Izzy Everest Earns Well-Deserved Black Belt Achievement

Izzy Everest has added another incredible milestone to her inspiring judo journey after officially achieving her 1st Dan black belt – despite using a wheelchair user full-time.

The achievement marks the culmination of years of dedication, resilience and passion for the sport, with Izzy’s promotion approved following a successful assessment conducted by Senior Examiner Kim Tilley at Westerleigh Judo Club.

Izzy’s journey through judo has inspired people across the country and beyond. Training at Westerleigh Judo Club alongside mainstream athletes, she has consistently challenged perceptions around disability in sport while becoming a European Adaptive Champion, World Kata Champion and one of the leading voices for inclusion within judo.

Reflecting on her achievement, Izzy said:

“Fourteen years after first stepping onto the mat beside my dad I have earned my black belt not by racing to the finish but by finding the strength, love and belief to know I was finally worthy of it.”

Earlier this year, Izzy attended a Dan Grading at Westerleigh Judo Club to carry out her assessment as part of her application for a competitive 1st Dan. During the session, Izzy demonstrated her ability in randori against opponents of varying grades and sizes before completing her competitive skills assessment.

Speaking about the experience, Tilley said:

“In March, I went to Westerleigh Judo Club to carry out an assessment for Izzy Everest in order to try to help her achieve her competitive 1st Dan.

“I observed her doing randori against several opponents of varying grades and sizes. I then carried out her competitive skills assessment, thinking that she would have to tell other players what she wanted them to do – I couldn’t have been more wrong!

“The number of times when I said the name of the technique to be told that ‘I’ve adapted that one’ was remarkable. She sailed through both with flying colours and had already obtained her Kata certificate.

“It was an honour and a privilege to be able to help Izzy achieve this feat and it is so well deserved.”

Izzy’s black belt success is the latest chapter in a remarkable sporting story that has already inspired many across the judo community and beyond. From many medals picked up through Adaptive Kata, to being recognised with the Disabled Sports Personality of the Year award at the Sussex Sports Awards for her achievements both on and off the tatami.

Everyone at British Judo would like to congratulate Izzy on this fantastic and richly deserved achievement as she adds the title of black belt holder to an already extraordinary judo journey.

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