A TEENAGE judo prodigy has grown in strength and confidence as he’s fought his way to be the reigning number one in the country.
When Reece Blackshaw started practising judo aged eight at Penistone Judo Club - he probably didn’t expect being being the British Judo Association’s number one-ranked cadet male under 55 kilograms.
If that wasn’t already enough, the Penistone lad has also caused waves on the international judo scene, enjoying his status as the number 60 world ranked cadet.
First mentored by Matt Moorhead, 16-year-old Reece told the Chronicle he was eager to learn how to fight and defend himself from cruel childhood bullies.
Reece has stuck with Matt throughout his judo career, leading him to where he stands today.
Committed to his craft, Reece trains between five to seven times a week - sometimes twice a day
So far this year, Reece has placed third in the Bremen International Masters competition and seventh in the Rome Cadet European cup - as well as going for gold in the English and Northern Irish championships at under-18 and under-21 level.
Reece’s proud dad, Robert, explained that his son has undergone a transformation in body and mind since starting the sport.
He said: “As parents we couldn’t be more proud of Reece.
“Not only is he the true sportsman on the mat, but also off the mat.
“He’s always the gentleman and he’s well-mannered.
“His focus from judo has seen him grow into an amazing young man.
“His schoolwork is going amazingly well, he’s now doing his post-16 at Penistone Grammar School.
“As parents we would 100 per cent recommend this sport to anyone who is feeling down, lonely, or that needs something to point them in the right direction.
Reece also spoke on his training, sporting inspirations and his recent venture into coaching.
He said: “I have trained across multiple clubs since the start of my judo career at Sheffield and Huddersfield mainly - as well as national squad training and volunteering as a coach at my home club of Penistone, where I have been supported by several local businesses.
“My main influences in my judo life are Matt Moorhead and his son Lachlan Moorhead, the current Commonwealth gold medalist.
“I have recently completed a coaching course, so I am now a qualified judo coach volunteering as a coach at my home club of Penistone.”
