Kent International

We found ourselves back at the home of judo at Crystal Palace at the weekend competing at the Kent International. We were all hoping that the millions spent on the centre would bring it into the 21st century but unfortunately not, it was still sweltering hot in there, so everyone had to keep well hydrated.
Saturday see the younger players competing and for some it was only their second comp so was a good insight as to the levels they need to aspire to.

James O'Shea, the youngest member of the Ford Squad, showed flashes of brilliance and a good sign for the future, a very nice harai maki komi at lightning speed disposed of one of his players for ten.

After a little hic cup in his first fight George Seaton executed a fast twitch to throw his opponent for ten, George won a silver medal. Jack Carter had a tough group but put in a good performance, and came away a little wiser as did Reece Gould who had only competed in the Ford Comp prior to this, winning one of his fights to win a bronze in a round robin contest.

Charlie Jackson also had a mixed day, he is working hard on his posture and technique producing a couple of good wins to finish in 5th place. His brother Richard was looking sharper and controlled his players throughout his matches, fighting well Richard won his place in the final against a strong Dutch boy. A lack of concentration in the first seconds of the fight see an end to Richards Gold medal hopes.
Matthew Kavanagh also had a strong group but that is only to be expected at a competition of this standard. Matt battled his way to the semi finals where he met a Dutch player, unfortunately after a tough battle, Matt lost the fight and dropped down to compete for bronze. Here Matt was to meet an opponent he beat earlier, although a close fight again, Matthew did not get the result, a hard earned 5th place for Matt.

Sunday see our 2 Senior players Competing, Julianne Flory and Tom Williams, both players are young and Tom now training full time at Camberley Judo Centre is still only 17. Both just missed out on medals taking 5th places. A big step up with 5 minute fights and unfortunately the way the officials do the sheets Tom had 3 hard fights on the trot with only 5 minutes rest in between. Luckily this wouldn't normally occur in a foreign international, Tom knows where his improvements lays and is in the right place to address the issues.

Julianne has took a step up recently and is competing amongst top players from home and abroad. The improvements are there after each performance and she has a clear indication of what she wants and what she has to do to make things happen.

All in all not too bad, I as a coach need to see technique and tactics that have been worked on implemented into competition, this is what I want to see more so than medals. We are on the right track, its a case of getting and being consistent...

Bill

Harlow Under 8 Festival

3 under 8 players visited Harlow Judo Club to take part in a Festival of Judo. The three 6 year olds had a great time and the competition gave them a good opportunity to try and put into practice what they have been learning at their club. Some grit and determination was shown giving some good performances.
The players were Isaac Monsegue Silver, Samuel Woodgate Bronze and Sophie Pinkney Bronze. This gives a good opportunity to reflect to see whether the children are concentrating in their lessons and trying things they have been shown.