Local Jiu-Jitsu coach sees her sport as a form of therapy

Local Jiu-Jitsu black belt, Kerry Isom believes playing the sport has played a key role in taking pressure off her personal life.

The 36-year-old is a highly accomplished Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioner and former professional MMA fighter with a wealth of experience, having competed in major tournaments around the world.

Speaking on her personal issues in an exclusive interview with Buzz News, Isom said: “The stresses in my life totally disappear when I’m fighting.

“What it is for me it’s therapy. As soon as I’m on the mats in Jiu Jitsu, my mind is just clear and I’m focused on one or two things whether that’s my next move or my technique.

“I don’t have time to think about life troubles so it’s a nice way to clear my mind”

Throughout Isom’s career, her achievements are noteworthy, having been named the 2017 Amateur MMA fighter of the Year as well as recently earning himself a black belt in Jiu-Jitsu. Speaking about his achievements, Isom said: “ I didn’t expect it at all if I’m honest.

“I knew it would come one day but I had to be patient. It meant the world to me, I put everything into it and to achieve the highest belt means the world to me.”

In addition to his competitive pursuits, Kerry is dedicated to coaching Jiu-Jitsu at Odyssey Combat Hub in Bournemouth sharing his knowledge and experience with aspiring fighters and grapplers. Her commitment to the sport and her students reflects her belief in the transformative power of martial arts.

She said “ Once I’ve stopped competing professionally, I’ll focus more on coaching the younger generation because I want to still be involved in the sport.

Despite struggling away from the mats, Isom still has high ambitions to compete at the 2026 World International Brazilian Jiu-JItsu championship in September which is considered the most important and prestigious Jiu-Jitsu tournament of the year, something Kerry believes she can win.

“After a busy year last year, I want to go into rehab to fully recover my body because I have a feeling that I can do really well in this competition.”