On the 23rd October 2022, Kazoku-Kan took 5 students to the All England Judo Federation Championships.
Veteran Judoka, Liam Jones was joined by first time participants Stephen Eades, Chantelle Nally, Leo Nally and Isaac Collins. There were over 140 competitors taking part at the competition and it was very well organised.
Nerves were running high but the Kazoku-Kan team got on the mat and did their best against some tough competition. Chantelle took to the tatami first and was up against girls in her category that had more competition experience and were also 3 grades higher than herself. Despite this, she tried her best and showed some real grit and determination against her opponents and she was rewarded for her efforts with the first Bronze medal of the day.
Not to be outdone, her Brother, Leo took to the mat and it was smiles all round as he got stuck into his opponents, despite him being one of the smallest on the mat, he, like his sister before him, showed real determination and came away with Bronzer as well.
Isaac being the last of the juniors to fight that day, fought really well and tried his best in a tough category, but his hard work paid off as he returned with a bronze medal as well.
Liam kicked things off for the seniors, putting in a valiant effort against 1st Kyu (Brown belt) and 2nd Kyu (Blue Belt) fighters. Liam who fights with the heart of a champion was tearing into his opponents, and he too came away with the Bronze medal for his category.
Lastly, in his first competition, was Stephen Eades, who controlled his opponents with ease and despite being 4th Kyu (Orange belt), was up against a 4th Kyu, 2nd Kyu (Blue Belt) and a 1st Kyu (Brown Belt) in his category. It was a clean sweep for stephen, beating all of his competition in what was a spectacle to witness and a fantastic display of Judo from the new comer and was awarded the Gold medal for his efforts.
Sensei Rich Morrish said "It's always a case of wondering who is most nervous at these competitions - is it the kids?...the parents?...or me?...Nobody had any cause for nerves though, they all took what they have learnt in class and demonstrated the art of judo in a National competition and I couldn't be prouder of them all. I am very humbled to be their instructor, and my team do a fantastic job of keeping the standards high. Well done everyone!"
Kazoku-Kan train every Monday evening at St. Peters First School, Droitwich from 18:30 until 20:15 and on Saturday mornings at Physique Fitness, Droitwich from 10:30 until 12:00
Photo:- Back row from left to right - Liam Jones and Stephen Eades. Front row - Leo Nally, Chantelle Nally and Isaac Collins
