They may only be 15, but two Year 9 students are already representing Australia as part of the World Ju-Jitsu Federation National team. Alex Ye and Luca Biviano will be competing in the next United Nations Ju-Jitsu competition which will be held in Europe.
“I am a bit of a nerd”, says Alex “but my dad really wanted me to do ju-jitsu for self defence so I really didn’t have a choice”. And now? “Now I really like it”, says Alex. Luca’s journey started when he attended a birthday party where the children participated in Ju-Jitsu activities. “I was about eight years old then” explains Luca, and I had such a good time I asked my parents if I could take it up as a sport.”
Ju-Jitsu is a traditional martial art which means “flexible art” and places emphasis on using an opponent’s own strength against them.
Alex says he started his journey in ju-jitsu in 2021. “I really wasn’t too focussed during my lessons, I was more interested in just having fun and hopefully progressing to the next level.” Alex is now a junior black belt attempting shodan.
Alex explains that there are four parts to ju-jitsu competition: point sparring, board breaking, nunchuck sparring and random attack. His speciality is point sparring where he was successful in the recent National Championship competing against adults.
Alex’s sensei, or teacher, was instrumental in recognising Alex’s talent and suggesting he actually compete. Today, Alex trains for up to two hours a day, five days a week. Luca not only trains almost every day, but he now also is a “coach” at birthday parties for children.
Luca says “I was blown away when the letter arrived – so were my parents! I’m really happy to be a part of the National team and can’t wait for the competition.”
There are many advantages to the study of ju-jitsu in terms of physical fitness and strength. But this sport is often referred to as a physical game of chess, helping to develop focus and critical thinking skills. The many rituals involved also promote discipline and respect.
College Principal, Ms Rossetti says “these are most definitely attributes that both Alex and Luca bring to their studies and the results speak for themselves.” She continues, “although it’s early days, Alex has his heart set on being either a doctor or engineer and knowing Alex, I can certainly see either of these options coming to fruition’. Luca is still contemplating which career path he wishes to take and looks forward to the careers program next year.