CRAWLEY Judo Club star Mathew Gander has earned his first dan black belt at the age of only 19.
Mathew and his brother John went up to England’s leading club Budokwai in London, where players from all over England attended for their promotion exam.
Mathew beat all his opponents with a full Ippon, to earn sufficient points to clinch the landmark award.
Brother John also competed winning matches but could not finish because of an injury.
Mathew is the youngest member of Crawley judo club’s 58-year history to attain this promotion.
Senior coach John Pluckrose presented Mat with the belt and said: “This is a wonderful achievement and the club are very proud of him.
“This achievement is compairable to running a four-minute mile.”
Juniors at Crawley Judo Clubhave completed their first grading for the year.
Achieving 1st Mon, Henry Berrisford, Elise Rowe, Connor McIntyre-Granger. Promoting from 1st to 2nd Mon, Sam Brunton, Owen Brunton, Charlie Clark. Promoting from 3rd to 4th Mon, Ioana Efimov, Aaron Omeroglu.
Promoting from 3rd to 6th Mon, Nathan Young. Promoting from 4th to 5th Mon, Kristofer Bolin-Schmitt, Jacob King. Promoting from 5th to 6th Mon, Lewis Hicks.
In the senior section a big congratulations to Rob Long who has been promoted from 2nd to 1st Kyu and Stefan Bolin promoted from 4th to 3rd Kyu.
Crawley Judo Club train Monday and Wednesday at Hut 17 in Tilgate Recreation centre.
The club will be open throughout the summer school holidays and welcome new members. Call John on 01293 404716 or visit www.crawleyjudo.co.uk