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I love Coopers Judo Club because it is so much fun and Sensei makes me laugh! Bobby age 7

I like Judo at Coopers Judo Club because its fun and enjoyable and its a good sport for everyone. Edward age 8

Stephen age 7 says, the coach is the best in the world. He makes Judo fun and I now prefer it to football!!

Well done to all the Judokas on passing their recent Môn grades and Kano club awards.

Awesome website...Good to know you are involved in Judo still. Fought you many years ago at Crystal Palace (1982 British championships) I faired better than most in our weight category. I lasted about 20 seconds before you threw me flat on my back for ippon. You were great to watch. Awesome judo player. - Steve archer

Thanks for making me welcome yesterday, I really enjoyed it. My thighs are really stiff now, I think it was those squats, but no pain, no gain! - Jenny

PETE SALSBURY VISIT :-

Dear Barry and Laura

Thanks for a wonderful weekend, you made me feel so welcome, meeting your family was

such a delight ,and the welcome from the judo children, seniors and parents, I was truly honoured.

Barry when you presented me with Stevens Olympic bag ,I was very very moved, god bless you.

What you and Laura have achieved in such a short space of time, you should be commended.

Aim so very proud of you both, you are a credit to the B J A and the sport of judo.

I cant wait to teach your players again, please give, my regards to all at coopers judo club,

Yours in judo with love

Pete

Sensei xx

NIGEL DONoHUE VISIT:-

Hi Barry and Laura
First of all many thanks for inviting me along to take a session at your club yesterday, It was great to see you again after all these years and I cannot thank yours and Lauras hospitality enough.
On behalf of the boys and myself, we would like to thank you very much or making us feel so welcome and hope that you and your players got something out of the session.
Please pass my best wishes on to all your club members and all the best to you, laura and the family.
Hopefully we will see you all again soon. Nigel D

Congratulations to Tommy and Jacob Corthorn-West who took part in the Saskawa Junior under 18 Open Championships in Kidderminster bringing home a silver for Tommy and a bronze for Jacob in their respective groups. Well done boys from all you friends at Coopers!

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL THE CLUB MEMBERS THAT TOOK PART IN THE CLUB VISIT TO ACORN JUDO CLUB ON 24TH APRIL. WE WON 17 FIGHTS AND DREW 4 BRINGING BACK THE TROPHY TO COOPERS CLUB! WELL DONE! THANKS TO ALL AT ACORNS JUDO CLUB IN DIGBY FOR A GREAT VISIT. X

Well done and congratulations to Alicia and Thea who fought in Peterborough over the weekend. Alicia fought exceptionally well and came away with a silver. Thea, who had a very tough group, fought the 5x British Champion, two 3x British Champions and Internationals. She fought very well and held her own against them. Well done girls.

Congratulations to all the club members that went to Cherry Willingham Club Visit. WE DID GOOD!!!!

MAY 17TH 2009 IPSWICH UNDER 16'S JUDO CHAMPIONSHIPS

SENSEI SAYS :-

ADAM DEATON - GOLD. HE FOUGHT VERY WELL DESPITE LOOSING HIS FIRST FIGHT PROBABLY TO NERVES BUT HE COMPOSED HIMSELF AND WENT ON TO WIN HIS NEXT 3 CONTESTS WITH PERFECT IPPON.

THOMAS GLEADHILL - 5TH. HE DID WHAT HE HAD TO DO BUT AT THIS POINT IN HIS JUDO WAS OUTCLASSED BY PEOPLE MORE EXPERIENCED.

KATY ALLEN - BRONZE. FOUGHT REALLY WELL BUT NEEDS A BIT MORE SELF BELIEF.

EDWARD COOPER - BRONZE. AGAIN FOUGHT VERY WELL BUT NEEDS A LOT MORE CONFIDENCE.

MATTHEW WESTGATE - SILVER. SHOWED GREAT DETERMINATION AS ALWAYS, NOW JUST NEEDS TO GAIN MORE EXPERIENCE.

WELL DONE ALL OF YOU YOU ARE A CREDIT TO OUR CLUB.

