Matt Pearson Becomes the Youngest Ever 1st Dan at Shudan Wellingborough Judo Club

Fifteen-year-old Matt Pearson has made history at Shudan Wellingborough Judo Club, becoming the youngest ever judoka at the club to achieve his 1st Dan grade. His promotion comes just four months after he became eligible to grade.

Travelling to Cardiff with teammates from Shudan Wellingborough Judo Club and other Northamptonshire-based clubs, Matt attended a technical training weekend with the opportunity to test for his dan grade later in the day.

Matt made an immediate impact in his first contest, securing victory in just 80 seconds with a beautifully executed drop seoi-nage.

His second match saw his opponent’s coach optimistically call out, “He’s getting tired!”, but Matt’s teammates knew otherwise. He immediately took control and threw his opponent for ippon within seconds of the match starting.

In his third and final bout, Matt faced a heavier judoka and adapted his strategy accordingly. Taking the fight to the ground, he pinned his opponent flat on his back. With no chance of escape, the contest was over within 20 seconds.

Three fights, back-to-back, in under three and a half minutes, an incredible performance that sealed Matt’s place in Shudan Wellingborough Judo Club history.

Having already completed the required theory and kata elements, Matt’s latest achievement comes less than a week after he claimed gold at the Amateur Judo Association National Closed Competition, where he was crowned National Champion in the boys’ over-65kg category. His success also earned him a spot on the AJA National Squad.

Shudan Judo Club Head Coach, Dave Baldwin, praised Matt’s achievement: “We’re all so proud of him. He works incredibly hard, puts in the effort, and truly deserves his 1st Dan. What an achievement!”

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