Teenager Keanen Theron has been crowned the Juvenile Blue Belt Ultra-heavy weight champion for the second year running at The Australian Jiu-Jitsu National Championship.
The victory saw Keanen add to his growing list of accolades that include gold in a Grappling Industries tournament in February and silver at the Victoria Jiu-Jitsu Championships in May.
Keanen’s schedule sees him regularly travel to Sydney and Brisbane to join training days and participate in competitions.
When not on the road, he trains and teaches at the Gracie Barra Academy in Hoppers Crossing.
The 17-year-old fighter is currently completing year 12 and has been training at the gym for eight years, seven of which he has focused on Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ).
When asked about what he most enjoys about BJJ, Keanen spoke of his enthusiasm for the technical side of the sport.
“I like how technical it is and how there is always more to learn.”
As for the future, Keanen hopes to fight internationally.
Roan Theron is an instructor at Gracie Barra and explained what makes Keanen such a strong competitor on the jiu jitsu circuit.
“Keanen’s best quality as a fighter is his ability to remain calm both before and during the fight.
“He is gentle and well-mannered and loves teaching and engaging with people from the community, empowering them through teaching self-defense and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.”
The Australian Jiu-Jitsu National Championship, which is held annually at Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre, saw over 2000 athletes compete over August 17 and 18.
Jaidyn Kennedy
