Kent International 2004.

  Fearsome Force 

On Saturday 26^th June 7 players from Yama Arashi Ryu and Harwich and Dovercourt JC went to Crystal Palace to fight in the Kent International. This is a high level competition with foreign players present in most weight groups.

After a early weigh-in for most players it was a long wait for the action to start. At 10.30 the first fighters went on. Ryan Carr, Marc Beales and Daniel Corne-lewis. Marc the most experienced out of the three fighters put in a good performance against players of a more superior grade and experience. His skill and persistence saw him secure a win in his second fight to move him along the repercharge for Bronze. Unfortunately after a great fight he was caught by a good throw, which finished his running for bronze.

Daniel after a nervous start won his second fight convincingly with a beautiful throw in to a hold for 25 seconds to win his second fight. Daniel was then put up against a player of more experience at this level and was unfortunately beat early on in the fight. A good performance from a younger member of the team this was his first big International. He shows a lot of potential for the future.

Ryan the least experienced out of the trio was put into a large weight group with both British and foreign players in. After some fancy footwork by Ryan he avoided being thrown for major scores for the majority of the fight. But was unlucky to be caught out towards the end of the fight. Focusing on the fight to come and demonstrating good throwing skills to win with a superior score and stay in the competition.

Another hour passed and the rest of the team were still not called up. Waiting patiently Hannah Adams and Jodie Roberts were called the girls had weighed in earlier in the same weight group. Hannah having fought at the event last year was ready for the competition and this showed, in her first fight stamping her authority on the fight dominating her opponent and putting in a lot of varied attacks. Hannah continued to fight well as the fight drew on her opponent was lucky with a score which lead to her winning the fight. Jodie on the other side of the draw was unlucky to be drawn against a British Cadet in her first fight. Jodie had not fought competitively for two years but had lost none of her fighting spirit. Both girls fought hard Jodie attacking with Tai Otoshi just to miss out on a score, her opponent trying to score was unsuccessful in all her attempts, the fight drew on neither player having a score. Which lead to the fight going in to Golden Score. Jodie and her opponent were tired and the attacks were not quick but the cadet was able to claw back a Yuko score to finish the fight.

Hannah was called up after her earlier defeat she was primed to win the next fight, after some good attacks she demonstrated good ne waza skills to hold her opponent for 25 seconds to secure a win. Jodie’s second fight was another good contest and after such a close first fight she wasted no time throwing her opponent in this fight to win.

Hannah’s third fight was against an experienced bigger fighter and after a good early score Hannah was not able to control her stronger opponent and was thrown and held this finished Hannah’s competition. Jodie’s third fight was against a bigger opponent but after some near scores Jodie’s attack was countered and she was unable to escape from the hold that followed. An excellent competition for the girls, especially Jodie. Another up and coming star to strengthen the ever-growing Tendring Judo Team.

Michael was called up after the girls. Following in their shoes he put in a brilliant performance, his fights were against bigger players and Michael put his all in to it. Stepping off techniques and attempting counters when he could he never let his opponent settle and was so close to a throw after every attack. Although the size difference was apparent Michael focused on the task ahead and kept fighting. A truly determined and skilled young fighter who gained a lot of experience from his fights and is one of the developing players that forms the young and talented Tendring Team.

A stunning performance and skilful techniques were put in by Tierney Bishop. This was her first time at this event and overcoming nerves she put in a good performance. Tirney’s grip fighting was good and early on in the fight she was able to attack successfully and pick up some minor scores. But this would not secure her a fight against a determined fighter. She managed to achieve a double sleeve grip and with speed and power throw her opponent for Ippon with Sode Tai Otoshi. Having won the fight then discovering she and her opponent were the only players in her weight group Tirney took a well-earned Gold Medal in her weight group.

Around 6 hours after weighing in Kirsty Adams and Mathew Edwards Finally got on to the mat. Kirsty having won bronze last year was hoping to go one better. Mathew had never fought at Kent and was looking forward to the challenge ahead.

Kirsty’s opening fight was against a Cadet player a few years older than her and bigger. Kirsty’s grip fighting was excellent but the cadet was determined not to let her settle in to the fight. After some good attempts at throws from both players the cadet over powered her and took the win. Her second fight was against another older player after her defeat in the first fight Kirsty took the fight to her opponent getting control with her grips she was able to put in some good attacks and done some excellent turnouts. Unfortunately was unable to convert a brilliant pickup that would have finished the fight. Ironically her opponent attacked with a similar pickup to score and win the fight. Two good fights against experienced stronger players     

Matt was drawn against a Junior International Player Matt went out determined but was out classed and caught early on in the fight for Ippon. His second fight was against a Dutch player Matt’s determination, strength and skill saw him through the whole fight only to lose on two minor scores. He attacked and gripped well even after an unusual break for the Dutch player to change his trousers Matt came back after the break gripping and fighting like a true fighter. His second fight was outstanding against a good player.

The day was enjoyed by all gaining valuable experience along the way, and always giving their best. With continual training and hard work the players will soon be taking the next step up the ladder towards NHC County Level and National Level.   

       Saturday Morning: 12.00 – 1.30pm

Training and Fitness Session for Contest Team. See Mark, Ian, Dave or Ray for more details.

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