An update from another European Judo Union competition, this time in Swansea. Braydon and Izzie again competed in Adaptive Kata and again won Gold. Braydon (who has just finished GCSEs at Rye College Aquinas Trust) also competed in fighting, going up a level, winning 3 out of 4 fights with ippons, and achieving a silver medal.
An ippon is awarded for a throw that places an opponent on their back with strength, speed and control. The word is borrowed directly from Japanese and literally means one point. In an Olympic event an ippon is worth one hundred points.
His sister Sophia, also a student at Rye College, fought well in her category, with tough fights, but also coming away with a silver medal. These youngsters are showing that even with a learning disability / difficulty you can excel in sport.
Braydon and Izzie are looking forward to taking part in the European Judo Union competition in Poland in September and Venray in November and are dedicated in their training to get them point-perfect for these championships. Their commitment is astounding, and they are amazing rôle models for youngsters starting out in the sport.
Can anyone help these youngsters?
Braydon’s and Sophia’s mum is asking for help with their training and future events:
Braydon and Isabelle are currently British Judo Association Adaptive Kata Champions 2022, BJC National Kata Champions 2023. They have showcased their kata at the national championships 2022 and the adaptive championships 2023, with teaching at the kata training. They work hard and are raising awareness of inclusive adaptive judo. They have been asked to travel to Croatia, Romania, Slovenia, and USA to compete at international (higher) levels of adaptive kata.
They are in need of sponsorship to support them to raise awareness and to be able to compete on the world stage. Any help would be very welcome, especially as they are young and showing the world what you can do even with a disability, physical or learning.
For info about sponsorship email Janine janinec1981@aol.comor Paula Everest on mrspaulaeverest@gmail.com or ring her on 07926 578 027.
Image Credits: Janine Robus .