Wakefield teenager wins three World Championship gold medals after stepping up to adult competition
Ethan David from Wakefield has returned from the Sport Aikido World Championships in Poland with five medals, including three gold medals and two bronze medals, after competing against international athletes from across the world.
The championships, organised by the World Sport Aikido Federation (WSAF), brought together competitors from a range of countries to compete in events including kata and randori.
The 18-year-old's biggest achievement came in the Men's Team Randori event, where he won gold alongside his Yorkshire teammates against adult competitors.
Ethan also won gold in the adult kata events with partner Georgia Robson, showcasing the technical skill and preparation required to compete at the highest level.
Reflecting on his World Championship experience, Ethan said: "I'm incredibly grateful to all of my coaches, teammates, training partners and everyone who has helped me get to this point.
"I'm extremely proud of what the squad achieved at the World Championships, and especially proud of seeing the younger athletes step up and achieve their own success.
"I hope our achievements help people see Sport Aikido for what it is — a demanding and competitive martial art."
Sport Aikido is a competitive form of the Japanese martial art that focuses on live sparring, throws, joint locks, timing and movement. Athletes train to apply techniques against resisting opponents in competition.
Ethan trains in Kodokan Aikido and has developed his skills through both traditional training and cross-training in other martial arts, including Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, wrestling, MMA training and kickboxing.
His approach has helped him develop an adaptable and competitive style, allowing him to perform against experienced adult athletes on the international stage.
In addition to his competition success, Ethan has continued to build connections within the international Sport Aikido community. Following his performances, he has been invited to train and connect with athletes and coaches from countries including Poland, Spain, Japan, Slovakia and more.
Alongside his own competition career, Ethan is also a coach at Ichiban Dojo Leeds and one of the coaches for the Junior National Squad.
He regularly travels internationally to teach seminars and helps support the development of younger martial artists in both the UK and overseas while continuing to compete at an international level.
Following his success in Poland, Ethan is now preparing for the European Championships in Poland next year and continuing his long-term development ahead of the next World Championships in Spain in 2029.
The achievement marks another milestone in Ethan's goal of helping grow Sport Aikido competition and Kodokan Aikido in the UK through competing internationally, coaching, and supporting the next generation of athletes.