Best mates Jax Gardiner and Jyles Loder medal at judo international

A Palmerston duo was too hot to handle at the Adelaide Judo International, throwing opponents to the floor and walking away with two medals.

A thee-time world champion has led her students to titles in one of the world’s toughest martial arts.

Fighting out of The Jiu-Jitsu Studio Darwin under the tutelage of Queenie Warhurst, junior fighters Jyles Loder, 10 and Jax Gardiner, 11, put it all on the line at the Adelaide Judo International, coming away with a silver and bronze medal respectively.

“The boys did a bloody fantastic job,” coach Queenie Warhurst said.

“Up against some really tough junior competition, the two stood tall and were well deserved medallists putting together some great fights.

Palmerston duo, Jyles Loder and Jax Gardiner at the 2023 Adelaide International. Picture: Queenie Warhurst.

In capable hands, the boys ended up punching well above their weight at the titles.

“Jyles thoroughly enjoyed the event and Jax also had a brilliant time but he was a bit more nervous,” the coach said.

“They are both really passionate fighters and showed that on the floor.

“They were both cheering each other on and were super stoked for each other meddling at the event.”

Both fighting in the junior boy’s class but in different age groups, the duo had three fights in one day against elite competition.

As each fight lasts for four minutes, the bouts are a true test of not just physical but also mental toughness.

“The (fights) are definitely brutal at times,” Warhurst said.

“As you win by throwing your opponent to the floor – back must touch the mat – or pinning their arms behind them for 20 seconds, the fights are often brutal at times.

“The way you get your opponent to the floor can vary but if you don’t get them to the floor cleanly, the fight can become an on the ground affair which involves pinning your opponent and grappling.

“When the boys get older, they’ll be allowed to put their opponents into headlocks and arm-bars.”

Both the boys have told Warhurst they’re keen as can be for their next fight which is not until January in Canberra.