Beale clinches national title
A LOUGHBOROUGH College student has been named women’s national judo champion – only two years after taking up the sport.
At 16, Ella Beale had barely entered the senior category but nevertheless won gold at the Open National Championships (over 70kg) claiming victory with ippon, the highest score achievable in Japanese martial arts.
In fact, of the 10 competitions Ella has entered she has won gold in all but one.
“I only fought twice at the Open Nationals and beat both my opponents by throwing them to land flat on their back, which gives you an immediate win.
“I was so happy to win gold. I had actually fought and beaten the same two opponents last year as well – when I won my weight category and took the title at the Closed National Championships,” said Ella, who studies Sport at Loughborough College.
“I only took up judo a couple of years ago at the suggestion of a friend and I love it, it’s such a dynamic sport.
“I did kickboxing for almost 10 years but I am so pleased I moved over to judo. I am with Quorn Judo club and I’ve recently taken up MMA too – so now I’m training six days a week.
“I have been competing in judo for Loughborough College in the Schools Championships and will soon get my green belt. I am hoping to keep advancing to bigger and better competitions internationally as well as nationally.”