Esther Ribeiro
Esther is 8-years old and active in Judo. She is currently a yellow belt. She has a sister that's 4 yrs old, Rachel. She is enrolled in 3rd grade at Hayestown Ave School in Danbury, CT.
Esther started practicing Judo at the age of 4 through the encouragement of her dad Marcelo Ribeiro, who is also a Judoka (brown belt). Esther practices twice a week at War Memorial Judo Club with Sensei John Valerio Pereira and twice a week at Emmanuel Church in Danbury, CT where her dad volunteered to start up a program for children to practice Judo.
She has collected many trophies, medals and has many competitions under her belt at such an early age. This young athlete is a three-time winner of the Nutmeg State Championship in CT. She has also placed second twice at the Morris cup and three first places at NJ State Tournaments.
Next year, Esther’s parents want her to compete tournaments of higher level such as Junior national, AM & CAN Junior Challenge and Junior US Open. It
“It is a honor for her to be voted USA Judo’s athlete of the month. She will continue practicing and dedicating her time to Judo and hoping soon to be a World and Olympic Champion” Says proud dad, Marcelo Ribeiro.