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL CLUB MEMBERS WHO COMPETED AT MARHAM CLUB ON SUNDAY 31ST MAY. YOU CONDUCTED YOURSELVES IMPECCABLY AND WE ARE PROUD TO CALL YOU MEMBERS OF OUR CLUB.

Mr and Mrs Cooper (Barry and Laura to be less formal), I was just thinking of you as I do miss ya now and again) and thought...why not Google ya and see what comes up!!!! and my surrogate father has deserted us and moved all the way up north.. how can I come and give you a big hug now!!!! how are you guys all ok I hope? and the little soldiers, how are they? getting big boys now I bet....probably bigger than you now Barry!!!! (ha ha) me and Mum are all good and all is well. so far!! Ah mate I miss you I really do always talking to Chrissy about you still to this day I owe a lot to you for keeping me on the straight and narrow and making sure you taught me life skills and made me become a nice young chap (I hope you will have to ask Mum for that) - don't think I ever told you that before, so thank you!!!

I hope you enjoy life up north and you are all happy and 100% healthy - but its a bit cold up there is it not? Looks as though you got a good little set up with your new club and a few High flyers there although I can still 'bust - a - move' if I need to have not forgotten me 'uchi-mata' and my favourite still ' tom-in-age', I have to pop one of them on Mum or Chrissy if they get a bit out of hand!!!!!! (ha ha). Well I am 26 now but not any taller from when we first met in my grey baggy trousers around me ankles every time I got thrown, actually don't think I have changed at all in that respect still got holes in my pants!!!! I finally found you anyway after a good year of having a nose and asking about!!! How come the move to up north if you don't mind me asking?

Love all of ya and miss you both - I am sending a kiss and hug from MUM also William Parker

SENSEI SAYS :-

LITTLEPORT SUNDAY 5TH JULY

On Sunday 5th July Coopers Judo Club raised its game and took part in the Littleport U16 Open Judo Tournament. The event was scattered with many Kent International winners and competitors. It was a toughie!!

First to compete was Alicia Cartilage. As her coach I would love to say that her Gold medal winning performance was down to me, but if I'm honest all credit must go to Alicia. I have been teaching judo for over 25 years and she is every coaches dream. She had 5 fights beating the Kent International silver medallist by Ippon as she did with her 4 previous fights. I think she owes a lot to her parents. I know her mum has done judo before and I admire the way she listens very quietly and takes everything I have to say onboard. Well done Alicia!

Edward Cooper - U27k BRONZE. Ed has favoured gymnastics to judo, probably because he feels he is better at it. As my son I was a very proud father today although loosing his first fight to the eventual gold medallist he stands very upright and does exactly as he is told to do. I know for 100% certainty he will end up a very stylish and competent judo player.

Matthew Westgate - U27k. Mathew had what I call 'an unlucky day'. I hope Mathew knows how good he is and how good he is going to get. These are not just my thoughts but thoughts of my good friend and fellow coach Artur. I have discussed him at length and have no worries with his judo.

Adam Deaton U30k - BRONZE. After Adams first fight I could have walked away a happy coach, scoring with 2 perfect counters. His 2nd fight gave me even more pleasure to see him throw a top class judo player for another perfect Ippon counter. Unfortunately the referee decided to award the score to his opponent. Although the senior referee was shown the video evidence and was in full agreement a mistake had taken place he was unable to change the decision. Adams next fight was against a very experienced Kent International champion and was held down. Adams class came through in his next 2 contests throwing and holding his opponent down for Ippon. Its nice to see a boy who has only been doing judo 1 year holding his own against opponents who have been competing for 5 years and upwards.

Thomas Gleadhill - U34k. Once again he was in a weight scattered with champions. This was a competition of a high standard and he was simply outclassed on the day. Thomas is a gentleman and a credit to our judo club. I have been where he was today and I know how easy it is to cry. He walked on the mat like a man and left the mat like a man. He made me very proud.

