Grant scoops gold at Judo Champs

Former Roodepoort resident Grant Stewart, struck gold at the 2015 South African Judo Open Championships held in Stellenbosch recently.

The ER24 North Metropole Branch Manager obtained a gold medal in the Masters Under 90kg, 34 to 39 year male category.

He also received a gold medal for the group events as the team manager for the boys U/10 category.

The 38-year-old blue belt holder, an advanced life support paramedic now living in Cape Town, said the tournament was stressful.

“I was nervous. During a tournament like this I focus on technique and my breathing during the fight. You have to believe in yourself and your ability,” he said.

Grant only started judo training in October 2012 after his eldest son started judo training two years before him.

However, it was after his youngest son also picked up the sport did Grant decide to join.

“I decided to start while watching them train. It seemed like it was good for one’s health. The sportsmanship and professionalism showed by the sensei was very inviting,” he said.

Grant advises people to consider participating in sports because it offers a number of benefits.

“I run, cycle with my family and play a bit of golf with my sons. I do anything the family wants to do together. Family is very important to me. Any sport is good for your health, mind and soul. Judo seems like an aggressive sport, but it is not. If a person shows any aggression on the mat, they will be disqualified immediately. Judo has taught my sons respect in sport and to accept defeat,” he said.

He added that it is easy to sit on the side and tell your child what to do in a competition until you have to do it yourself.

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