Kazoku-Kan Judo Academy took members over to compete at the AEJF Closed championships on the 18th February 2023. The atmosphere was great and despite being a one mat event, there was a good amount of Judoka of all ages that turned up to compete.
Junior Results
Edi Howells was up first and put on a fine display of Judo, pulling his opponents onto him and turning in for techniques to gain the upper hand. Edi walked away with the bronze after an incredibly tough pool of contenders.
Alice Rooney-Powell in her first ever competition and first of two categories managed to overcome the nerves to step onto the Tatami and give her best to walk away with a Bronze medal. In her second category, she had gotten over the nerves completely and got into her stride, managing to gain the Silver medal.
Dylan Howells, stepped up against a great pool of fighters and put on some great Judo and scored himself the Gold Medal.
Senior Results
Dan Rooney stepped onto the Tatami in his first Judo Competition and gave a very good effort against much more experienced Judoka but still managed to come away with the Bronze Medal.
Liam Jones fighting against 1st Kyu Grades for his pool managed to get throw of the day in a spectacular counter technique. Liam put in some different attacks to try and get his opponents exactly where he wanted them. Liam came away with a Silver Medal for his effort.
Head Coach, Rich Morrish Said "It's always nerve wracking bringing students to their first competitions as nerves are running high, and not just with students. As a parent, their nerves are sometimes higher than the kids so as a coach you tend to be calming everyone down while managing your own nerves. But at the end of it all, they always have a go and give it their best shot which is all we could ever ask of them. Win or lose it's the taking part and the experience that counts the most. Very proud of them all."