Matthew Kearney - U34k. Son of Rick, a gentleman. Like father like son. Unfortunately when you are on the mat you need a bit of animal instinct. I am sure this will come with Mathew. As usual he did his best. Again like Thomas Gleadell he was just outclassed by judo players who have simply been competing and training for a far greater time than Mathew. Stick with it Mathew.

Tiegan Cartilage - U36k. If not letting you have a drink on the mat when you are thirsty makes you fight like you did today then there will be no more drinks again!!!! You surprised us all today. I know there is something special about you but did not think I would see it so soon. Although you lost your two fights today against very strong opposition, you gave them a run for their money and made it very difficult for them. Watching you fight today was worth getting up 6 o'clock this morning after a nights barbequing!! Well done Tiegan, the hard work starts now!

Katy Allen - U40k - SILVER. After sitting for 6 hours waiting for your group to be called, and watching all the class players you were about to fight, did not deter you from going on the mat. Cannot quite put my finger on it and I know Artur feels the same but there is something about your judo that we both like. Your first fight you just walked onto the throw and unfortunately after putting up a brave performance got held down in your second fight. As from Monday I will take an extra special interest in your judo along with all the other guys that made the effort to go today.

Michael (son of R2) (not very good at spelling your surname!) - U66k - SILVER. Always a gentleman, even after using your head as a crash mat and the other guy getting disqualified you still like a true sportsman felt you didn't deserve the win, and despite not being able to see straight carried on fighting! Both guys competed at an International competition last week, and for you to hold your own and beat the other is an outstanding achievement. You have improved 100% from when I first met you. As your friend I advise you even though he is your dad to listen to everything that comes out of your dads mouth especially when he tells you how good a coach I am !!!!! Seriously you have a very good father there and between the two of us will make you as good as you want to get.

LASTLY A BIG WELL DONE TO EVERYONE AND A BIGGER THANK YOU TO ALL PARENTS WHO MADE THE EFFORT TO GO FOR OUR CLUB. A SPECIAL THANKS TO THE JOYCES EVEN THOUGH THEY DID NOT HAVE ANYONE COMPETING GAVE UP THEIR SUNDAY TO COME AND WATCH AND SUPPORT THEIR FELLOW TEAM MATES (Won't be long until your eight Bobby Joyce!!!!!)

Sensei says:-

EAST MIDLANDS AREA TRIALS

For all of you who know Michael Blaszczyk will be in full agreement that he is a true gentleman. The more I know his father, the more I like him. This morning, Sunday 13th September we travelled to Walsall, Birmingham to take part in the above event. I had explained to Michael beforehand that as he has only trained 3 hours judo in the last 10 weeks it would be a pretty pointless exercise of taking part. Michael was determined to compete.

He tried his very best and in his first fight threw his opponent with an almost perfect throw, but unfortunately in doing so got held down. His next fight was against a very classy judo player from Wolverhampton who in my opinion will come in the top 8 in the forthcoming British Championships. We have tonight had a long discussion about his future Judo career. I hope he takes on my advice. If he does this time next year it will be Michael coming in the top 8 in Britain.

I have been in the same position as Michael and know how hard a path he has to travel to become British Champion, but I also know it can be achieved with lots of hard work and dedication from both himself, his parents and me. I wish him all the very best and as a coach he is a pleasure to have in our club. YOU CAN DO IT MICHAEL...

A quick mention about Edward Cooper who came first in the NAGA County and Invitational Floor and Vault Competition. Well done Ed. Keep up the hard work.

KETTERING INVITATIONAL COMPETITION 2009

Sensei Says:

Edward Cooper - Gold - 3 fights, 3 ippons, did not put a foot wrong, movement and grip was spot on, technique perfection. Well done Ed

Bobby Joyce - Silver - We enjoyed watching him as much as he enjoyed being on the judo mat. First competition and a 1st class performance!

Alicia Cartlidge - Gold - Yet another outstanding performance, was spotted as I knew she would be by East Midlands Development Officer. She has potential to end up a world class judo player. Proud of You.

