Youngster aspires to win more competitions

Andrew Coucourakis-Vermaak of Kazuno Judo in Boskruin recently scooped two gold medals in the central Gauteng Judo competition.

The 14-year-old competed in group three (U13 and U14) and in group four (U15, U16 and U17), and in his all fights he only conceded one point.

Andrew said he was prepared but very nervous since it was his first competition in two years.
“We were all excited to go to fight and everyone trained hard because it was the first competition in a long run,” he said.
“I think it was very nice, very cool to come up on top on both occasions because I didn’t know where everyone is going to be, but now I know where I am.”

The youngster started judo when he was only five years old after his father wanted him to do the sport as an extramural activity, and to help him protect himself should the need arise.
Andrew said it had been fun doing judo and everyone who competed in the sport was very friendly even though they were competing. According to him, judo was more about technique than strength. “It is about knowing the techniques, executing them very well and getting your timing right.”

The youngster said he had always wanted to excel and hoped one day he would compete in the Olympics.
“I got a lot of support from my sensei [teacher] Allerdyce Fulton. He still competes, everyone in this club did very well in the competition because of sensei. I still aspire to win more competitions and I don’t see myself stopping anytime soon.”

Related articles:

Shawwal Bagaria is the national judo champion taking on Birmingham

How to choose the right sport for your child