By Cam Lucadou-Wells
It’s not exactly the case of ‘like father, like son’ for a Lyndhurst family of champion judo exponents.
Will and Priscilla Tai Tin instead followed their brilliant children Ethan and Lily into a sport that’s given them a new lease of life.
That’s beside an impressive collection of trophies.
At recent national championships, Lily, 10, triumphed beyond her age division – winning the under 12s, under-36 kilogram division.
Ethan, 12, was runner-up in the national under 15s category.
They share a lofty goal of competing in Olympics.
Meanwhile, Dad was runner-up and Mum placed third in their divisions less than two years after taking up the sport.
Life has changed markedly since the parents started their four-day weekly training regimen at Taketani Judo Academy at Huntingdale.
Both dropped significant weight – Will down from 120 kilos to 70, Priscilla shedding 20.
“We had no idea about judo before we started … my background is from rugby,” Will said.
“We never dreamed we’d be competing together in nationals.”
Will has also restored some work-life balance. He trains with his family rather than working long hours of overtime.
“I feel so much better and alive,” Will said.
“It’s not a chore with judo. There’s a lot of fun – the kids get to see their parents enjoying the same thing they’re doing.
“I feel more present with the kids and their development.
“It’s brought the family closer.”
Priscilla was happier, challenging herself at training nights rather than preparing dinners and cleaning home.
“I just feel motivated to keep going. You have really good sportspeople around you and good coaches to push you.
“Age is no limit.
“When you’re on the mat and competing with girls and women younger than you, they look up to older people.
“They’re not just people to throw on the mat, they’re like family.”
Both kids train and compete six days a week.
Ethan cross-trains in karate and mixed martial arts, and coaches four- and five-year-olds.
Though he often thinks about his judo, it has mellowed his perfectionism, his parents say.
Lily has a more instinctive approach, and is revered as a role-model for other girls at the dojo – or training academy.
“It’s a tough sport for girls early on,” Will says.
“In the early years there’s no separation of male and female competitors.”
The family live by a common judo motto – they leave everything on the mat.
They train and compete their best, but don’t take the wins and losses too seriously, Will says.
It’s not about “beating people up” but embodying persistence, resilience and confidence, he says.
“We come off the mat happy – that’s the main thing.”
