Parents and trainers of an Erin District High School student continue to be amazed by the successes of the 14-year-old.
Noah DiNola is headed to the Jiu Jitsu World Championships in Kazakhstan this August.
DiNola won gold in April at the Canadian Nationals, qualifying him for international competition. He will be competing in the U-100-pound, U-16 yellow belt division.
He said it was quite the experience, and the mental component of Jiu Jitsu is and was crucial.
DiNola noted the magnitude of the possible tournament outcome really struck him when he walked into the large Scarborough gym hosting the Nationals.
The teen trains six days a week between three different gyms.
He says even though his yellow belt status has changed his fights, he will continue to focus on new techniques and styles to ensure the success continues.
DiNola began training at four years of age.
His mother Janan has had a front-row seat to watch him thrive and feels truly inspired by her son’s work ethic.
Scott Blazey, DiNola’s trainer at Blaze Performance Training in Orangeville, believes the 14-year-old would be hard-pressed to come across someone with an edge over him.
DiNola is hoping to receive sponsors to help pay for the trip to Kazakhstan.
A Go Fund Me page has been started with a target of $5,000 and so far, $1,600 has been raised.
