4 June 2025

Braydon Robus Becomes Double European Judo Champion

Photo: European Judo Union Kata Champions

East Sussex College Hastings student Braydon Robus, 17, has made history for the second time – returning from the European Judo Union Kata Championships in Riga, Latvia, as a double European champion.

Photo: European Judo Union Kata Championss

Braydon, who is currently studying Art & Design Level 2, competed alongside his kata partner, Isabelle Everest, 18, defending their title in Adapted Nage-no-Kata and once again coming away as European Judo Union Kata Champions.

Not only have the pair won gold for the second year running, they remain the only British kata duo ever to medal at the prestigious competition.

Braydon said, “We were working on flow. Getting rid of that momentary pause, just going straight into the technique. Letting Uke lead, then Tori takes over seamlessly.”

His journey in judo is one of true determination. Braydon lives with iris coloboma, a visual defect, as well as autism, ADHD, and dyslexia - challenges that made focus and coordination difficult when he first started.

“It was hard at the start to stay focused,” he admitted. “But judo has really helped with that. It has taught me discipline and patience. I have come a long way.”

Everyone at East Sussex College is incredibly proud of Braydon’s success and inspired by his dedication, resilience, and achievement on the international stage.


Quotes and background information sourced from the European Judo Union: Unspoken Strength