FIVE students from the Gladiator Fight Academy excelled in the recent SA Judo Champs competition, held in Stellenbosch, Cape Town. Fourteen-year-old Jasmine Martin bagged gold in the U18/21 (57kg) category, Luke Steyn received bronze in the U21 (81kg) category, Shannon McKenzie obtained gold in the U21 and silver in the senior (63kg) category, Pedro Miguel received bronze in the senior (100kg) category and Dylan Collins scooped silver in the senior (73kg) category.
The talented students from the Pinetown-based academy competed in the event which attracted more than 700 athletes, 14 from KZN.
Head coach and owner of the academy, Johan Duckworth, who has been practising Judo for 26 years, elaborated on his students’ outstanding performances. “I am extremely proud of all my students, we are a family here at GFA. We continuously motivate each other to be the absolute best we can be.
“There are many plans for the future of GFA and its students, from next year we start working towards youth Olympic qualification and also 2020 Olympic Games squad selection. We are also going to start a development programme at GFA and in our local townships in hope that we can grow our beloved sport,” said Duckworth, a seven-time SA champion with 34 national titles and numerous other accolades.
Each of the students has an impressive list of titles that they have won over the years.
In regards to funding, the academy arranges their own funding for travel expenses (national and international), Judo uniforms and training gear. According to Duckworth, they don’t receive any assistance from KZN Judo or Judo South Africa.
They have already started their preparation for the next event (national ranking event) that will be held in Gauteng on 29 August. Thereafter they will be planning to do one international tour towards the end of the year to Europe for competitions and a training camp.
For more information on the academy or if you would like to assist the students with their funding, e-mail johanduckworth@gmail.com.
