Junior Sports Star nominee Isaiah Lazaro a Brazillian Jiu Jitsu champ
ISAIAH Lazaro is really two champions — one for Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and one for the anti-bullying cause.
West
Don't miss out on the headlines from West. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Doug Conway
Text title here
Isaiah Lazaro is really two champions — one for Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and one for the anti-bullying cause.
He uses his status as champ to teach kids at the Gracie Barra gym in Kings Park to stand up to bullies — but with words rather than fists.
“Being physical is always a last resort,” said the Blacktown 14-year-old, who recently won the NSW under-14 title in the 54-56kg class.
“I teach them how to get out of a situation and, how to say no to bullies with passive hands, not fighting fists.”
But the student at St Andrew’s College, Marayong, acknowledges the confidence and self-esteem that come from martial arts that can really play a beneficial role.
One of the factors that drew him to jiu jitsu was the concept that a smaller, weaker person can successfully defend against a bigger, stronger assailant by using technique, leverage and taking the fight to the ground before applying joint locks and choke holds.
“It’s awesome to wrestle big guys and take them down,” he said.
Isaiah’s most notable performance to date was a silver medal at last year’s world titles in California. He is also Pan-Asian champion and is sponsored by an American sports equipment company.
But his dad David said his victories do not define him.
“He has the heart and courage to never stop no matter how difficult the challenges are,” he said.
“He helps in making this world a better place by being an advocate of anti-bullying and he is a very good role model to his peers and school community.”
He said Isaiah’s reputation often preceded him, scaring off potential competitors. He only had to face two opponents, for example, in the recent state titles.
“When they know his name is there, no one joins in,” he said.
“That’s why we enter late.”
Isaiah has been nominated for a Junior Sports Star Award, sponsored by Rebel Sport. To nominate someone email juniorsportsstar.com.au
Covid causes havoc, heartbreak in junior sport
One of the biggest netball events in Australia and a rugby match featuring rising stars have fallen victim to the Sydney Covid outbreak - affecting more than 2000 kids.
Old rivalry adds spice to Swifts first home game
It’s one of netball’s longest and fiercest rivalries and it will form the backstory to the NSW Swift’s first Super Netball home game in more than a year. FULL DRAW REVEALED.