JUDO ACES GET AMONG MEDALS
WHEN the members of Carmarthen Judo Club return to competitive action, they will do so with a spring in their steps.
Just before the coronavirus lockdown they were in medal-winning form at the British Schools National Championships, while over the summer they performed well in virtual gradings.
Five members of the club travelled to Sheffield in March for the British Championships.
First up on the opening day of competition were Celt LlewelynJones of Maes y Gwendraeth, Elen Davies of Bro Myrddin and Lydia Pearson of Queen Elizabeth High School.
Celt enjoyed a strong first round and won one of two bouts, earning a place in the semi-finals. He endured a nervous wait to find out who his opponent was, but eventually stepped onto the mat with a determined attitude.
He fought extremely well, but failed to make the final by the smallest of margins and took home a bronze medal.
Elen was included in a tough pool and won two of her four contests to claim a bronze and repeat her successes of previous years.
Lydia, a regular trainer with the Welsh squad, also fought well to make it through to the semi-finals, but missed out on the final and took home the third bronze of the day for the club.
On the second day, Aron Curtis of Coleg Sir Gar and Sennen Copper of Queen Elizabeth High competed. Aron is an experienced judoka and was competing in the eldest age band for the first time.
He was knocked out after two bouts, but was pleased with his performance in a higher age bracket.
Sennen, who was competing in the schools competition for the first time, was not overwhelmed and fought two good contests, but was knocked out after the second round. He gained some valuable experience which will stand him in good stead for the future.
The club had to close following the championship because of the Covid-19 pandemic, but members have maintained their interest and enthusiasm by engaging in a number of activities.
They have been set weekly fitness challenges, have taken part in judo activities posted by British Judo and some members took part in a virtual grading as the club didn’t want members to miss out.
A total of 26 members, aged from five to 30, prepared by studying various techniques at home with the
Carmarthen Judo Club’s Elen Davies, Celt Llewelyn-Jones and Lydia Pearson. support of their families and coaches. They put together videos or had face-to-face video chats to show what they could remember of their techniques.
Each member of the club did themselves proud and would not have succeeded without the support of their families.
The coaches were impressed by their skills and determination to do a great job.
Each judoka passed their grading and earned their next grade.
Club coach Emma Price said: “Hopefully the next grading will be back in the club environment.
“We, as coaches, look forward to the day when we can welcome all our players back onto the mats in a safe and manageable environment. Until then they will continue to be set weekly challenges, with more to come.”