British Judo Council English Nationals 2009

A very BIG well done to you all: Everyone performed to their best and it was very pleasing to see the support you give one another. I am sure the smaller and new ones really appreciated the backing you bigger ones gave them.

The medal Tally!  A fantastic 2 Silver and 7 Bronzes, from a squad of 25 attending and against some very tough opposition. Some of your opponents train 7 days a week, and only ever think of Judo.

Francesca Taylor started our success with a Bronze medal in her first Nationals in the Primaries, you can't imagine how scary it must be when you’re her size at a big event, and she fought extremely well and thoroughly deserved her medal.

Four of our new boys were in the under 35 kg, Kieran King, (who had to move up from U 30Kg, just 0.1 over), Thomas Butler, Jovan Lee-Roles and Alex Bakewell. They all had some difficult fights but worked really hard and came away with several wins, a great first time achievement.

Alice Bird, Kathaleen Anderson and Bryony King (in her first nationals) all performed with great determination, winning some fights and gaining great experience. It was nice to see Alice use the famous Brize Norton Ladies escape from the scarf hold to great effect.

Kushal Nayee and Daniel Hammill both had to move up a weight group which of course makes it very hard against boys nearly 5kgs heavier, both gave it everything and Daniel did secure some victories.

Lauren Curtis and Cirsty Attwood both won Bronze medals in their weight category fighting off for 3rd and 4th Place. I'm sorry not sure who won as I was at another mat at the time. Well done to both of them for achieving their first National Medals.

As we get to the heavier weight groups the injuries do start to happen and the paramedics earn their dues. Zoe Lane and Nel Attwood both came away with the scars of battle, Zoe had her face smashed to the mat, lost her contact lenses but still came back and won her next fight. Nel had two of her small toes broken but still managed to win a Bronze medal, well done girls for your fighting spirit.

Toby Allison was in a big group of U60 kg boys some of whom would be 2 years older, he fought valiantly but found it mighty hard work. James Chitty seemed to have fight after fight after fight. Several rounds later and hardly able to stand on his feet he lost by the slightest of margins (I think a Koka) but did secure the Silver medal. Well done James a fantastic achievement, I know you were slightly disappointed but it will be Gold next time.

Ella Hawkins and Jasmine Yeates had some big girls to fight in the top weight group. Jasmine was distracted by a very poor corner judge decision in her first fight. However she persevered. Ella and her then fought for medals and Jasmine unfortunately took a heavy knock. Ella secured the Silver medal and Jasmine did just manage to accept her Bronze medal before being taken to hospital with a suspected ruptured appendix. Thankfully it turned out to be only internal bruising and she's home now.

Ashley Ashdown and Zaman Tekin were both at their first nationals and in the heaviest Junior category. Ashley fought well and secured some wins. Zaman gave it everything and was rewarded with his first National Bronze medal.

The Espoir group is probably the toughest and the weight differences can be far greater plus there is always going to a massive difference if you are just 16 fighting boys or girls who are nearly 18 (some of them look 25). It was first time in the Espoir group for Matthew Lindsey who has had great success over the years (many Gold medals at both the English and Welsh Nationals). Matthew fought very well but was giving away probably 10+ Kgs, however I am sure he will increase his size and be back to the medals next time. Michael Mills and Jamie Thomson both fell victim to some idiotic pooling arrangements that meant they fought the same three people twice. A lot of blood (unfortunately mainly Michaels) injuries in places we don't wish to talk about but some fantastic Judo. Both were frustrated and should have won medals if the pooling had been sensible.

Trisha Nayee had to go into a combined weight group which put her with girls 10kgs heavier but she battled hard and was duly rewarded with a Bronze medal.

James Gerrans was in the biggest/heaviest group of the day. His only optimism was "I am the Tallest" - the problem was some of them were as wide as he was tall, 2 Black belts (one of them in the Olympic squad for 2012), 2 Brown Belts and Blue belts. I think he was very nervous especially when his first fight was against the Olympic chap. However he then discovered how strong he actually is and lasted longer than any of the others albeit about 40 seconds. Naturally the Olympic hopeful won the Gold with some stunning Judo.

James’ favorite moment was reminding Zaman that he will be in the same group at the Welsh Nationals.

I am sorry for such a long report but you all did so well that I had to make sure everyone knows how hard you all worked --- a very big well done again and thank you for being such great young people - You all have something to be very proud of, as I am of all of you.

Best wishes
Jonathan