The 12-year-old, of Castle Hill, proudly won a bronze medal in the U42 kilograms/U13s division and surprised himself by winning a silver medal in the U42 kilograms/ U16s division.

The national competition was held in Canberra from June 5-8.

``I just wanted to try my best and do well,'' Cameron said.

He said he was nervous before the competition but was still ``excited''.

``The first fights are the hardest and once I kept going it got easier and I wasn't as nervous,'' he said.

Cameron, who is in year 6 at William Clarke College in Kellyville, and who also plays soccer for Glenhaven Soccer Club, competed in his first national competition last year and won a bronze medal.

He has been competing in the sport since kindergaten at the Budokan Club in Castle Hill.

He is coached by club owners Kerrye and Rob Katz (Kerrye was the state junior coach at the nationals).

This year, he has already won the ACT International Open in the Under 16s division and he is looking forward to competing in the NSW International Open in September.

Mum Sue said: ``We love the sport, it's all about fitness and challenging the mind.

``There's a real strategy to it.

``It's not about kicking and punching, like a lot of people think but more like wrestling.''

The Budokan Judo Club had 19 athletes compete at the recent nationals, and came home with one gold (won by Nathan Katz), four silver and six bronze medals.

Club details: www.budokan-judo-club.com or 96867171.