IT all started just over a year ago when Tony Pycroft took up Jui Juitsu to lose weight and live a better lifestyle.

When the Colo Vale resident started he never thought he would fight for a world title.

Eighteen months ago Pycroft began training at Bargo Fitness centre under David Suker and last week he competed in the World International Brazilian Jui Juitsu Championships in California.

He trained five times a week, stopped drinking and did personal training two or three times a week.

Pycroft said with over 3000 competitors it was a massive event.

"It was pretty daunting," he said.

Pycroft went into the competition with no expectations but came home with a bronze medal.

"I wanted to do my best. I'm very happy with my performance," he said.

Pycroft lost the fight for the silver medal by two points to a judo black belt but while missing out on the final he was promoted from a white to a blue belt.

The Australasian titles in Melbourne in September will be his chance to show what he learnt fighting the best in the world.

"I'm not sure how I'll fare [but] I know I'll hold my own," he said.

Pycroft said he was glad he got into Jui Juitsu and encouraged anyone interested to do the same.

"I think it's life changing," he said

It was the Pan Pacific Jui Juitsu Championships in Melbourne last year that allowed Pycroft to qualify for the World Championships.

The World Championships are the most important event in the International Brazilian Jui Juitsu Federations annual calendar and attract the most skilled and well trained athletes in the world.

The event was first held in Rio de Janerio in 1996 and in 2007 it was relocated outside of Brazil for the first time and held in the USA with a record breaking 1800 athletes.

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is a martial art, combat sport, and a self defence system that focuses on grappling and ground fighting.

Pycroft thanked his family, his instructor David Suker, Bargo Fitness Centre and his sponsor Paslode Australia for their continued support and encouragement.

Phone 4684 1079 for more information on Jui Juitsu classes at Bargo Fitness Centre on Monday, Wednesday and Friday.