Trewellard Judo Youngster Becomes BJC National Champion

An 11 year old from Trewellard has taken a remarkable run of medals after returning from a serious knee injury that kept him off the mat for five months.

A strong comeback after injury

Alby, who has been training in judo since he was 4 years old, competes in both BJC and BJA events which take him all over the country. He trains at Carn Brea Judo Club in Camborne and Kazoku Judo Club in Goonhavern.

At the start of the year, Alby sustained a patella tendon injury that left him unable to compete for months. His return began three weeks ago when he entered a competition in Devon and won gold.

Medals across the country

Two weeks ago he travelled to Southampton where he picked up a silver medal. Last weekend the family drove to Kettering for the BJC Closed Nationals, where Alby fought in the junior boys under 38kg category. He had five fights and five wins, becoming the BJC National Champion.

Supporting his training

To help cover the cost of training and travelling to competitions, Alby sells kindling. He and a neighbour are also planning a raffle at their local pub, the North Inn in Pendeen, on the 17th of December.

Charlotte Gibson described him as “the most kindest, caring boy” and said he is “always the hardest working person on the mat.” She added that he is “so focused, dedicated and gracious in his wins and his losses.”