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.

Results of the Area Mini Championship held at Earl Shilton.