Two young martial artists from Peterborough made their mark at the National Judo Championships in Calgary, bringing home an impressive haul of medals and national recognition.
Akshila Amarasinghe and Avery Fam, training under Sensei Paul Teleki at the Ninja Academy, earned gold, silver, and two bronze medals at the national competition on May 15th. The pair were also acknowledged by the national awards committee for competing in the most divisions at the championships.
Most notably, they took gold in Kime-no-kata, a highly respected kata known for its emphasis on self-defence techniques against close-range armed and unarmed attacks. The form is not only used in high-level competition but also plays a crucial role in grading for advanced black belts.
“Kime-no-kata is one of the most demanding and respected forms in Judo,” said Sensei Paul Teleki. “It speaks volumes about Avery and Akshila’s discipline and dedication that they excelled in it at a national level.”
In addition to their achievements on the mat, both teens serve as mentors in their community, regularly helping to teach Ninja Kids and Judo classes at the Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre.
“Avery and Akshila practice early mornings on weekends and make time around their studies, volunteering and work to get these results,” said Teleki. “What speaks most about their character is their desire to return to training immediately—despite back-to-back years of success at Nationals, they’re already preparing for their next shiai competition.”
Their leadership continues beyond the dojo. This summer, the duo will once again lead an athletic summer camp at the Navy Club for children aged 7 to 13. Last year, they guided young athletes in a variety of sports including track and field, baseball, and Judo.
“They’re continually refining the next generation of athletes through leadership by example,” Teleki added. “It’s amazing to be part of their journey—they’re ushering in the next wave of local sports talent.”
The achievements of Avery and Akshila are made possible through a partnership between the Ninja Academy, the Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre, and the City of Peterborough.
