First year student Jay Johnson, who currently studies T-Level Engineering and Manufacturing, has been on his Judo path for the last 10 years, when his father, a passionate coach at Hull Judo Club, introduced him to the sport. What started as a father-son activity quickly evolved into a deep commitment for Jay. His journey has seen him grow into a skilled competitor, earning recognition and the respect of his peers in the judo community.
Jay has learned that judo is more than just a martial art; it is a discipline that instils perseverance, respect, and confidence. Starting at a young age, he rapidly advanced through the ranks, representing Kingswood Academy; one of our partnered schools at every level and consistently proving his skill and determination. This progression culminated in Jay recently achieving the prestigious blue belt second Q level, a significant milestone in his judo career.
As Jay reflects on his journey, he notes how his academic life and judo complement each other. "My teachers have always shown an interest in my judo; and have supported me through my competitions." Jay also expressed that the commitment he has for his college work is the same for judo training, “ I always ensure that I complete my course work to the best standard it can be, I try and improve my work based on my errors, which is a technique I use within Judo”
Jay’s growing reputation as a formidable competitor has not gone unnoticed. He was offered the chance to compete at the national level, representing Hull Judo Club at the esteemed English Open. Although he won his first match, he was defeated in his second and third bouts. Still, this experience only further shaped his journey. Jay has also had the privilege of training with some of the sport's elite, including world champion Katsuhiko Kashiwazaki. Kashiwazaki’s expertise has helped Jay refine his technique and approach to the sport.
On Sunday, 9 March, Jay competed in the under-90kg weight category at the British Schools Judo Championships, representing Wilberforce and won a bronze medal, further solidifying his place as a rising star in the sport. For Jay, judo is about more than just winning matches; it’s about developing the discipline, resilience, and respect that the sport instils. As he puts it, “Judo is a sport that’s intended for self-defence. It’s for everyone; you just need practice. Judo translates to ‘The Gentle Way.”
Managing his time effectively has been crucial to Jay’s success, both in school and in judo. "Currently, I haven’t faced any challenges in needing to balance my commitment as I am able to manage my time very well," he explains. "I use my college working hours to ensure all my work is completed, and I do my judo in the evening. This means that they never conflict with each other. I also use some of my free time to build on my judo and college work by revising, doing assignments, and going to the gym."
As Jay continues to advance in his judo career, one thing is certain: his journey is far from over.
