Yesterday we held our first “open mat” which was attended by Judoka from Winchester Judo Club, Fleming Park Judo Club, Southampton University Judo Club and Matsumachi Judo Club.

With 6 Judo black belts on the mat, we enjoyed well over an hour of randori with other Judoka and with some of the BJJ practioners (including BJJ black belts).

This fortnight our coach Lance has been teaching Judo to the BJJ learners as part of their take downs block of training.

Next week more crossover training is taking place, so next Fridays open mat should have even more people doing some throwing.

After the main session, the sharing continued with some of the Judo Dan grades working with gym owner and BJJ coach Jon on some ne-waza (groundwork) technique refinement and exploration.

The open mat is a regular Friday evening event, open to all clubs and free to attend. We are really hoping to grow the Judo participation make it a regular part of our weekly schedule.