11-year-old Waterford Jiu-Jitsu champion the subject of new documentary  

There has been incredible demand for screenings of a new documentary chronicling the life of an 11-year-old Jiu-Jitsu champion from Waterford.

'Freya - Beyond the Mat' is a new feature documentary directed by Arthur Lopes and produced by Alberto Rocha, detailing the rise of 11-year-old athlete Freya Marsh, in the international world of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

As a two-time European Champion and a gold medalist at both the Abu Dhabi Worlds and London Open, Freya has already secured silver at the Pan Americans and a host of national and UK events. 

She is currently ranked the number one yellow belt female in her weight division and number three overall in the world by the International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation.

Hailing from Waterford, Freya brings heart, humility, and an unstoppable work ethic to everything she does, whether training at home, competing abroad, or balancing the demands of youth with the intensity of elite-level sport.

The documentary, filmed between April and December 2024, follows Freya through a year of transformation and triumph. 

The filmmakers followed Freya and her family across four continents, capturing everything from sleepy Waterford mornings to electrifying moments on championship podiums. The result is a heartfelt, cinematic experience about grit, grace, and the extraordinary journey of an ordinary girl with an extraordinary dream.

From tournaments in Dublin to international competitions in the USA, Portugal, Brazil, and The United Arab Emirates, the film captures her journey in full.

Along with detailing her journey, the film also commends the people in her life who are dedicated to her success.

It shows the unwavering encouragement from her parents and sisters, her jiu-jitsu coach Wagner Luvezuti, from Checkmat Waterford, her strength and condition coach Darragh Mulcahy, from Raise The Bar, and the relentless preparation as she eyes future competitions in Brazil, the USA, and Abu Dhabi throughout 2025.

Commenting on the release of the film, Freya said: “My ambition has always been to pursue my sport and discipline and to think this has been captured for a big screen showcase is really quite incredible.” 

Director Arthur Lopes meanwhile, offers a deeply personal look at the making of the film, describing it as more than just a sports documentary: "It is a story of coming of age, resilience, sacrifices, the silent battles and the quiet strength found in family and purpose." 

Jungle House Films will now bring the film to global film festivals.

A private screening of 'Freya – Beyond The Mat', will take place on May 11, 2025, in Waterford, Ireland.