Tiegan Cartlidge - Gold - Today was a very proud moment for myself, R2 and mum and dad, Coopers Judo Club and the 100 or so other people watching. A real crowd stopper. She has the fighting spirit of a future champion and knows exactly where and when to place her body. She maybe thirsty during sessions but if it makes her fight like she did today then still no drinking!

Joshua Brazier - Silver - Much improved and confident judo player. I like him being part of our club he is a good lad, listens and works well. Injury free i have no doubt he will come back next year and win.

Thomas Gleadhill - Gold - A gold medal winning performance and now he is the one who is a different class to his opposition. He must continue to train as hard as he has been and the results will just keep on coming.

Adam Deaton - Gold - Like Thomas Gleadell he was in a different class against the opposition he was up against.. There will be tough times ahead but if they can both persevere I don't see any reason in the future why they cant go all the way and represent Great Britain at Judo. Good Luck.

Jonathon Hunt - Silver - Made his grandparents proud. I am glad to see him coming on a Monday night now. If its ok with his mum, me and R2 will push him that bit harder. He can hold his head up high today. John Boy done good.

Katy Allen - Gold - I think it was probably about a year ago I promised Katy in a years time you will be a champion - Glad to say she proved me right.

Matthew Westgate - Gold - Lovely boy, lovely judo, lovely result. 3 fights all lasting less than 10 seconds. Cant ask for more than that.

James Wall - Bronze - Wish I could have had James at the very start of his Judo career. He is very lucky that his mum and dad are totally committed to him, like many of the parents at our club. James had a bad day at the office today, luckily he is still very young. Myself and R2 will work on him for the next year and hopefully will see a different boy on the mat. We thank you for fighting for Coopers Judo Club today and are pleased to have to train at our club.

BJA East Midlands Junior Closed Competition 1/11/09

Sensei Says:

Two Regional Champions a good result in itself after only 18 months of the Club opening.

Edward Cooper U 27kg Gold Medal

A long journey ahead of him if he wants to live my dream. If not a gold winning performance today, a nice precise upright Japanese style judo.

Alicia Cartlidge U 28kg Gold Medal

The girl has judo running through her veins, a natural athlete but remains modest at all times without any inclination of flashiness about her even though she can afford to be. Never came out of first gear, so far in all her competitions she has been in a different league. She is ready and needs to compete at a national level.

Matthew Westgate U 30kg Bronze Medal

Charming young man, very mature for his years. Matthew is now what we call a competent judo player and his watching, listening and learning is paying off. His nerves still seem to get the better of him, and needs to adapt his throws according to his opponents.

Bobby Joyce U 27kg Bronze Medal

A lovely little guy and is very fortunate to have the likes of Alicia, Edward and Matthew to train with. Once again he did what he had to do today and without making excuses it was touch and go whether he would be fighting today due to illness. I am glad he did and the club are very proud of him.

Adam Deaton U 34kg Bronze Medal

Adam started at the club from day one and has become one of the top judo players at the club as many of his fellow judokas have fallen by the wayside. I was impressed with Adam today, the eventual winner who beat him will have the opportunity to practice on a daily basis with higher calibre judo players which in turn brings your judo to a higher level. Competitions may be the answer, as his coach I am quietly confident he will end up where he wants to be.

Thomas Gleadhill U 38kg Bronze Medal

Had several fights loosing just one I feel he could and should have won. The fights that he did win were a joy to watch. His techniques were crisp and sharp. Mr Deaton and Mr ' Newman' have over the next 18 months some very tough judo days ahead. If they can persevere, listen diligently, work hard both in and out of the Dojo they will come out on top.

Michael Blaszczyk O 66kg Silver Medal

What a difference 5 weeks reasonably hard training makes. He did today to his opponents what his opponents have done to him in the last few competitions. He threw them on their backs with speed, aggression and timing like I always knew he could. Gone today was Mr Nice Guy and in came Mr Nasty Guy which is what you need whilst on the mat trying to win a competition. A very proud day for us and both Mum and Dad watching. He knows what is in store for him over the next few months, I hope he follows his regime and the results will come.

