Jit’s fourth BUCS title in a row for super Soren
SURAJ Soren led the Northumbria Jitsu charge as the experienced martial artist secured an unprecedented fourth successive national title.
The 2017 Sport Newcastle Rising Star and Northumbria Sport Scholar has dominated the floor at the BUCS Jiu-Jitsu National Championships since 2014.
As soon as Soren set foot in Sheffield it was clear the talented student was in no mood to loosen his grip on a prize he calls his own.
Northumbria Jitsu’s joint head coach Dave Chalton said: “Suraj put on his usual show of panache and flair.
“His was another outstanding performance and we could not be prouder of what he has achieved.
“This year Jon Thompson was eligible for the BUCS individual championship so Northumbria had two great shots at a podium place.
“In the end Jon managed to secure fourth place in his first BUCS individual championship and gained valuable points for the team.
“He also finished second in the brown belt category.
“It becomes more and more difficult every year but Northumbria Jitsu continues to pick up medals at the major championships.”
Chalton might be toasting more medal success after building a jitsu legacy at Sport Central during the past decade.
However, the veteran coach already has one eye on the future after using this year’s BUCS Championships to blood the next generation of Northumbria stars.
He added: “Novices Andrew McDonald, Steph Stewart, David Praum, Jon Morrison and Joe Watson all put in storming performances representing Northumbria University at a national championship for the first time.
“Despite some technically great throws none progressed to the finals - but that is no indication of just how well they performed.
“Andrew in particular was unlucky not to make the cut to the final. The club’s future is in safe hands.”
If Soren and Thompson hit the headlines then a slew of Northumbria veterans underlined the club’s longstanding strength in depth with impressive performances.
Chalton said: “Blue belts Will Postlethwaite and Seb Ziri-Sayle showed their many years’ experience of training at Northumbria and both progressed to the finals.
“Northumbria coach Annabel Hunter-Purvis also delivered her usual display of determination and aggression to make the brown belt finals.
“These guys have been in and around the club for several years now and consistency is the key when they enter any competition.”
Hunter-Purvis narrowly missed out on a deserved points placing while Ziri-Sayle finished fifth in the blue belt category.
Northumbria’s squad headed home to Tyenside with Chalton’s praise ringing in their ears.
He added: “Every year I am more and more impressed by the dedication and commitment of members.
“They train three, four or even five times a week, balancing studies and jobs with training.
“In all sports there is no substitute for hard graft and commitment and jitsu is no exception.
“However, we provide a welcoming environment for everyone to train and this year was a great year for recruitment.
“We would like to thank Nick Ridgeon and his team and David Ashdown for their long-term strength and conditioning and fitness investment in us. Their support and expertise is paying dividends.”