SouthWest Judo Academy’s Sensei Jacob Read represented Australia at the 2026 Taipei Asian Open in Chinese Taipei, marking his first international competition since 2019.
After a typhoon delayed the competition, Jacob took to the mat for the opening contest on Sunday, 12 July, competing in the Senior Men’s −60 kg division.
Jacob faced Korea’s Hanjun Kim in the Round of 32, with the pair the only athletes in the division who did not receive a first-round bye.
Jacob took an early lead with a yuko before Kim fought back to win the contest, ending Jacob’s competition. Kim went on to claim gold, with Jacob the only opponent to score against him throughout the event.
Although his competition ended in the opening round, scoring against the eventual champion was a positive moment in Jacob’s return to the international circuit.
Following the event, Jacob stayed in Taipei to participate in the international training camp, gaining further experience to bring back to the dojo and share with SouthWest athletes.
Congratulations, Sensei Jacob, on representing Australia and SouthWest Judo Academy on the international stage.
