Bawley Point based Yuukan Judo competitor Blake will compete in the 2013 Australian Oceania Championships in Cairns in April.

The talented Ulladulla High School Student took home a number of medals at the ACT International Open in February and also The Queensland International Open in March meaning he was eligible for selection in the Australian Oceania Judo team once again.

Blake will travel to Cairns with National Training Identification and Development squad for a seven-day elite camp and then compete on April 13.

“I’m really hoping to win, which would make me eligible for the Cadet Worlds in Miami,” Blake said.

Blake believes the secret to his success is the training program established by his coach Chris Gautier.

“Chris is always available for us,” Blake said.

“Not just me, but the whole Yuukan Judo Club.

“Chris is like my family.

“We all train together and we all go away together as a team,” Blake said.

He believes the close knit group and the extensive training program are the reasons the Yuukan Judo Club excels in competitions.

“The Nolans, the Haugheys and the Gautiers have been competing and travelling together since the club first formed in 2009.

“My coach Chris always says Judo is not just a sport, it’s a way of life.

“We compete in lots of tournaments all over Australia and the best way to cut costs is to travel together, staying in holiday houses and that is what we do.

“It’s so much fun!”

Blake is one of the senior members of the Yuukan Judo Club and according to his coach Chris is an inspiration to other members.

“Blake is the eldest senior in the club, he is a great role model to the other members and he helps me with the junior classes,” Chris said.

“As a non-for-profit club, Yuukan Judo Club is always looking for community support.

“I want to say a big thanks to Mrs J Morris and Kioloa Bawley Point Sport and Recreation Club for their help and support.”