You don't have to be a rocket scientist to excel at judo.
But there's no doubt in John Rustad's analytical mind the demands that come with 12 years of training to be a black belt in his chosen sport will help launch his career as an aerospace engineer.
Rustad, 19, and Jonathan Bergstrom, 18, both of the Hart Judo Academy, stood on their own two feet and passed their black belt grading test Sunday in Richmond.
"Judo is a combative martial art sport, lots of moving, lots of attacking and lots of trying to throw people," said Rustad, back in Prince George for the summer after competing his first year at Carleton University in Ottawa.
"The grading for the black belt is a demonstration called kata, and it requires a completely different mindset than the competing that actually got you to that stage. You have to be absolutely perfect."
Rustad, who fights in the minus-66 kilogram class, and Bergstrom (-88 kg), were paired for their grading test at Steveston Judo Club in Richmond, serving as each other's sparring partners for the benefit of the judges.
Each was required to perform a series of specific kata movements, then engage in sparring as part of the 15-minute test. For the past two months they've trained for their test four or five days per week. Bergstrom just graduated from Cedars Christian School three days before his test.
"When a kid starts judo, that's the ultimate goal for them, they want to get that black belt," said Bruce Kamstra, head instructor of the Hart Judo Academy. "I'm not at all surprised they got it. They've been working hard for a number of years and for me as a coach it's quite rewarding and I'm very proud of them."
Bergstrom is among a group of 10 Hart Judo Academy athletes who have qualified for the Canadian judo championships, July 4-7 at the Olympic Oval in Richmond. Rustad would likely be going there to compete as well, but his move to Ontario to attend Carleton prevented that. The nearest judo club to his residence in Ottawa is a two-hour bus ride away, so he decided to put his competitive career on hold while he gets his mind in shape for designing aircraft.
"Judo is kind of getting shelved by university, with the time conflicts, but as soon as I get enough spare time to keep doing judo at a simple level I'll be doing it at a competitive level again, hopefully next year," Rustad said.
