“Last year was not my best year, and my goal this year is to improve – starting with the national trials,” said Dylan Martin.
This 14-year-old judoka has been involved in judo for the past six years, and is coached by Sensei Danie Bruwer from the Doryoku Judo Academy in Roodekrans.
“Last year was my first year in group three, and I really battled. Besides the fact that most of the other competitors were older than I was, I broke my collarbone early in the year, and only had two months to prepare for the South-African championships. I ended up with a fifth place,” Dylan said.
He added that he is determined to start this year on a better note, and his first goal is to perform well at the upcoming national trials. “During these trials I will be competing against other judokas, and if I do well, I will qualify for international fights. I will also be fighting for a place on the ranking list,” he explained.
But, despite the setbacks, Dylan worked hard and was rewarded with three gold and one bronze medal at the South African Championships, as well as one gold, one silver and one bronze medal at the South African Schools championships.
At the dojo’s end-of-year prize-giving, he received a trophy for being the judoka who never gives up, despite circumstances.
“I started judo because of my cousin. We had this rivalry between us to see who would be the better judoka, but I grew to love judo and it became more than just a sport. I believe it is safe to say that judo is now my passion. It is definitely a sport where you have the opportunity to get noticed and really excel,” he said.
His goals for the new year are simple, “First, I want to compete at the Africa Championships, then at the World Championships before moving on to the Olympic Games and do well at all three”.
His message to aspiring Judoka? “If you work hard and never give up, you can realise your dreams. Remember one thing though, to become a South African champion takes time – you cannot start the sport today and expect to be a champion tomorrow”.
For more information on the Doryoku Judo Academy, as well as their training times, contact Danie Bruwer on 072 685 8441, or send an email to danie@doryoku.co.za.
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