Khava Black carves out a name for himself in Jiu Jitsu

CONFIDENCE and control are key to success in Jiu Jitsu — and Maroubra’s Khava Black has proved once again he’s got both characteristics in spades.

Khava Black of Maroubra competed in the Pan Pacific Championship in Jiu Jitsu in Victoria last year and won gold in both the Gi and No-Gi events, tapping out both of his opponents. Picture: John Appleyard

CONFIDENCE and control are key to success in Jiu Jitsu — and Khava Black has proved once again he’s got both characteristics in spades.

The Maroubra martial arts ace last month clinched the NSW Championship title in the blue belt division. after beating both opponents by submission with a bow and arrow hold.

Khava also took bronze in the adult’s division after backing himself to compete above his weight group, and is this week’s Local Sports Star nominee in the Junior Sports Star category.

“I train with the adults at Gracie Humaita in Alexandria, which gave me the confidence — I’m used to training with heavier people,” Khava, 17, said.

“The adults are way stronger so it makes me use my technique and not just strength, there’s more thinking about it involved.”

Maroubra's Khava Black won Gold in the Blue Belt Juvenile Division at the NSW State Championship in Jiu Jitsu, after being bumped up his weight division. Picture: Supplied.

Khava has come a long way since he first started Jiu Jitsu four years ago after a family friend suggested it.

He won the NSW divisional title last year before competing in the kids’ worlds event in Los Angeles and came home with double silver, as well as an insight into the commitment it takes to compete at an international level.

Khava also took double gold at the national Pan Pacific Championships in both the Gi and No-Gi juvenile blue belt division in Victoria last December.

Khava Black (in blue) grapples with one of his coaches Owen Gee Kee at Sydney Gracie Barra in Alexandria. Picture: John Appleyard

While putting much of his time and energy into his Year 11 studies, Khava is continuing to train four days a week after school in preparation to defend his Pan Pacific titles later this year.

“I’m just staying consistent with training, I don’t want to overload myself and burn out,” he said.

“I’m also an assistant coach for the 8 to 14 year old kids which is a good experience for me.

“It makes you better as well — I think more about what I’m doing and saying.

“Some of them look up to me too which makes me feel pretty special.”