Harrison inspires young athletes

BEAVERCREEK, Ohio (WDTN) - Young athletes are practicing Judo at the Dayton Mixed Martial Arts Academy in hopes of becoming the next American to bring home Olympic gold.

"I want to be in the Olympics so I can do Judo and throw somebody hard, says Brayden "The Dragon" Esposito.

The 10-year-old is working hard to get there.

"I'm going to do it by working out, practice, dedication, effort," explains Esposito.

With Kayla Harrison becoming the first American to win Olympic gold in Judo, he says it gives him motivation. But, he will have some tough competition from his fellow classmate Caroline Evans.

"I think it will inspire me. You know, that a girl can do it and she's from our country and everything. Not that much older than me," comments Caroline.

She says she's ready for a fight, "I think it's pretty cool, being a girl, being able to beat up some boys."

Judo instructor Chris Collins says no matter your gender, it's a positive thing for the sport overall.

"It's really awesome just, first of all, being able to see, judo so highly celebrated in the United States. Especially when it's been seeing a drop in popularity but now it's starting to comeback, explains Collins.

The Academy offers a free first week of classes. For more information, go here.