The first mixed club training session since lockdown was a great success. This East Midlands Area organised event was hosted by Cedars Judo Club at their training venue in Earl Shilton, LE9 7PD.

We had a great turn out with players from both the East Midlands and West Midlands Areas attending.

The players where of all ages and abilities. From the very youngest (3 years old) to the very oldest (pensioner) everyone gave 100%.

A very special thanks to the Coaches, officials and helpers, without whom such event would not be possible.

The world number 1 has done it! Christopher Skelley from Hull has won Gold in the men’s -100kg judo final 

A stunning performance sees Birmingham’s Elliot Stewart take home silver in the men’s -90kg judo!

Judoka Chelsie Giles claimed Great Britain’s first medal of the Tokyo Olympics with bronze in the women’s -52kg event.

The 24-year-old from Coventry beat Switzerland’s Fabienne Kocher by ippon.

An early scoring waza-ari gave Giles the advantage and she showed the greater composure to secure success.

“It feels so special to do it in Japan. I believed I could do it, my coach has always believed I could and it showed in today’s performance,” she said.

“I felt really good in the warm-up, and I was taking each fight as it came. It’s an amazing arena and the atmosphere was amazing. To do it where Japan started it, it makes it extra special.

“I never underestimate any of my fights, that’s where mistakes are made. I go into the fight knowing what they do, and knowing what I’m capable of doing. With my best performance, I know I can beat some of the top players and today showed that.”

Giles had lost to eventual gold medallist Japan’s Uta Abe in the quarter-finals, but beat Charline van Snick of Belgium in the repechage to give herself a medal chance.

Following the publication of Sport England’s FAQs , we are delighted that all current restrictions on our sport are set to expire on Monday 19th July!

This will allow members of all ages to return to their dojos and participate in contact judo sessions with no restrictions on numbers.

While this is excellent news for our sport, the danger of Covid is still prevalent in our communities. With rising numbers across the country, we would like to express caution when returning to the sport – we are sure that everyone can’t wait to feel the tatami under their feet once again!

Here is a brief overview of the Government’s recent announcement:

• Full contact judo allowed for adults and under 18’s.
• No legal restrictions indoors or outdoors for participants or spectator numbers
• No capacity caps for club sessions or events
• No travel restrictions
• Facemasks no longer legal requirements, however, consider face masks in confined spaces

Well done to all players that took part in East Midlands Area Closed Championship, held at Earl Shilton. It was a great turnout and the standard of judo and sportsmanship was excellent.

Results of the East Midlands Area Open Championship held at Earl Shilton on the 1st December 2019

Grading Results 17th November 2019 held in Earl Shilton.

Results from the Senior grading held in Erdington, Birmingham.

Results from Open National Championships held in Erdington, Birmingham.

The East Midland Area of the AJA were very proud to host the 1st Master Class with Dan Powell held at the Cedars Judo Club venue in Earl Shilton.

The day was a great success with a wide variety of grades and ages attending.

Dan was one of the British Judo stars competing in the 2012 London Paralympics and now is busy training with the aim to bring the UK medal success in the 2020 Tokyo Summer Paralympics

Watch Dan on the Ninja Warrior Course

Dan Powell Facebook

It is with great sadness that I have to report that Keith Hudson after a long battle with illness passed away early last week.

Keith had been a member of the AJA for more than 60 years and was a very active member of Area Committee in various rolls for a good number of those.  In more recent years he served as our Area President until he retired due to ill heath a only a few years ago.

He was a larger than life character always a joke and a good judo story to tell.  I’m sure will be remembered by many of us with great affection.

His wife Doreen asked me to let you all know that his funeral will take place at 2.00pm on Wednesday 10^th July at Loughborough Crematorium and that you are all welcome to attend.  Could you also please pass the details on to others who have known Keith that you feel may want to attend.

Congratulations on a great effort by the AJA National Squad at this year International Tournament held in Meirlo, Holland on 11th and 12th May 2019.

The event was over the highest caliber with everyone in the squad having to work and perform at the top of their ability.

Over the 2 days the AJA are very proud to have won a total of 4 medals; 1 gold and 3 bronzes. 2 of the bronzes being won by one of our Area’s clubs, Acorn – Well done to the players and Sensi Julie.

Gold was won in impressive style by Thomas Humphrey in the Mens under 90kg dan grade event.  With bronzes being won by Ryan gentry in a very tough mens U81 kg event; Faith McCartney (Acorn) in a strong girls under 40kg event and final not to be outdone by his little sister Thomas McCartney (Acorn) taking the bronze in the boys -66kg event.

Picture below of the majority of the squad:

Pictured below coaches, parents and supporters:

6 Mats – 1000 Competitors over 2 days of Judo

Below the social side and a few more Judo Photos:

A great turn-out by East Midlands Area Players for both National Squad Training Sessions in preparation for the GB team competing in the 24th Houvast Judo Tournament in Meirlo, Holland on the 11th and 12th May.

A big thanks to Phil Smith and Leslie Farnell for taking the first training session and Dan Powell for taking the second session.

GOOD LUCK to all players for the Championship.

Congratulations to all those that took part in the Grading held at Earl Shilton, Leicestershire.

The East Midland Area of the AJA were very proud to host the 1st Master Class with Dan Powell held at the Cedars Judo Club venue in Earl Shilton.

The day was a great success with a wide variety of grades and ages attending.

Dan was one of the British Judo stars competing in the 2012 London Paralympics and more recently known for his appearance on Ninja Warrior UK.

His aim now is to keep to his busy training schedule and bring the UK medal success in the 2020 Tokyo Summer Paralympics

Watch Dan on the Ninja Warrior Course

Dan Powell Facebook

Junior Grading Results – Digby, Lincolnshire.