14 year-old Munro Elliott-Brooking has set himself a goal of winning a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) tournament gold medal.
Having secured a number of bronze and silver medals from 2014-2017 including another silver at last year’s NZ Grappler No Gi Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Nationals, Munro has returned from a break in training with increased focus.
His mother, Roslyn, says it’s been great to see him find his feet in a sport that he only started in 2013.
“Munro got into BJJ after getting a bit bored of Tae Kwon Do. He likes that it’s different and that you’re always learning new ways to escape from holds.”
“He’s really committed to his training and has been fortunate to get instruction from Roney Da Silva, a 2nd Dan Black Belt who is coaching his wife Kate, a fighter in the United-States based Xtreme Fighting Championships.”
Munro currently trains at Kawerau and as one of the more experienced students, regularly works with the instructors to help demonstrate correct grappling techniques to the rest of the students. Roslyn says the Charitable Trust grants Munro received in 2015 and 2016 have helped cover the significant costs associated with training and competing in competitions that are usually in Auckland.
“The best way for Munro to keep improving is getting competition experience and that means we have to travel a bit. We’re very appreciative of the Trust’s support which has helped cover some of our travel and accommodation costs as well as the cost of uniforms and belts.”
Munro currently has an orange-white belt, and hopes that, in addition to winning a gold medal, to eventually secure a black belt which could take 10 years or more to achieve.
Kia kaha Munro, we know that gold medal won’t be too far away!