Gregory Darling U 34kg Competition

First competition, first class performance. Once he had settled down he seemed to enjoy himself, got the hang of it and progressed as the day went on. Well done Greg.

Matthew Kearney U 34kg Competition

A nice guy to have at our club. I say again not a nasty bone in his body, unfortunately this does not help with his judo at the moment. With his Dad behind him he will get his black belt and will probably become an excellent coach.

Teigan Cartlidge U 40kg Competition

Something about this girl makes me smile when she steps on the mat. She fears no-one, the bigger the better. Very hard to follow in her sister's footsteps. Today she was not out skilled by the girls but due to her lack of height , reach and age difference there was not much else she could do which was her best which she did. I look forward to her doing more judo with us.

Katy Allen U 44kg Competition

Katy struggled with her strength at under 40kg, to move up a weight group put her at a greater disadvantage strength wise. Her skill level has improved a lot. I hope she continues her judo long enough for me and Artur to prove she has got the ability to be a very good judo player. Keep on going Katy.

In summing up, on behalf of Artur and myself as the club coaches, we want our players to reach the highest level at their sport, we both realise this is very hard to attain. We both are very happy with the atmosphere from both players and parents at our club and we thank you and we hope that the club can continue as it has been. We value any comments.

Josh's mum says:

While we're on the subject of Josh, Ade and I just wanted to say that starting judo with Barry was the best thing he ever did, he's so much more confident, we've got a lot to thank you for. He takes it very seriously, he's determined one day to be a black belt. He's always training at home whether it be sit ups in front of the telly or practising with Jack. I've got a feeling we're going to know each other for years to come!

See you Friday

Love Jane x

MIDLANDS AJA INDIVIDUAL AND TEAM COMPETITION BIRMINGHAM

Congratulations to the club members that travelled all the way to Birmingham on Sunday 22/11/09 for the AJA comp to represent our club, we really appreciate it.

Steve Cooper, Cian McLarnon, Bobby Joyce, Katy Allen, Ed Cooper, Adam Deaton and Tom Gleadhill all fought in the individual event. Steve and Bobby brought home silver and Katy a bronze. Well done to all of the Judokas that fought for our club, you made your parents proud.

Coopers also entered a team of 5 Tom Gleadhill, Adam Deaton, Ed Cooper, Bobby Joyce and Steve Cooper. The team brought home silver. The parents are very proud of the maturity you showed and of the sacrifices you made during the run up to this event. You demonstrated 100% commitment and loyalty to the club, team and coaches without question. We are exceptionally proud of you all.

Nottingham Red Belt Rumble 28th November

Brilliant performance from the 6 Red Belts that took part in the rumble in Nottingham.

Ed Cooper- Gold Medal

Bobby Joyce - Gold Medal

Charlotte Pailing - Gold Medal

Greg Darling - Silver Medal

Josh Brazier - Bronze Medal

Charlie Dean - Bronze Medal

Sensei Says:-

A MENTION TO THE SENIORS WHO ENTERED LITTLEPORT ON 29TH NOVEMBER.

WELL DONE TO YOU ALL CONSIDERING IT WAS YOUR FIRST COMPETITION, VERY PROUD, COOPERS JUDO CLUB DEFINATELY MADE ITS MARK!

Shane Ross - Gold

Pete Tully - Gold

Kevin Fagg

Michael Blaszczyk - Silver

Paddy Johnson- Silver

Rick Kearney

Joe Tully - Bronze

John Rotherey - Bronze

Chris Hall

BJA Judo Championship Goole 13th December

Sensei Says:-

ADAM DEATON - SILVER - A Brilliant performance from Mr Deaton today. Lovely upright judo. Missed very few opportunities today. He is bang on schedule at the moment to where we would like him to end up.

ED COOPER - BRONZE - Like Mr Deaton, nice upright judo. Got caught with a Bobby Joyce special today. Enjoyed watching him and hoping he soon chooses judo over gymnastics!

MATTHEW KEARNEY - Best we have seen him fight today. He is great little man to have at our club. Never talks, always concentrates and most importantly always tries. Well done Mathew.

