Alex Williams won the gold medal in the junior category of the Pan Kids IBJJF Jiu-jitsu Championship, making him World Champion.
And friend Max Ashton won the bronze medal in the teenager category of the competition.
The youngsters train in the Brazilian martial arts sport weekly, and in the run up to the competition were in training six days a week.
They are members of the UK Elite BJJ Youth team and competed against youngsters across the world in the championships in Los Angeles.
Alex, nine, from Redcar, a pupil at Ings Farm in Redcar, said: “It was really good.
“When I won I couldn’t really believe it. It ended up being an easy win, too.
“I have been doing this for about two years and I really enjoy it. It was my first time going to America and I loved it.”
The event took place on February 15, and the youngsters spent a week there.
The pair train at Martin Ashton’s Ninja Academy, in Thornaby.
Mr Ashton is Max’s father and coach.
Max, 12, a Stokesley School pupil from Marton, said: “We were both really pleased to get elected for the British team.
“America was great, and I was really pleased to get bronze. It was the World Champion who beat me.”
The friends are now preparing for the UK National Championships next year.
Coach Mr Ashton said: “They were both outstanding in the world championships.
“About 120 kids tried out for the British team and 20 were selected, so they did really well.
“They were the only kids selected from the north-east. They trained really hard.
“There was no moaning, no whinging.
“They just love training. It’s great to see. They are both good friends as well and they competed next to each other and at the same time on the day of the competition.”
Martin Ashton’s Ninja Academy trains at the Victoria Park Community Centre in Peel Street, Thornaby.
There are currently about 15 youngsters and 25 adults who train jiu-jitsu at the club.
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