When Jackson Minnick steps onto the mat for a judo competition, it’s just him and his opponent.
The 18-year-old blocks out the cheers from the crowd, announcements echoing in the background, and zones in on the task at hand – how do I beat the athlete in front of me?
“I just focus on the things I have to do and what I worked on in training,” Minnick said. “Just doing everything right and finding the best way to beat my opponent … It’s just about how they react to my movements.”
Now, the Belmont Secondary school student will be taking his skills to the next level. Minnick has seen selected by Judo Canada to compete in the under 21 category at the Pan Am Championships in Argentina in July.
“I was pretty surprised,” said Minnick on being selected. “My goal would be to win a medal, but it will be pretty tough. I’m hoping for that.”
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Minnick’s passion for judo began about nine years ago when a friend invited him to take part in a judo lesson at a club in Langford. While he admits he doesn’t remember much about that first lesson, what he does remember is that he fell in love with the sport instantly.
Since then, Minnick has been training with the Victoria Judo Club at S.J. Willis Education Centre. He’s no stranger to competition. Every year, he competes in 10 to 12 tournaments a year.
This year, he took home bronze at several tournaments and came first during another tournament in Edmonton in March. He also took part in a competition in France where he placed fifth in the senior category.
In the weeks leading up to the Pan Am Championships, Minnick will continue practising four to five times a week, as well as doing cardio and lifting weights. He travelled to Vancouver for additional training a few weeks ago as well. Later this month Minnick will also be competing in the junior and men’s categories in the Canada Cup – a tournament he’ll use as practice ahead of the Pan Am Championships.
“It like how it’s an individual sport. You get out what you put in, it doesn’t depend on anyone else,” he said. “I just like the physicality of it. It’s fun competing against other people.”
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