JON HUNT - He is getting better with each competition. He is realising that training hard gets results. Well done Jon.

ALICIA CARTLIDGE - GOLD - A typical judo day for Boo, yet to be tested in the judo world. When that time comes we're sure she will rise to the occasion. Boo is only small in size but has a huge fighting spirit and oozes natural ability. We are honoured we have her at our club.

MATTHEW WESTGATE - GOLD -Faultless performance today. Matt is a lovely lad and his judo is much improved hopefully star of the future.

BOBBY JOYCE - SILVER - Absolutely terrific performance. He shows great maturity for someone who has just turned eight. He can go to bed a very proud man tonight. Well done Bob.

TEIGAN CARTLIDGE - SILVER- Little lady, massive heart. She showed true fighting spirit today, We like watching her on the mat, she makes us smile. Technique is much improved, she trains hard and we have nothing but praise for her.

MR NEWMAN - I have grown very attached to this guy. Always comes into the club with a big smile on his face. Very polite and works hard during sessions. He was in a very tough weight group today, I hope he is not disappointed with himself. He needs to take his technique from the dojo into competitions and leave his nerves at home and the winning is of secondary importance. We like his judo and his commitment . He will get to where he wants we are sure.

CHRIS HALL - Had a very tough group. 3 hard fights. Very proud of him considering how long he has been doing Judo, Has the determination, now just needs the Judo knowledge and experience and I am sure he will go far. Great to have Chris as a member of our club, and very good of him to come and support the younger ones.

MICHAEL BLASZCZYK - GOLD - Mike had hard fights today and did extremely well considering he is injured AGAIN!! Michael is a lovely guy with a heart of Gold (like his dad). When he goes on the mat he fights hard and wins what he has to. Michael now just needs the fitness to go with the Judo and he will be exactly where he needs to be. Hope he and Chris continue to be mates both on and off the mat and they are both great examples of seniors to have at our club.

ON BEHALF OF MYSELF, R2 AND RICK WE ARE ALL VERY PROUD OF WHAT YOU HAVE ACHIEVED BOTH TODAY AND IN THIS PAST YEAR AND LOOK FORWARD TO 2010. WE THANK ALL THE PARENTS FOR THEIR CONTINUED SUPPORT BOTH AT THE CLUB AND AT THE COMPETITIONS AND A SPECIAL BIG THANK YOU TO OUR TEA LADIES, SAM, JILL, SARAH AND JULIE FOR EVERYTHING THEY HAVE DONE SINCE THE CLUB HAS STARTED.

COOPERS JUDO CLUB WAS NOTICED TODAY BY A COUPLE OF PEOPLE, INCLUDING KAREN BRIGGS (who although is a personal friend of Barrys) HAS COMMENTED ON HOW FAR WE HAVE COME AND WOULD LIKE TO HAVE A CLUB VISIT TO OUR CLUB IN THE NEW YEAR. A BIG THANKS ALSO TO THE PARENTS TODAY, WHO WERE NOTICED AS WELL FOR THEIR SUPPORT (not just because you were the loudest!)

WE WOULD LIKE TO WISH EVERYONE AT COOPERS A MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A VERY HAPPY NEW YEAR. HOPE TO SEE YOU ALL AT THE CLUB CHRISTMAS PARTY ON FRIDAY 18TH. X

Littleport Mini Age Banded Championships 28th Feb

Fantastic results, well done everyone we are very proud of each and every one of you.

COOPERS BOYS

U25kg

Steven Cooper - silver

U27kg

Bobby Joyce - gold

U30kg

Charlie Dean - bronze

U34kg

Jon Hunt - bronze

Matthew Kearney - bronze

Gregory Darling - bronze

U36kg

Adam Deaton - gold

U38kg

Tom Gleadhill - silver

COOPERS GIRLS

U30kg

Alicia Cartlidge - gold

U40kg

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL OUR RED BELTS THAT TOOK PART ESPECIALLY THOSE WHO WERE COMPETING FOR THE VERY FIRST TIME.

