Teen earns blue belt in jiu jitsu
Luke graded to Blue Belt, making him one of the youngest in KZN to have a Blue Belt in jiu Jitsu.
GLENWOOD’S Luke Brown is making a name for himself in jiu jitsu.
Luke, (16), recently took part in the ADCC South African Open grappling event in Johannesburg and won gold in the U18 U78kg event. He wnt on to participate in the Shuriken Dojo Amateurs where he grappled against a adult judo specialist and drew that match, achieving a gold medal.
“There are not many U18s to compete with in Durban, so I get to verse the adults. This gives me good practice,” said Luke.
Luke also graded to Blue Belt, making him one of the youngest in KZN to have a Blue Belt in jiu jitsu at the moment.
Luke has been doing Brazilian jiu jitsu for a year and eight months.
“I started doing Muay Thai with my dad a year before, but the gym moved and my dad suggested we move to do jiu jitsu at Lions Den. It was very different to Muay Thai as it is more stand-up while jiu jitsu is on the ground, so I had to get used to it. From my first lesson I was interested and tried out the moves I’d learnt on my sister. I’m now in love with it and integrate it with every other sport I do,” said Luke, who also plays waterpolo, rugby, softball and enjoys swimming.
Luke said there are still events to take part in this year, including ground quests, local competitions in Pinetown and Dojo Amateur events.
“I’ll take part in a ground quest in Pinetown next month and will take part in an International Brazilian Jiu Jitsu competition in Johannesburg in December which I’m looking forward to. I’m confident I will do well in that,” said Luke.
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