Serena Cape becomes North of England Judo Champion

Serena Cape

Serena Cape, 12, has become the North of England Judo Champion in the 57kg classification.

Serena, who trains four times a week at Rochdale Judo Club having only taken up Judo last year, competed in the championships last month and beat all comers to be crowned champion.

Having taken up the sport after watching her younger brother train, Serena said: “It looked like such great fun, I just wanted to give it a try. I’m really enjoying Judo, especially when I train with the black belts in the senior groups.”

Serena is now looking forward to her next competition, the County Championships on Sunday 21 June, as this can lead to a place on the BJA North West Regional Squad.

“After that I’ve got my next grading and hope to move up to the next belt,” she explained. “Hopefully we can attract more junior and senior members to the club as we have great coaches.”