Ballito nine-year-old taekwondo champ selected for GTF European Cup
To help make the trip possible, his family is raising funds to cover travel, accommodation and competition costs.
Ballito’s top nine-year-old martial artist will represent South Africa at the Global Taekwondo Federation (GTF) European Cup in September.
Dominic Judge began training at the Martial Arts Masters Academy shortly before his fourth birthday and has since built an impressive record in the sport.
His performances have now earned him selection to compete at the GTF European Cup, where he will face some of the world’s top young taekwondo athletes.
To help make the trip possible, his family is raising funds to cover travel, accommodation and competition costs. They hope to raise R120 000 and have already collected about R33 000 through a BackaBuddy campaign, with the community continuing to rally behind the young athlete.
Residents can contribute through the BackaBuddy campaign, attend a Ladies’ Sip ‘n Paint evening on August 19, or enjoy The Ultimate Steak Experience fundraiser at Butcher & Wine in New Salt Rock City on August 2.
Dominic recently earned his 1st Dan Black Belt and has trained under GTF South Africa president Honorary Grand Master Linda Park and Grand Master Kim Yong-Woon of Ballito Martial Arts Masters Academy.
In six years of competition, he has compiled an impressive list of achievements.
At the 2024 National Taekwondo Championships, Dominic won five gold medals to become a five-time national champion.
The following year, he claimed three gold and two silver medals, earning his provincial colours.
He continued his success at the national championships in June 2026, winning two gold medals and one silver to once again earn his provincial colours.
His mother, Ashley Judge, said the family is most proud of his determination and refusal to give up.
“He will persevere until he succeeds. It is amazing how the attitude of our nine-year-old son teaches us valuable lessons every day about ourselves. His favourite saying is, ‘I didn’t come here to quit,’ and that is so true. There are so many people who start something but never see it through,” she said.
For more information or to contribute, contact Ashley Judge on 076 589 4417.
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