Joshua Purcell is a young jutsuka (jiu-jitsu athlete) from Sunnyridge, who recently took part in the South African National Championships.
The championships were held at the Kempton Park Indoor Sports Centre, where Joshua represented Eastern Gauteng.
Competing in the junior division, Joshua managed to bag three gold medals.
“He did extremely well at the championships, we are all very proud of him,” said Joshua’s father, Gary Purcell.
“He got three gold medals, for Random Attacks (self-defence), Ground Fighting and Kumite (stand up full contact), and he is the South African junior champion in all three.”
Among other accolades, the pair, together with Joshua’s sister Rebeca Purcell, represented South Africa at the 22nd United Nations of Jiu-Jitsu World Championships in October, last year.
“We brought home seven medals; I got one bronze, Rebeca and Joshua each got three silver medals,” explained Gary.
Joshua and Gary are members of the Tonkinkan Jiu-Jitsu Martial Arts Club, run by fourth Dan sensei Shaine van Niekerk.
They train at the Edenvale Bowling Club on Mondays and Wednesdays, from 6pm to 8pm.
The Purcell father-and-son are preparing for their brown belt grading, that is scheduled to take place in November.
