Last week, Jasmine Wilson won the 58 kilogram women's event at the Gracie Invitational at London's Excel Arena to cement her growing reputation.

Regarded as the highest-level competition of its type in the UK, the tournament attracted many of the UK's top fighters and saw Wilson win two hard clashes to claim her title.

The 26-year-old blue belt - who was coming back from a broken hand she sustained at the end of 2007 - won by submission in her first fight against Pippa Granger, before beating Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) professional Lisa Newton on points in the final (9-0).

Afterwards, a delighted Jasmine said: "I was a little bit nervous before the competition, but was really pleased with how it went. I knew I had a good chance, but it was nice to beat Lisa in the final - as she has more experience than me. I broke my hand the day after I got my blue belt, but have worked really hard to get back fighting.

"I'm now planning to do as many competitions as I can this year to try and become British number one."

Wilson is coached by boyfriend Kevin Capel - who has been astounded by just how quickly Jasmine has taken to the sport. He said: "I've been in the sport for seven or eight years and have seen some top fighters go through the ranks. Jasmine is on a par with them in terms of the speed of her progress."