Charlotte Paterson (15) from Dianella received a scholarship for her Jujutsu. The scholarship will provide Charlotte tuition, equipment and seminars to continue her personal development.
Camera IconCharlotte Paterson (15) from Dianella received a scholarship for her Jujutsu. The scholarship will provide Charlotte tuition, equipment and seminars to continue her personal development. Credit: Supplied/Andrew Ritchie

Dianella teen receives Variety WA scholarship for Jujutsu

Julian WrightEastern Reporter

THIS month marks four years since Charlotte Paterson (15) took up Jujutsu, but it is not the only reason for her to celebrate.

The Dianella resident is one of 34 people to receive a share in more than $90,000 of Variety WA scholarships across arts, sports and education.

Charlotte, who has autism and a condition that affects her chromosomes, has excelled in her sport since taking it up in 2013, starting in kid’s classes and graduating to adult classes.

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Since 2016, she has also stepped up her combat skills by learning the martial art Pencak Silat.

Her passion for martial arts influenced her older brother to follow in her footsteps.

“I did Jujutsu first and then I asked my brother if he wanted to do it; he thought he would give it a try,” she said.

“I like doing kicks and sometimes rolls; I am good on the pressure point holds, I practice on dad.

“Pressure holds is when you find the weakest spot and you press hard; you can use two fingers or one.

“With a small amount of effort, a lot of pain is induced.”

Charlotte said she would like to continue to learn Jujutsu.

“I do want to keep going further but I also like doing a bit of basketball and soccer; I used to play netball but had to stop, and also horse riding because I love horses, and I may also start rock climbing,” she said.

The former John Septimus Roe Anglican Community School student recently transferred to the Arrowsmith Program in the CBD, which focuses on cognitive exercises.

Scholarship recipients will attend a ceremony tonight at the Heath Ledger Theatre.