I never thought I’d win gold - now I’m the first juvenile from the Fylde Coast
Poulton-le-Fylde’s Dillan Berrie has made history in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu becoming the first juvenile from the Fylde Coast and possibly Lancashire to claim Gold.
At just 16, Dillan Berrie of Poulton-le-Fylde is already making waves in the world of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.
The former Fleetwood High School student recently became the first juvenile from the Fylde Coast, and possibly Lancashire to win Gold at the prestigious IBJJF European Championships in Lisbon.
Dillan’s journey into the sport began quietly. Once spending most of his time playing computer games or watching YouTube, he discovered Brazilian Jiu Jitsu online.
Within weeks, gaming took a back seat as Dillan committed 20-30 hours a week to training across multiple gyms in Blackpool and Manchester.
The teenager’s progress has been rapid. With only four years of training under his belt, he often competes against opponents with more than a decade of experience.
His dedication has already seen him win multiple national competitions in the junior divisions. Earlier in his career, Dillan even traveled to Brazil for five weeks of intensive training bringing home a bronze medal from the IBJJF there.
His father, Nathan Berrie, said: “Dillan Berrie enrolled at Aspire Combat collage Liverpool in September after spending 5 weeks in Brazil training, looking to become a full time athlete competing around the world before eventually opening his gym to teach the sport.
“As a juvenile he has traveled to Brazil for 5 weeks to train and won bronze in the Brazil IBJJF and has just won Gold In European IBJJF Lisbon.
“Dillan is a very quiet young man who spent 90 percent of his time playing computer games or watching YouTube, however found Jiu Jitsu online and within weeks had swapped out the gaming for 20-30 hours a week training across multiple gyms in both Blackpool and Manchester.
“He progressed through the children’s ranks very fast and within a year found himself competing with people with eight plus years experience often winning national competitions.
“He loves not only the physical but also very much the technical side of the sport and enjoys teaching others, he has recently opened up some time to offer private classes to individuals or small groups.
“This year is his last season as a juvenile before entering the adult divisions so he is competing at as many major competitions as possible and would love to speak to local companies that would be interesting in a sponsorship opportunity.”
He dreams of competing worldwide before eventually opening his own gym to teach others the sport he loves.
Despite his quiet nature, Dillan is also passionate about the technical side of Jiu Jitsu and enjoys helping others improve.
He has recently begun offering private lessons to individuals and small groups, sharing his expertise beyond the competition mat.
This year marks Dillan’s final season as a juvenile before moving into adult divisions. He is keen to compete in as many major events as possible and is open to speaking with local businesses interested in sponsorship opportunities.