quinta-feira, janeiro 31, 2008

Go with the throw

Focused: Melissa Budiarto has Olympic potential but says she's no good at other sports.
Picture: Joe Murphy

Go with the throw
By Sean Cunningham


It is definitely a case of the master and apprentice in relation to judo training at the Collegians Dragon Club.
In a combination that is proving successful, 77-year-old Polish-born Fred Blake, a former All England judo silver medallist, imparts his knowledge to Melissa Budiarto, who is 66 years younger than him.
Each week at Campbelltown Catholic Club where Blake, of The Oaks, conducts his judo classes, Bowral 11-year-old Melissa is learning to sweep her opponents aside at each event she enters.
With a string of wins under her belt, Melissa is being seen as a potential world champion.
"She can be if she sticks at it," Blake said. "She's certainly got the potential."
Melissa said her instructors have passed on their knowledge to put her in the position to be able to win tournaments.
"I'm not good at other sports," she said.
"When you like something you try harder, so you get better at it.
"The instructors have helped me and taught me a lot; without them I wouldn't be here and have won the tournaments."
Instructor Axel Kuban, who has also taught Melissa for several years, shared Blake's views on the young student's abilities.
"Anything is possible," Kuban said.
"She could also try out for the Olympics in the future."
Blake encouraged people to try judo to experience the " terrific benefits" for just $3 a session.
"It keeps people fit and gives them terrific confidence," he said.
"Campbelltown Catholic Club have been fantastic towards us, giving us the facilities for free."
Melissa's achievements in the under-36kg division include winning the ACT Open, Sydney Open, NSW Challenge, NSW Championship, equal third in the Australian National Championship.
In the 40kg category, she has won the Illawarra Judo Tournament and the Wollongong Judo Tournament and has won the Sydney Open in the under-44kg class.


Inquiries: 4657 1086 or 0418 285 626.
FONTE: Macarthur Advertiser - Sydney,NSW,Australia
http://campbelltown.yourguide.com.au/

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