Tuesday 22 July 2008

Fantastic News

Good news everyone, as of the 01/09/08 we will be relocating to the Harlequins Gymnastics Club at Bryant Avenue, Gallows Corner.. This is right next to Tesco.. We will be training 3 nights a week, Monday, Wednesday and Friday... The structure of the classes will be posted in a couple of weeks.. A new biginners will start and a second senior night too.. We will have the use of the sprung floor for our Elite and adult classes... Fantastic..

Please find link to map of Bryant Road, the gymnastics club is clearly marked with a sign outside..

http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=bryant+avenue+romford&sll=53.800651,-4.064941&sspn=10.729059,26.630859&ie=UTF8&ll=51.592109,0.217259&spn=0.001376,0.003251&t=h&z=18>

Please pass our site on to friends and family, let them see the latest news from the club...

Bill...

Sunday 20 July 2008

Medal Haul for Ford

While 2 were over sea's we had 4 players over the water... Matthew and Joe Kavanagh were fighting this weekend in the age banded USA Open, some Brits have gone, and failed!! But the two brothers were in with the medals with Joe winning a bronze medal and Matthew silver, Matthew on the end of some dubious refereeing in the final...

If that wasn't enough Matthew entered the under 20, winning his first fight against a 19 year old, not bad considering he is only 14 and a half. This all bodes well for their future in judo and Matt with his eye on selections for the World Youth Olympics in 2010.

While the boys were fighting over the Atlantic four Ford players were fighting over the Thames.
Neimah, Tia, Thomas and Kane were all taken part in Bushido's Class Masters Competition in Tonbridge in Kent..
Great performances from the youngsters see Tia and Kane both win gold while Tia's little brother obtained a silver and a good effort from Neimah got here the first bronze place... Nikki Jackson reported back saying the kids fought brilliant with Tia winning all her fights by ippon.. some great combinations from the youngsters and excellent transition work proved that all their hard work at the dojo is paying off...

Roles were reversed for the Kavanagh brothers as they entered their second comp while they were "Holidaying" in the States. Joseph stepped up a gear to win Silver while Matthew was close behind with a Bronze medal. A great haul for the brothers and will hopefully keep them on track to medal in the Heart of England and the National Championships in some weeks time...

Keep up the good work kids

Saturday 19 July 2008

O What A Night

What a Great night, if you were there I hope you enjoyed yourself?, I know I did...
A Fantastic presentation, Bill receiving his 6th Dan from Dave Clark, representing the BJA. Bill was a star as always and did really well seeing the night out. Bill received a certificate and his 6th Dan in a great presentation case made by Nigel, Bills brother in law.

Chris Bowles gave a great speech and gave a little insight to their great rivalry as competitors in the early days, it was touch and go between them who would go to the 1980 Olympics and Chris just pipped Bill to go....
Chris made a presentation to Bill giving him his Olympic tie, a nice gesture and I think appreciated by Bill.

Ford judo club also made a presentation of a commemorative medal for his outstanding achievements in his judo career...
It was a sad night as this would be the last gathering in the club, it was rather fitting it went out on such a special occasion...

I will post the new location on the blog as soon as I know where we are relocating to...
I'm of to Bath Uni now for 2 weeks, wish me luck!!!

Bill...

Monday 7 July 2008

The Essex Youth Games

While Chloe is fighting in major championships 10 of our younger players fought in the Essex Championships in Harlow, Ford Judo club collected 6 gold, 3 silver and one bronze medal which was a great haul from the endangered club.
A good performance by assured that all players took a medal home with them.
Gold medals went to Charlie Allen, Lizzy Allen, Charlie Jackson, James Cliff, Chelsy Cliff and Tom Thurston. While Silver medals went to James O'Shea, Lucy Allen and Kane Maloney and Kate Smith won her Bronze medals.
This was a good performance from the young players from Ford Judo Club, there ages ranging from 9 to 14 years old.

Cadet European Championships, Sarajevo.

I have just returned from Sarajevo, Bosnia where Chloe Jackson competed in the -48kg weight category for Great Britain. Chloe won a 7th place beating FOUR of her 6 opponents in what was a very strong weight division. Chloe was part of a 16 strong GB team, Chloe along with another female squad member were the highest placed GB squad players.
Chloe experienced this event last year and after reviewing her performance decided that she should follow a Strength and Conditioning program for preparation for this years event.
Chloe worked with Carly Green one of the countries top female Strength & Conditioning coaches based at Next Generation, Gidea Park and the hard work paid off as without a doubt Chloe's performance was by far the best to come from the GB squad. This bodes well for Chloe's future prospects and brings nearer Chloe's dream of competing in the 2012 Olympic Games.

Tuesday 1 July 2008

Big Bill Gets his 6th Dan....

The Kent International on Sunday see Bill Ward receive his 6th Dan, a fantastic achievement in recognition of Bill's exceptional competitive record. Bill had won many titles along with 3 British Open wins, this was when the British Open was one of the main events on the European Judo calendar.
A presentation night is being held at the Ford Judo Club on the 18.07.08 there will be a disco to, the night will mark the end of an era as we prepare to leave the grounds where the club has been established for 40 years or so.
Congratulations Bill....