MATCH REPORTS Jan-Jun 2008

6th January - South Coast Mini-Mon, Worthing, Sussex

The excellent Ali was our only entry in this year's first EJC trip and he gave us a fantastic start to the year. His judo was superb as he worked his way into the final. The final was a tougher bout and Ali had to settle for a silver, but it was a great day for him. Well done Ali.

Ali with his medal in Worthing.

10th January - EJC New Year Knock Out

Twenty-six of our wonderful beginners trooped out to compete at this fun and friendly home event. The results follw:

GOLD Marius Maillefaud
GOLD James Sookias
GOLD Showgo Kimura
GOLD Matthew Butcher
GOLD Ibrahim Abdelaal
GOLD Maxime Cacaly
GOLD Alexander Legon
GOLD Luka Kljutic
GOLD Georgina White
GOLD Daniel Vary
GOLD Bojan Cecaric
SILVER Tohgo Mikura
SILVER Sam Butcher
SILVER Andrew Aresti
SILVER Amir Asgari
SILVER Ali Abdelaal
SILVER Jack Mouradian
SILVER Jonathan Sookias
SILVER Hanna Toogood
BRONZE Mathilde Cacaly
BRONZE Popi Aresti
BRONZE Matthieu Duarte
BRONZE Paul Duarte
BRONZE Pierre Maillefaud
BRONZE Laurence Legon
BRONZE Elliot Hawkins-Ahmed

There was an impressive display of judo from these youngsters. They have all started the year magnificently. A special outstanding performance award was presented to Georgina for her efforts, especially as it was her first experience of contest judo - she showed great promise and great spirit.

26th January - Newburn Age & Grade Banded, Newcastle

This was an absolutely excellent event for our young fighting squad. Although it was run a bit slower than we would have like (long drive home and all that...) it was the perfect level. The organisers were so welcoming and the bacon rolls were a pleasant breakfast treat.

In the Under 10's section we entered just Showgo and Ali. I believe this pair will dominate in their categories as they come up through the ranks. They are focussed, train hard and listen well. Their judo is superb for such young EJC members. Suffice it to say they both won gold. Well done boys.

Yugo was our only member in the under 16 yellow belt section, but he performed excellently, taking a silver.

Then in the any grade u18 section 5 more EJC super stars took to the mat. Elliott Chamberlain gave an astoundingly confident performance, considering it was his first tournament for over a year and a half. No medal, but a great display.

Conor fought very well in his new weight group and took a bronze to boot. Some lovely footwork earned him his medal. Lucy, was strong and uninhibited as always, fighting much older girls as if she was the seasoned pro, not them. She worked hard and won herself a bronze as a reward for her efforts.

Harkirat then won a silver in the 36's and Akhil was commanding and cool on his journey to the gold. Well done all; it was a lovely weekend, made so by the company of our great fighters. Also, a big thank you to Conor's dad, Harry, who stepped in at the last minute to drive with us.

Harry with some of the stonking EJC fighters at Newburn.

3rd February - Midland Age Banded, Walsall, Midlands

Rohan has improved sooooo much over the last year or so! At the Nationals he pulled a terrific bronze medal. Well, this weekend he consolidated that result earning himself another bronze. This puts Rohan in line to be invited to the European selection fight off event in Sheffield in March. Still a year young in the age band - what an achievement. Well done Rohan. Keep up the good work.

16th February - Alytus International Tournament, Lithuania

Our Akhil has been developing his judo at an astonishing rate. Following his excellent performances last year he was invited to be a member of the GB Cadet Squad. Since then he has continued to improve. His determination is a credit to him, as demonstrated at this tough international event.

Akhil had 7 contests in all, including opposition from Estonia, Japan, Latvia and Lithuania. Following a loss in the earlier rounds (to the eventual gold medalist) Akhil was pulled back in to the repecharge. There he dominated in 4 more fights, to win a well deserved bronze.

It was an excellent event, at which the organisers were very helpful. It was also pleasing to be up against Japanese children, who we rarely meet in European competitions. I am already looking forward to going again next year.

Akhil on the rostrum at Alytus, Lithuania.

Ellis and mum at the venue.

Out in the snow (minus 10 degrees, pretty chilly!) with the only other British competitor at the event, John Jayne.

23rd February - Southend Red Belt Championships, Essex

We took 4 excellent young fighters to this tournament in Essex. Each of our boys had 3 contests. Matthew, Jonathan & Daniel each won a bronze and Ali won another great gold to add to his growing collection. Well done to all of the boys.

1st & 2nd March - North-West Age Banded, St Helens

On the Saturday Phoebe and Harkirat had a tough time. No medals, but admirably both decided to train harder and aim for better results in the near future.

Lucy fought well in the u63kg group and won a bronze, while Akhil, still on top form, stormed his way into the final. There he beat current National Bronze Medalist Oliver Gibbs-Murray, to take the gold. Another superb result for Akhil.

On the Sunday Mr consistent, Rohan, fought well to earn himself a bronze too. This should see him take a place at the Cadet Trials in Sheffield, for the -17 Europeans in the Summer.

2nd March - South of England Senior Open, Crawley

This was Sevani's first tournament. Entered into the Kyu grade group he was a little nervous but looking forward to testing out his newly learned skills. He fought excellently and although disappointed there weren't more opponents, earned a silver. Good job.

Lyam fought too. In the high grade section he won a great bronze and 10 points towards his Dan Grade.

The susprise entry came from Jo... Yes that's right, Jo - the coach. You know, the one who doesn't compete anymore! Pushed and prodded into competing by the competition organiser (Nicky, I will have my revenge...) Jo (me) agreed to fight. I had two contests and won both by ippon to win a gold. Shockingly I didn't break anything in the process, although my lungs did feel like they were being punished for something! I also earned 10 points, so pretty pleased really.

Me (lol), Lyam & Sevani.

8th March - Malta International Open, Birkirkara, Malta

Rohan was our only entrant in this international event. Bravely he fought in both the Cadet and Junior (-20) sections and to his credit he took medals in both: a gold in the Cadet group and silver when he stepped up to the older section. Very well done.

The Maltese Federation were extremely helpful and welcoming. We will definitely travel to this event again.

Rohan with his two trophies.

Out with the lads, celebrating their victories.