Ben has been on the mat and a member of the club virtually since birth but formally started lessons just before his 5th Birthday.  Progressing through the primary grades Ben achieved the highest grade possible with a year to spare and on his 10th Birthday was converted to Orange Belt by Mr Hosaka (Kodakan 8th Dan) on his visit to the club. Ben progressed through the junior grades achieving the highly coveted green and 3 Black tabs (junior black belt) at the St. Ives Easter course in 2011. The first person in the club to achieve this grade in over 12 years. During his time as a junior grade, Ben has competed at International, National and Area level competitions, winning medals at such prestigious events as the Southend International, Kent International, Junior Nationals and Welsh Nationals.  Ben has also been a member of the national squad since 2011. In recognition of his achievements as a junior, Ben was promoted to 2nd kyu (blue belt) on his 16th birthday by the Cornwall Area president (John Couch 6th Dan) In January 2012 Ben was nominated and short listed for the BJC junior judoka of the year. Injury kept Ben off the mat from December 2011-April 2012 but he returned in May 2012 winning Silver at the BJC Nationals. As a result Ben was selected to represent the BJC at the Ippon trophy competition in Antwerp, Belgium. On 22nd July 2012 Ben attended the Devon area grading where having beaten everyone put before him he was promoted to 1st kyu (brown belt) 33 days later, Ben attended the Bognor Regis summer course and grading where he again fought fantastically and was promoted to 1st Dan by the president at the age of 16 years 8 months and 25 days, currently the youngest in the BJC.  Ben joins Nigel and Chris as Sensei David's 3rd home grown Dan grade. Ben has also Qualified, as a Level 2 coach and "Area" level referee. Ben was also voted as BJC Senior Judoka of the year 2013.