Judo sensation Archie Strang completes clean sweep of titles

Archie Strang, 14, of Tranent, claimed glory at the pre-cadet Scottish, English, Irish, Welsh and British Opens, completing the rare feat of holding all the titles for his age-group.

The Ross High School pupil’s talent was reflected by the manner of his victories across all the tournaments, winning by the judo equivalent of a knockout, ippon, on virtually every occasion.

Raymond Strang, Archie’s father, said: “He won his semi-final in the British by waza-ari, but other than that every other fight he’s had has been won by ippon. It’s almost like a 99 per cent success rate.”

Archie took up the sport at age five and has been developing ever since, learning from his brother Finlay, 16, who has also claimed numerous national titles.

Archie Strang has collected an impressive selection of titles

Archie said: “I’ve never wanted to ever face him in a competition because he’s always been my biggest help and he’s always been leading the way for me, leading from the front the whole time.

“So I learn from all his mistakes, and he gives me a lot of advice.

“There may be a little rivalry but there’s no serious one.”

Davie Reilly, head coach at Danderhall Judo Club, has coached Archie from a young age and says his development has been incredible.

He said: “He came as a wee quiet boy, and he was OK, but he just got better and better.

“He has talent in abundance, but it is his temperament that stands out.

“To clear the board is just tremendous, and because of his nature, if he wants he can go far in this sport – he can go all the way.”

Archie will now head to Sweden to represent Scotland and take his judo skills to the international stage this month, and challenge himself at the next weight category.

Raymond said: “He’s been completely dominating domestically to the point where when he goes to Sweden he’s going to fight at his next weight category, which is 55kg, not because he’s growing and putting on extra weight but to keep pushing himself with one eye on the British Championships again in December.”

Archie Strang with dad Raymond and brother Finlay

Archie will now make the move to the next age group level (cadet) of judo, where the addition of chokes and armbars will change the dynamic, but he is excited to move and develop his fighting skills.

He said: “It will change your style of judo, as a lot of chokes and armbars take place on the ground and maybe you’re looking to do it more, or defend it more, so when it comes about you’ve got to be prepared to do it and prepared to defend it.”

Archie welcomed the challenge and was excited at the prospect of taking it to the next level.

He said: “My goal has always been to try and make it to the Olympics, the Worlds and the Europeans.

“It’s going to be a really hard challenge for me, and I’m excited to do it but, in order to progress and move on, I’ve got to do it.”