Local judoka’s passion for her sport opens international doors

Michaella Grove, a grade nine pupil of Penryn College and member of the White River Judo Club, participated in the Sportif International Tournament in the 57-kilogram category in Edinburgh on May 5 and 6.

There were 28 competitors in her group. They were divided into smaller groups for matches.

She fought in five matches, but despite a few wins, she was eliminated.

“The standard is insane compared to South Africa and they fight very differently to us,” Michaella said.

She had a lot of fun and was well-looked after by both her coach and manager. She spent 10 days in Scotland which included three days of training and two for the competition.

The training camp was a highlight and the young judoka says it was one of the best experiences of her life. “We were trained by Olympians and the competition gave me good exposure to get recruited by judo organisations,” she said.

She also went sightseeing and on a creepy dungeon tour with her teammates. “It must have been quite something to see as these tough judo girls were screaming and giggling throughout the tour,” she reminisces. “I also saw all the main attractions but had to rest for two days after the competition as I was very bruised.”

When she is not practising or busy with competitions, she reads a lot. She is a very sporty girl and participates in whatever sport she can (hockey, cricket, MMA and sprints) but judo is her main focus.

“My dream is to go to the Olympics, and not just to go, but to win,” she said with fire in her eyes.

Her days are occupied by schoolwork, gym and judo practice (which she does on alternate days).

Due to previous injuries she can’t participate in the South African Championships but she aims to participate in the Commonwealth Games next year.

Her injuries included torn ligaments in her shoulders and legs, as well as knee and neck injuries. “But you get used to it and don’t even feel falling or heavy impacts any more,” she explains.

Although her family is worried about her injuries, they have always supported her. She smiles as she talks about her grandmother. “She got me to every competition I wanted to go to. She has been with me every match. Encouraged and pushed. And makes me take a break when needed.”

Michaella has been doing judo for eight years, ever since a demonstration at school got her hooked. As it is a relatively bloodless sport, it is a great way to learn self-defence skills and teaches children a way of expressing themselves in a non-violent way, to make friends and to develop social skills.

“It also makes you feel ‘badass’ when you’re little,” Michaella grins, before joining her fellow club members for practice.