April has already been an incredibly busy and super successful time for Braydon and Sophia (Rye News has followed their progress over the last few years) as they achieve more medals in kata which is the unlocking the spiritual and philosophical elements in karate.
On Saturday, April 5 Braydon competed in the Special Needs World Judo Games Competition: this was the first time he had taken part. He had six fights, winning all except one to a black belt Japanese competitor. For Braydon this was a huge achievement as last year he went up to level 2 adaptive and is still learning about himself at this level. He came away with a silver. In each competition you can see the progress he is making, much of it due to his dedication, training and wonderful coaches.
In the afternoon, with Isabelle his partner, Braydon competed in kata and came away with gold. Sophia, Braydon’s younger sister, also competed with her kata partner Joe and came away with silver. This was an amazing achievement as they were one of the youngest pairs competing in kata.
The following day Sunday, April 6 was the European Championship. In the morning Sophia was up and had three fights, winning them all, coming away with gold.
In the afternoon Braydon won all of his six fights, again taking gold. He was also fighting in a higher weight category as there was no other competitor near his weight: a huge achievement.
Braydon and Sophia’s mum, Janine, said: “In more exciting news for Braydon he has also been asked to train at the national judo centre in Walsall for two days every six weeks, with the visually impaired and adaptive training. Most students only get asked for one day every six weeks so this, too, is a huge accomplishment and testament to his willingness to go the extra mile with his training.
“Braydon and Sophia are competing in Croatia on May 11 and 12 in the European Judo Union Get Together competition; in the British Adaptive and VI Championships August 2 and 3 in Cardiff; and in Poland on September 13 and 14 in the European Judo Union Get Together competition.
“He is also competing in Latvia, with his kata partner Isabelle, at the European Judo Union kata championships, where they represent Great Britain as the only adaptive kata pair. Last year they achieved gold and need to go and compete to retain their Gold medal for Great Britain.”
The family is currently trying to source funding for this trip which last year cost £2,400 in total. A huge thank you to Rye Old Scholars’ Association for contributing £200 towards Braydon’s costs. Still more needs to be raised so that he can represent Great Britain again.
Adaptive judo competitors do not get any financial assistance towards trips; it is all down to fundraising and parent support. Can you help these talented youngsters? If so please contact Janine by email janinec1981@aol.com.
Image Credits: Janine Robus .