Blackawton pupil Oliver Smith has clocked up a Devon judo triumph representing his county in a Westcountry clash.

The 11-year-old had been selected to compete in the Devon under 12s judo team which took part in the West Of England Counties Team Judo competition last Sunday.

The Devon team took the gold medal lifting the Ken Eales trophy as Oliver remained undefeated in all of his Under 46kg bouts – notably dispatching the Bristol Team competitor in just five seconds.  

This was also Oliver's first competition in the under 46kg class.

As a member of the Ronindo Budo Kai Judo Club, Oliver has progressed steadily through his gradings under the coaching and mentoring of the club's head coach Ray Brown.

Oliver first stepped onto the training mat in 2007, joining Ronindo Budo Kai in Dartmouth's Leisure Centre.  

Since then he has progressed through gradings and most recently has passed an examination for his orange belt.  

Oliver now trains in Ronindo's more advanced class at Totnes Pavilions and at any county training sessions, and he is very keen to get to as many training sessions as possible either at club or county level.

Oliver's dad Nick Smith said: 'Oliver has made me extremely proud to be his father and this is without doubt down to Ronindo head coach Ray Brown, who has developed Oliver's confidence and determination.

'As a young child, Oliver was very unassuming and quite reserved, but since joining Ronindo Budo Kai he has come on in leaps and bounds.  If nothing else, Ray has developed the courage and strength of mind within Oliver and this is very obvious when Oliver steps onto the mat during competitions.  It is quite heart-stopping at times watching my son compete and the sense of elation is fantastic when he achieves at club, county and now regional level.

'I would recommend to all parents to consider encouraging their children to take up judo.  The benefits are nothing short of amazing as the discipline and etiquette of judo provide young children with a life skill.  I am deeply indebted to Ray as he has developed my son into a fit and successful competitor who gets so much from his judo.'  

Oliver has been selected to take part in the National Schools Championships in Sheffield on March 10 and will represent Blackawton Primary School.

His dad said: 'Oliver knows that he will be severely tested at national level but he is really looking forward to the experience and hopes to return back to Devon with a medal.'