Dylan Murcott From Timid To Tough

Dylan Murcott appears to be a timid boy.

The Year 10 at Otago Boys’ High School is softly spoken and shy.

He is hardly built like a Sherman tank either, but he is one of the toughest Judo fighters in the South Island.

At the South Island championships in Christchurch he won two gold medals, one in his weight category and one in the open weight category for 11-14 year old’s.

Murcott hasn’t been defeated since June 2014, that’s more than twenty fights ago.

“I got into Judo five years ago. I was being bullied at school and my Dad was concerned so he got me enrolled in a karate class, ” Murcott explains.


“I didn’t enjoy karate so we tried Tawikendo. I didn’t like that either so we finally settled on Judo.”

Murcott belongs to the Renshuden club. He trains six days a week while also playing competitive volleyball and hockey.

Murcott’s early forays in competitive Judo were disastrous.

“I lost my first competitive fight in front of 200 people in Christchurch. I was so upset and embarrassed I withdrew myself from the whole competition,” Murcott recalls.

Murcott gradually grew in stature. He won two bronze medals at South Island championships in the junior category.

Each event typically consists of five fights, three in the round robin, a semi-final and a final.

At this year’s South Island championships Murcott won four fights in a row to reach the open final against clubmate and long-time rival Martin Dridder.

“It’s always a tough match against Martin. We are really even. He has beaten me and I have beaten him."

In the first week of term four Murcott will compete at the National Championships in Tauranga. Up to 50 fighters will compete. Last year didn’t go well for Murcott.

“I got stage fright and didn’t perform. I have to be more confident this year. If I am, I should do well,” Murcott concludes.

Did You Know?

Moira de Villier attended the Olympics in Judo for New Zealand in London in 2012.

In the Canterbury Open judo competition in Christchurch he came away with three gold’s. one was uncontested as no one was in his weight grade, He had to go up a weight grade where he fought a heavier boy in a best out of three, Dylan won 2 -1 and gained gold.

Dylan has battled constant injures. He has ripped ligaments in knees and shoulder and broken a wrist.

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