A huge congratulations to our coach Barry Cooper for becoming the new Lincolnshire County Coach. Good luck from all at Coopers.

Steve Cooper - gold - The boy is always a joy to watch. Only 19kg, but fights like a little heavyweight. He shows no fear and certainly has what it takes to go onto great things in the judo world. Very competent judo player.

Bobby Joyce - bronze - Another good day of judo from Bob, only narrowly loosing against a good competition player. One of the best Ippon-Seoi-Nages I have ever seen. Bob has found his feet and hopefully has earned himself a place on the county Squad.

Charlie Dean - Has potential but at the moment lacks aggression and knowledge to be amongst the medals. When being thrown he needs to practice spinning out onto his stomach to avoid loosing the contests. He has very supportive parents, and R2 and myself will do our best to get him efficient at judo.

Matthew Westgate - gold - Shows great maturity and is a true sportsman. He is happy to compete win or loose. I am glad to say he wins more times than he loose and there will be a lot more winning heading his way. He is a credit to our club and his parents and everyone , quite rightly is pleased when he wins.

Adam Deaton - gold - Looked like a future star today without coming out of first gear. He threw each of his opponents with perfectly executed throws. He has natural speed and inner determination. We hope at the County Squad sessions there will be a higher calibre of opponent for him to now train with, which he has to do to further his judo career.

Josh Brazier - silver - Amazing improvement, this time last year we couldn't get him on the mat, now we can't get him off. Fighting a very experienced judo player not only held his own but threw him cleanly on his back with a perfect counter. This matches his perfect attitude both on and off the mat.

Thomas Gleadell - gold - Unfortunately I missed his last competition but was told he was almost back to his best, today he was back to his best. As long as Tom remains upright, and gets his grip, tries his throws and doesn't put himself under pressure, there is no knowing where he can get to.

Katy Allen - silver - Unfortunately Katy has almost been on her own since starting judo. The kids are pushed very hard and not many girls stick at it. Katy is not one of those, what ever you throw at her, she always gives her best back. I am very glad she is at our club. Her judo today was satisfactory, we will push her now and hopefully see a big improvement.

Tiegan Cartlidge - bronze - Satisfactory performance today, she needs to find her spark on every fight. I know she will end up a good judo player in time.

Alicia Cartlidge - gold - First class girl, first class performance. 3 fights, 3 wins, can't ask for any more than that.

Sensei would like to say how pleased he is for the second time in a row with all the Judokas performances that fought today. As the Kent International is coming up soon he is going to constructively criticise and hope we can learn from today's performance.

Steve Cooper U25kg - Bronze - Hard to give a true judgement on Steve's ability as he has such a big weight disadvantage, weighing only 18.7kg. He needs to perfect the throws suited to his size, the same Ippon-Seoi-Nage will not work, especially if he turns in so far away from his opponent. Never the less a very exciting Judo player to watch and even being so small 9 times out of 10, comes up with the results. A player to watch out for in the future.

Bobby Joyce U27kg - Silver - Smashing lad, got that air of uncertainty about him , never quite sure what he is going to do next! Bob has found one or two techniques that he has taken a shine to. He needs to home in and perfect these left and right handed and at all angles using different combinations. His grip can sometimes still be a problem. Bob has got off to a flying start in Judo, must reinforce that although he has a certain amount of natural ability, this start was due to extremely hard work and concentration, We must ensure he remains focussed with a high work rate. Bob is an exciting prospect for the future.

Ed Cooper U30kg - Gold - Fought well today, tried all techniques that were on his training schedule, works and trains hard at the club. Ed still gets very uptight and nervous, he needs to control this. Through his gymnastics he has tremendous upper body strength which helps with his Judo. Sometimes though he looses the fight before he has even gone on the mat. He will go on to be a technically good Judo player.

Matthew Westgate U30kg (yellow) - Bronze - Hard to say anything negative about Matthew as he is such a delightful lad, but I will as I want him to be a delightful Judo player. I know he has not been well this week and is not yet 100% better, but when Matthew comes in for his techniques he seemed today to collapse before completing the move. He is very determined, maybe a bit overly so and needs to let his Judo flow especially in a competition type atmosphere. I have no doubt in my mind that he will end up a very competent and above average Judo player as he is a very good listener, very hard worker, good team player and a pleasure to have in our club.

