Hunt second in 'world title' event

Jackie Hunt can't remember the nationality, or even the name, of his opponent in his final fight at the Kids' World International Brazilian Brazilian Ju-Jitsu Championships in California last month. "It isn't important, all that matters is reaching my own personal best and that I put all my effort in." The 15-year-old certainly did put the effort in, leaving the competition with an impressive second place is the 'Pan Kids' level as well as second place in the biggest fight of the competition, the 'World Title'.

By his own admission, Jackie is competitive, "I know it, I like winning and I will always try my hardest to get as far as I can in a competition," and he says he enjoys the sport of Brazilian ju-jitsu because it gives him plenty of opportunity to compete at a high level.

Trainer Keitha Bannan, New Zealand's first woman to hold a black belt in the discipline, says for students like Jackie, entering international events is the best way for them to be be able to fight against peers at a similar skill level. This year she took Jackie and three other young students from her training school "Brasa NZ" to California to compete on the international stage. "It gives them a chance to really be pushed, to compete as hard as possible and to show how good they are."

It wasn't Jackie's first time in the competition, last year he placed second in the 'Pan Kids,' and he is already keen to go back. "It is a great experience, fighting against students from other places, other schools, it shows us where we are strong, and where we can improve."

Jackie's younger brother Vincent (8) also competed this year, and just like his brother, came home with medals to show for it. Vincent achieved a bronze in 'Gi' at his level, and says he likes the sport not just because he is clearly good at it, but "it isn't about hurting people, it's about discipline and skill". It was Vincent's first time overseas "but I have been to Blenheim before," and he is also keen to go back. "I liked being able to fight others my age and level, there aren't many here for me to fight with."

Ethan Welch (15) and Josh Kruger (11) were the other two students of Keitha's to make the trip, coming home with impressive results as well.

Josh came home with a gold in 'No Gi' at his level, having been learning the sport for just two years. He says the discipline taught in the sport helps him outside of the competitions as well. "I have been asked to stand up in assembly and talk to everyone, and I can do that now as I am more confident than I used to be."

Ethan also brought home gold in his level of 'No Gi' as well as silver in 'Gi' and has been learning the sport for five years. "Jackie was doing it, and I got involved because he told me about it. I got good at it, so I kept on coming to lessons and enjoy seeing how far I can go in competitions now."

Keitha is proud of the boys results, "they blew me away over there, I had been hopeful for good results, but they really did well. I can't do it for them, I can only watch and hope."

It is all down to them on the day.

Trainer Keitha Bannan

Keitha teaches Brazilian ju-jitsu to both adults and children in Stratford, Waitara and New Plymouth. She says all are welcome to come along and give the sport a go, taking children on from the age of five. Keitha says the sport is good for people of all sizes and abilities as it teaches how to use an opponents' weight against them, meaning being big isn't always better.

Brasa NZ runs classes in Stratford for children on Mondays and adults on Thursdays. Classes are held at the Lions Den Gym and Fitness Centre next door to Tutaki Youth Inc. To find out more, pop along at 5.30 on a Monday night or contact Keitha on 027 9501239.