Judo arrives in Drouin

Judo has arrived in Drouin, not with a bang or crash, but rather a throw and break-fall to the mat and the occasional hold-down.

The Ju-You-Kai Judo Club recently set up a dojo in Drouin and has successfully competed as a club in its first regional Judo Victoria tournament held in Traralgon.

Ju-You-Kai had the largest number of entries of any club for the Latrobe City Judo Championships, with competitors aged between eight-years-old to mid-50s.

All competitors were experiencing their first bouts on the competition mat. Trophies were awarded for first, second, third and fourth places, giving the competitors motivation to continue with their training.

Judo is an international and Olympic recognised competitive and recreational sport, and is undergoing a revival in the Gippsland region.

Besides the regional tournament, the Ju-You-Kai club has been gaining momentum in the past year while training under the guidance of Master Sensei Mike Keane, 6th Dan who has 52 years of experience in the art of Judo.

Training is held at St Ita’s Primary School hall in Drouin on Wednesdays from 6.30pm to 7.30pm and Saturdays from 9.30am to 10.30am with people of all ages and abilities welcome to come and participate in the art of Judo.

Judo builds confidence, discipline, coordination, self-control and fitness.

Master Sensei Keane said the club has experienced a rapid growth in members, and hoped to one day move into a bigger dojo.