GERARD Takayawa eats, sleeps, dreams judo and has only one mission – to be Fiji’s next judo star.
“I love judo, and I want to win medals for Fiji someday. ” Takayawa told this newspaper.
The young lad from Tovu Village in Totoya, Lau, with maternal links in Tonga, comes from a great judo family legacy with his uncles, siblings and cousins all having represented Fiji in the sport.
Takayawa finished Year 8 at the Dayspring Christian College in Tamavua and is headed to Suva Grammar School this year.
Standing at 1.83 metres and weighing 81 kilograms, the soft-spoken giant tends to do his talking on the mat.
Takayawa left Fiji’s shores recently for Ryugasaki City in the Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan.
He first learned Judo when he was seven years old, watching his brother and uncles in action.
He is attending a three-week training camp at the Ryutsu Keizai University and will learn from some of the greatest judo experts.
“The first time I went to the training camp was very scary.”
He first went in December of 2017 for a three-month stint when 11-years-old.
Takayawa said the sessions were so intense on his first trip that there were moments the pain was unbearable.
“I had a lot of bruises and cried because it hurt so much.”
But he never gave up.
Takayawa was commended by instructors on the strength of his character, his determination and the never give up attitude he brought to the game.
“I am going back again now, and I know I will enjoy it this time around because although the pain is there, I have to remember I do this for my family and for Fiji.”