Adam Deaton U34kg (yellow) - Gold - At the last 2 competitions Adam has shown to have a very good Judo head on his shoulders, he has got a grasp of what it is all about. Adams biggest problem is his lack of training partners his weight, his age, and his standard, in saying that he has come out on top and takes on board any criticism I have thrown at him. He is a Judo player now where at yellow belt type competitions I can leave him alone to fight. my only criticism from today was that he let his opponents maybe take 1 or 2 steps too many as he was setting them up for a throw. Delighted with his progress.

Thomas Gleadell U38kg (yellow) - Gold - Up and over or down and out. When Tom fights with his head up and not bent over he shows stylish Judo. In some of his contests, he tends to still crouch over and let his opponents take control. In the last 2 competitions , best I have seen him fight, he is slowly getting in closer with his throws and seems more relaxed. His fitness , strength and flexibility are all improving. We will work on his chosen techniques at the club, although there will be no pressure on him whatsoever, I feel he could probably finish in the top 6 at the Kent Internationals. Keep up the good work Tom.

Josh Brazier U38kg - Silver - Still has a tendency to lapse in concentration just before he comes in for a technique and just following. He tends to take 2 or 3 extra steps before coming in for the technique which allows the opponent to then attack. Josh has made an amazing improvement as a Judo player and as a man. Very proud of him , just needs to carry on as he is , no less no more.

Alicia Cartlidge U28kg & U32kg (yellow) - Gold - another good day at the office, very much looking forward to her fighting at Kent International. I know I am accused of showing her favouritism, but she has a real talent and without injury a star of the future.

Katy Allen U44kg - Gold - As I have said previously Katy is a delightful girl, very hard worker, never lets the boys outshine her in training. She needs to build up her all over body strength, her speed and commitment of entries to throws. A very popular club member, extremely dedicated,

Chris Hall U60kg - Gold - Chris has not been doing Judo long but wants to learn quickly. My only criticism of Chris is that he has to be patient where judo is concerned. He needs to keep on balance himself when he commits to a throw. It won't be long before he gets his black belt.

Shane Ross U81kg - Bronze - I have never yet seen Shane miserable, win or loose he has always got a smile. Impressed with him today and full of admiration. Can't criticise him today as it takes a lot of courage to get on that mat.

Pete Tully O100kg - Gold - Big man, big heart and a massive performance again today. Once again for the length of time he has been doing Judo, I personally can't fault him, well done big man.

ADAM FOUGHT THIS WEEKEND IN THE BRITISH CHAMPIONSHIPS AND GAINED A VERY RESPECTABLE 6TH PLACE IN THE U 34KG. WELL DONE ADAM.

THOMAS AND MATTHEW FOUGHT IN THE HEART OF ENGLAND OPEN CHAMPIONSHIPS LAST WEEKEND, IN THE U38KG & U30KG RESPECTIVELY. they both did us proud and MATTHEW BROUGHT HOME A BRONZE MEDAL. WELL DONE BOYS.

Adam narrowly lost one fight to the eventual gold medallist. He is showing his potential and recently gained his green belt. His fitness and strength, flexibility, discipline are a credit to himself and the full backing he gets from his parents. The only time he misses a session is when he is away on holiday. He showed tremendous skill, speed and courage beating 3 classy opponents with ippon scores. Adam is a credit to our club.

Ivela has shown great improvement over the last few months, under Barry's recommendation her visits to KAREN BRIGGS, has paid great dividends. There is still plenty of room for improvement, she has been told what she needs to work on. She had 5 tough fights today winning 3 and like Adam loosing to the eventual gold medallist. She too is very fortunate to have her parents full backing and we are very privileged to have Ivela and her family at our club

Steve Cooper ,Joe Conville ,Lewis Banner, Ed Cooper, Alex Bolton, Artjom Jurkjans,