'Wiradjuri Warrior' Jarrah Blackmore has jumped on planes for world championships and international competitions well before his first year of high school.

Later this year, the Boorloo-based martial artist will head to Abu Dhabi with the globe's most talented, and not for the first time.

Introduced to the sport by a friend four years ago, Jarrah balanced jiu-jitsu and soccer for a while before focusing solely on his newer passion.

"I really like it more," and fell in love with it quickly, Jarrah told National Indigenous Times.

The young man trains six-to-seven times a week in a sport he says teaches respect, discipline, to be brave when things can get a little scary, and to have fun along the way.

His commitment so far has earned him a 111-30-10 record, and close to 40 gold medals alongside local, regional, state championships, with top-placed finishes at national and international competitions - including first in Oceania.

In 2025, Jarrah was the highest-ranked Indigenous male in the world-class AJP international organisation.

He's reached his grey-black belt - an advanced level for junior jiu-jitsu.

Becoming a black belt and world champion is the ultimate dream, Jarrah said.

"What I like about it is I get to travel with all my friends and family," he said.

"You make friends, you have to listen and be respectful to your coaches.

"If you're going to spar, you can't be silly. You have to train harder than you're sparring."

Jarrah trains at the Perth Martial Arts Centre, a strong, family-focused team environment, according to his father.

"He's so dedicated," Jarrah's dad, Gordon Blackmore said.

Over the last couple of years Mr Blackmore has seen how the sport benefits young participants - from the respect and discipline to emotional regulation, growth, and self-belief.

His son's development, commitment to chasing his dreams, and importantly, enjoyment, is the "win in our eyes", he said.

Future world champion or not, if it takes him down a lifelong journey by his own decisions, they're the things Mr Blackmore want's to see his son achieve.

It's also what he's proudest of.

"Win, lose or draw. I don't care," Mr Blackmore said.

"Stepping onto those mats, that's more than I could do.

"In Abu Dhabi (for the 2025 AJP World Jiu-Jitsu Championships last November), and there's thousands of people there...I couldn't do it.

"Words can't describe the feeling you've got seeing your kid step out and do what he does and loves."

Those big competitions come with some nerves, Jarrah admitted.

When they do "I think things like you're here with your family and your friends," to help take it on, Jarrah said.

He's got his eyes on this year's world championships in Abu Dhabi where he's aiming to improve on last year's result - a 9th placed finish in his age group.

For other young people considering jiu-jitsu, Jarrah had some young words of wisdom.

"I'd say have a try at it. If you don't like it, that's okay. But if you do, come and join us," he said.