Our squad competed in their biggest competition to date, the British Schools Championship held at the English Institute of Sport Sheffield.
This tournament is run like an international with the aim of introducing young judoka to this environment. it can be daunting, stepping into a huge hall with multiple mat areas, a warm up area, holding area, screens everywhere live streaming the contests and rolling call list you need to watch.
Its always great going away for the weekend with the squad, catching up with parents and players in cafes and bars, seeing the team socialise outside of the club and building that team spirit.
For most of the team this was their first experience at this level and it’s a lot to take in.
Saturday saw seven of the team compete over the day. There are no easy fights at the schools! Cedric and Tom were literally first up, following weigh in and a group warm up they were straight into the action both winning their opening rounds. After a tough day Cedric finished with a bronze, bouncing back after his semi final loss to win the bronze final with some nice throws and newaza transition. Tom had 5 fights, the most of anyone of the team, 3 good wins with ippon and wazari scores he ended his day with a 7th, his tactical development was evident seeing out tough rounds against good opponents.
When I saw the draw I thought I’d have time in between weights, but that didn’t work out😂.
Next up was Iestyn who almost won his first fight with a good counter attack and then with a big garuma that unfortunately got countered. Following a final loss his day was over but great experience gained. Next up was Charlie in the over 73s, and they were big! Charlie clocked up 4 fights in the end, the most he’s faced in a single competition, a very nice tano-o-toshi had the score overturned and some really good seoi and uchimata throws. Charlie ended the day with a 5th place finish and came very close to adding another bronze.
First up in the year 10/11 group was Oli, and on the back of recent performance and training we were looking at a medal if not gold. In an epic first bout (and I’ve re watched the fight many times) Oli threw his opponent multiple times, strangled and almost pined him. Unfortunately during one attack Oli sustained a head injury and was medically withdrawn in golden score. His opponent went on to win gold!
Last up on Saturday was Zoe. She hasn’t competed for a number of years but that didn’t show! Following a good attack in her first fight she was caught in an arm bar but went on to dominate her next fight with a big throw and newaza transition. Following some 50/50 calls in her last match Zoe ended in 5th place.
After a well earned evening at Pizza Hut I was ready to do it all again on Sunday! 😁
Raf was our only competitor in the year 12/13 section and in the heavyweights so it was a long day. Again Raf has not competed for years, after 4 rounds Raf finished in 7th. He was up a score against the eventual gold medalist with a great urinage throw but couldn’t quite hold on in the dying seconds of the match. Definitely shows he’s not far of the pace at this level.
As always, incredibly proud of the team, not just for their performance on the mat which clearly shows their drive and determination but also the way they conduct themselves off the mat, helping and supporting each other all weekend
Onto the next 🏴
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