Mr Gleeson reports on the recent IAPS National Judo Finals

Four boys were entered to represent the school at the National IAPS Judo Finals: Will M, Beau B, Ludo M and Milo M.

This is the youngest age group for IAPS Judo. All players except Will had never stepped foot on a competition judo mat before in their lives!  As I have said on previous reports, it’s a very stressful event to go into especially for the first time. There were over a hundred entrants for this event, spread across several weight categories. The day started with a weigh-in at 8am, the second at about 11am. Fights started at 9.30am. 

Will, although winning his first fight in short time with an ‘Ippon’, lost his second fight putting him in the repechage for the Bronze medal. He won the next two fights looking ever more comfortable. The fight for Bronze was going his way until, with a lack of concentration, he let the other boy roll him over for a score and there finished his hopes of a medal this year. 

Beau was up next and, although very strong, his task ahead wasn’t going to be easy. However, victory in his first fight came quickly by Ippon. Second went equally well although it went to full time. Beau’s luck was running out as the next fight went against him as did the fourth and final fight. Beau was out without a medal. But well fought over four fights!

Ludo had a lot to live up to. His first opponent was big and strong, Ludo fought well but to no avail and lost by full time with two waza ari’s against him. Still tired Ludo’s next fight came and before he could get settled the other boy had him over. A loss by Ippon. No chance of a place in the repechage, he was out.

Milo was the last man out and the most inexperienced of the squad. In the heavier weight categories, who could tell what the result would be? Milo managed a tai otoshi and won the first fight. In the second fight his inexperience worked against him. After a throw Milo was pinned for a full Ippon and a loss. Last fight for the bronze medal, focused and totally committed Milo went out and without any quarter buried his opponent to get the only medal of the day! Well done Milo! 

These boys are the future of judo at Hazlegrove and I’m sure they will do better and better every year from now on Well done to all of them! I’m proud and pleased with their hard work and efforts.

Mr Gleeson