The year is now fully back into the swing of things and attendance numbers are back to normal almost; a few regular faces are missing still enjoying a break perhaps; but new faces are joining us each week at the moment which is fantastic.
We participated in round 4 of the Hampshire Judo Team Championships on February 2nd; with mixed results. Ionella again won the womens category; receiving some praise this time round for the technical improvements she has made since joining us last year.
Player of the day was Rafal who returns to competitive Judo after a 20(ish) year break from playing Judo. His third contest was exceptional; he was down by a yuko, but did not give up! He fought valiantly and it was looking like a loss until he turned it around in a moment catching his opponent with a beautiful Ippon throw for the victory!
We have also enjoyed visiting Ringwood Judo Club and Camberley Judo Club to extend our experiences and also to help our players competing in the British Universities National Championships prepare. Both clubs have made us feel very welcome and it was also a pleasure to host a visit from Ringwood Judo Club at St Marys.
Coming up we have the British Universities Championships on February 22nd where we have three people competing. Then the fifth and final round of the Hampshire Team Championships (March 2nd) where we hope we might be able to bridge the gap between us and Holbrook Judo club to reclaim third place in the county. It will be a tough job but with the progress people are making it might just happen.
The international season starts this weekend also, with the Paris Grand Slam and club coach Lance Wicks will be attending many events again this year. Starting with the Rome Continental Open in Rome. We hope to be able to announce details of a “viewing party” shortly where we shall be getting together to watch an international event together on the big screen via htp://ippon.tv
A big thank you to all our visitors and to the new people joining us and keeping us growing. Of course a just as big thank you to the regulars who come and make the club the fun (if exhausting) training it is!