THE National Judo Championships two weeks ago saw three talented youngsters keeping it in the family as they swept the board, each bringing back a medal in their respective events.o

The tournament, held at Crystal Palace, boasted just under 900 competitors from across Great Britain including two Enfield schoolboys.o

Salisbury School's Jayson Fairbairn, 14, of Walthamstow is ranked number one for London and Great Britain and he proved that those titles are merited when he returned from the championships with a gold medal in the U81kg event.

This was the second year running that Jayson clinched the top spot on the podium, retaining his place in the Great Britain National Cadet Squad.

Jayson said: "It was harder this time around as I was in a higher weight group than last time and that jump up makes a lot of difference."

Jayson was joined by his cousin, Julian Kerr, 15, who was fighting in the U66kg section. Julian completed a hat-trick of golds, claiming first place for the third successive year.

The boy from Woodford Green, who attends Latymer school in Enfield, was congratulated for his achievement by being given a free judo suit and was interviewed by the official BJA magazine.

He said: "It certainly doesn't get easier each year. I thought it would be harder this time around because everyone is gunning for you and you are the person to beat.

"You get to know the circuit and get a good understanding of who to look out for. We also go on trips with the club so you get to know everyone on a better level."

The pair both have Sports Aid grants, and Jayson is sponsored by Waltham Forest Council, and the funding they receive helps towards all of their training expenses.

Jayson's 12-year-old sister, Colleen, fought in the U48kg section and following her gold medal win last year, she picked up the bronze this time around.

Colleen also earned a place in the girls National Cadet squad to represent Great Britain.

She said: "There are a few girls competing, but while there are not as many as in the mens, they are getting into the sport.

"I went up a category this year which made it harder for me as this time round I was the youngest and the lightest in my section."

The boys' success follows their call up to a nine boy team that represented Britain in Strasbourg in October, Julian coming fifth and Jayson finishing seventh, helping the British team win the tournament.