Getting ready for the ring
Since taking up martial arts at four-years-old, Brahm Richards has punched well above his weight.
By the time he earned his karate black belt at 12, the 20-yearold Dairy Flat resident had already tried his hand at two new disciplines - judo and wrestling. He went on to master both, becoming six time national judo champion, and seven time national wrestling champion - but he’s not done yet.
Richards’ next fight will be the biggest of his life - a Friday the 13th wrestling bout at the 2018 Commonwealth Games.
Representing New Zealand in the under 65kg division, Richards is looking forward to meeting the world’s best in the ring.
‘‘I’m excited for the experience, of not just the wrestling, but the games, the village, meeting everyone... It’s always been a dream,’’ he said.
Richards currently fits in 12 training sessions a week around his business degree at Massey University and his job at Club Physical Whangapara¯ oa, which his dad Paul opened on February 27.
As the sport gets little funding in New Zealand, Richards funds his international competitions from his own pocket.
‘‘I think it helps you to be more committed to it if you’re saving for yourself to go. It makes you train harder,’’ he said.
‘‘I’ve learned to expect that it’s a pretty big ask for a New Zealander to win a medal in wrestling, but it’s been done before, so I’m going to go and leave it all on the mat and see what happens.’’
‘‘I'm going to go and leave it all on the mat’’
Brahm Richards