National judo win for rising star Roman
Scarborough-based Roman Danilov has snapped up a national judo title.
Eighteen- year- old Danilov, from the Scarborough Ippon Club, travelled down to London at the weekend to take part in the Judo For All (UK) national championships.
The teenager registered four wins from four fights to gain his weight category gold medal.
The U71 fighter took on ju- doka mainly from the south of England in a tough pool and came out vi ctori ous using a number of different techniques.
The medal is the latest in a line of successful outings for Danilov, who recently gained his first kyu brown belt, which was in an event based in Scarborough.
Now the youngster has his eye on more medal success.
Revelling in competition, he is hoping to compete next month in the Amateur Judo Association Open Championships, and his current form suggest further success is a distinct possibility.
He opened his JFA national account by securing wins with an armlock, a strangle, a particularly impressive ankle sweep and two hip throws.
“It was very tiring, but I enjoyed it,” he said.
Danilov was the first member of the young Ippon club to attend the nationals, where coach Dave Hammond had success with his previous pupils in Dundee.
“R o man d i d e x t r e mel y well,” said his proud coach.
“I knew he would do well. His s econd f i ght was real - l y t ough, but when he got through that I knew he would go on to win the pool.”
The I ppon Club train at The Street on Wednesdays and anybody wishing to take up this toughest of martial arts can contact Hammond on 07525451454.
The coach added: “It is nice we have a champion at the club so early, but we are not just about medals and contest.
“We have a mixed ability group at the club and are always willing to welcome new participants.”
For further details contact macaitch@hotmail.co.uk or telephone 07525451454.