Teammates Freja Ryall (from left), Professor Jeremy Janny, Hugh Donovan and Danny Wills.
Cambridge’s Hugh Donovan collected two golds at the South Pacific Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Championships over Labour Weekend.
Hugh Donovan on the podium following his no-gi win.
Donovan, a year 10 student at St Peter’s School, competed in both gi and no-gi divisions for his age and orange belt category in Auckland.
The 15-year-old won all four of his matches – three by submission and the other won decisively on points.
“I’ve been putting in a lot of effort at the velodrome with my club this year, so getting that result made it all worth it,” he said.
Coached by Jeremy Janny and David Donovan, he has trained several times a week all year to develop his strength, fitness and technical skill.
Donovan has spent five years under the tutelage of Janny, a black belt from Cambridge Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.
Hugh Donovan receiving medal for no-gi competition. Photo: Supplied
In that time, he has won gold medals at the New Zealand nationals and North Island competitions.
He believes dedication is the secret to his success so far.
“Turning up to training every week even when I don’t feel like it. I also keep my fitness and strength up through boxing classes which has helped a lot,” Donovan said. “I train three days a week in Brazilian jiu jitsu and get cardio work in most days.”
Donovan also helps teach two classes each week – 5-7-year-olds and 8-13-year-olds.
His successes qualifies him for international competitions next year.
“There’s an Oceania competition coming up in the Gold Coast in June 2026 and I also have my eye on the world championships in Tokyo in September 2026.”
Others trained by Janny also won medals in Auckland.
Whangamatā youngsters Danny Wills and Freja Ryall won a gold and silver respectively. Tairua had three medallists. Zara Smith gained bronze while Gareth Beatson and Dylan Curtin took home gold in the adults’ competition.
Donovan says he grateful for the support from his club.
“I like the intensity of rolling at competitions – when it’s a real match, it’s game on and you have to give it everything you’ve got,” Donovan said.
“When I’m in the middle of a match, I’m so focused I can’t even hear the crowd shouting. I love how our club feels like a big community. Everyone supports each other and it’s awesome having your teammates cheering you on.”
Teammates Freja Ryall (from left), Professor Jeremy Janny, Hugh Donovan and Danny Wills. Photo: Supplied
