Year 8 student Mak Robertson returned from the Australian National Jiu Jitsu Championships in Melbourne last week sporting some impressive new silverware.
The deceptively shy 13-year-old is an orange-belt National silver medallist in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.
Mak has been training for about three years and has returned to peak form after a badly dislocated shoulder almost spelt an end to his participation in the combat sport. Intense physio, a steely determination and an amazing coach and training partners saw Mak bounce back to compete in this year’s 14 Years, Under 52.3kg Orange Belt division.
He won his first fight in a mere 29 seconds, accelerating him to the final bout which was decided by just one point after the full four minutes of contest.
Mak described the contest as challenging.
“I didn’t expect to win my first fight but when I did so quickly it boosted me for the final,” he said. “Brazillian Jiu Jitsu is a mentally challenging sport and I really like that. It takes a lot of work and I’ve done it, and now I’m up there with the best in Australia.”
Mak has a handful of Perth competitions on the calendar before he returns to Melbourne in October for the Pan Pacific Jiu Jitsu 2022 IBJJF Championships.
We wish him good luck!