The Gold Coast Bulletin

Multi-skilled Alexander off to Vegas

- CONNOR O’BRIEN @obrien_GCB

EMERGING jiu jitsu talent Alexander Johnson is Las Vegas-bound to test himself on the world stage.

The 10-year-old “wouldn’t hurt a fly” according to his father Hamish but is ruthless in the martial arts scene.

“He has got about 42 gold medals in national and internatio­nal jiu jitsu competitio­ns. If he holds them all on his arms, he almost falls over,” Hamish said.

“He’s been to Japan twice and competed in national jiu jitsu championsh­ips and won both times.”

Earlier this month, he tasted success in the under-11 37kg division at the Australian Open in Melbourne to provide another confidence boost before his American trip next year.

The Saint Stephen’s College student also benefited from attending a seminar in Burleigh at the weekend with worldclass athlete Nicholas Meregali.

Alexander has proved to be quite the all-rounder beyond martial arts, too.

“He was the MVP (most valuable player) for the rugby team last year, he’s the southeast Queensland chess champion, he swims, he does nippers, he plays the double bass,” Hamish said. “He’s just an all-round good kid.”

 ?? Picture: JERAD WILLIAMS ?? Young gun Alexander Johnson.
Picture: JERAD WILLIAMS Young gun Alexander Johnson.

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