Kano Open May 2009

Results

Queensland Open, Brisbane 4/5 April 2009

Some of our club players went over to the QLD International Open event (truly an 'International'  for anyone traveling from Perth - still not used to the great distances in Australia!). This is a strong competition and the following players represented Kano and WA: Darren Rogers, Jack Iredale, Calvin Knoester, Celeste Knoester with. They are all part of the JudoWA development squad.

Josh and Sam Revell also came along as individual entrants.

As can be seen from the results below, the team did us very proud indeed and I am sure that this bodes well for the nationals. All fought in new age and weight categories.

Thanks to JudoWA for assisting with funding otherwise these competitions are not always possible.

Check out the pictures here

Results:

Calvin Knoester	-	Gold under 16 boys 42kg
Josh Revell	-	Gold under 13 boys 46kg / Bronze - under 16 boys 46kg
Jack Iredale	-	Gold under 13 boys 50kg / Bronze - under 16 boys 50kg
Darren Rogers	-	Silver  under 16 boys 73kg / Bronze - young men 73kg
Sam Revell	-	Gold women masters 63kg

No gi training

Our senior members enjoyed the no gi session so much that it will become a regular part of our training in future. The sweatier the better! (click to enlarge)

2009 State Titles, 28 March - results

The 2009 State Titles saw Kano members dominate across the board – from our little ones to the senior players. Here are the Kano members of the WA state team (with years of state team selection in brackets followed by weight).

Shanna	Wong (2009)	-32kg
Monica	McDonald (2008/9)	-40kg
Bianca	Hodge (2009)	-44kg
Jessica	Manson (2008/9)	-48kg
Sam	Morris (2009)	-30kg
Ruan	Martens (2009)	-34kg
Lucas	Revell (2009)	-34kg
Ruben	Coetzee (2009)	-38kg
Renzo	Briers (2008/9)	-38kg
Josh	Revell (2008/9)	-46kg
Tom	Howard (2009)	-50kg
Kieran	Gordon (2008/9)	-55kg
Alisha	Lloyd-Jones (2008/9)	-57kg
Celeste	Knoester (2006/7/8/9)	-57kg
Calvin	Knoester (2006/7/8/9)	-42kg
Jack	Iredale (2007/8/9)	-50kg
Ciaran	Doyle (2009)	-50kg
Ruan	Swart (2009)	-55kg
Meldon	Schneider (2009)	-81kg
Darren	Rogers (2006/7/8/9)	-73kg
Sam	Georgiou (2007/8/9)	-81kg
Tom	Turnbull (2007/8/9)	-81kg
Jean-Charl	Smith (2007/8/9)	+81kg
Tristan	Schneider (2009)	+81kg
Johan	Janse v Rensburg(2009)	-66kg
Jimmy	Cangy (2009)	-81kg
Andre	Steyn (2009)	-90kg
Sam	Revell (2009)	-63kg

Calvin Knoester, Jack Iredale and Jean Charl Smith are defending national champions and we hope they will have the same results in their new age classes. Special mention must also go to the following players:

Ciaran Doyle        -    Best Player State Titles 2009

Iné Martins          -    Best Ippon State Titles 2009

Ruben Coetzee     -    Best Fighting Spirit State Titles 2009

The three awards were all won by Kano members as voted by WA clubs. The coaches for the 2009 team are Carlo Knoester, Fiona Iredale, Nick Morgan (all Kano) and Simon Read (South West Judo Academy). The team is managed by Ian Nailor (Kano). Congratulations to all of you and we wish you all the best in your preparations for the nationals.

Pictures

2009 Fremantle Open, 8 March - results

The first competition of the year. Kano players did very well as can be seen by the results and this bodes well for the state titles in March

Player of the Day

Joshua Revell

Kano Judo Schools

White/Yellow Belt	Boys under 10 years	-25 Kg
1	Elliot Morris	Kano Judo Schools
2	Harrison Ridden	SouthWest Judo Academy
3	Rhys Chapman	SouthWest Judo Academy
White/Yellow Belt	Boys under 10 years	-27 Kg
1	Kallum Erikson	Kano Judo Schools
2	Adrien Hunter	Judo International
3	Matias Fernandez	Judo International
White/Yellow Belt	Boys under 10 years	-30 Kg
1	Alex Scholz	Muchea Judo Club
2	Joe Howard	Kano Judo Schools
3	George Plant	Judo Ryu WA - Fremantle PCYC
White/Yellow Belt	Boys under 10 years	-45 Kg
1	Chris Fairweather	UWA Judo Club
2	Hamish Paterson	Judo Ryu WA - Fremantle PCYC
White/Yellow Belt	Girls	-23 Kg
1	Saya Middleton	Judo International
2	Georgia Scholtz	Muchea Judo Club
3	Katy Denney	UWA
White/Yellow/Orange Belt	Girls	-30 Kg
1	Ine Martins	Kano Judo Schools
2	Mikayla Crowley	Judo International
3	Michelle Knoester	Kano Judo Schools
White/Yellow/Orange Belt	Girls	-34 Kg
1	Isla Manson	Kano Judo Schools
2	Alana Fernandez	Judo International
3	Brooke Hill	Muchea Judo Club
Orange Belt & Higher	Girls	-40 Kg
1	Jessica Manson	Kano Judo Schools
2	Bianca Hodge	Kano Judo Schools
3	Monica McDonald	Kano Judo Schools
OPEN	Girls	OPEN
1	Jessie Weston	SouthWest Judo Academy
2	Celeste Knoester	Kano Judo Schools
3	Alisha Lloyd-Jones	Kano Judo Schools
Orange Belt & Higher	Boys under 10 years	-30 Kg
1	Sam Morris	Kano Judo Schools
2	Lucas Revell	Kano Judo Schools
3	Archy McDonald	Kano Judo Schools
Orange Belt & Higher	Boys under 10 years	-34 Kg
1	Patrick Fairhead	Judo Ryu WA - Fremantle PCYC
2	Brett Wood	SouthWest Judo Academy
3	Ruan Martins	Kano Judo Schools
Orange Belt & Higher	Boys under 10 years	-38 Kg
1	Jordan Feinberg	Kano Judo Schools
2	Keagan Maltby	Kano Judo Schools
3	Owen Roberts-Mok	Judo Ryu WA - Fremantle PCYC
Orange Belt & Higher	Boys under 13 years	-38 Kg
1	Scott Daniels	Muchea Judo Club
2	Renzo Briers	Kano Judo Schools
3	Oscar Davies	Judo Ryu WA - Fremantle PCYC
Orange Belt & Higher	Boys under 13 years	-49 Kg
1	Josh Rivell	Kano Judo Schools
2	Calvin Knoester	Kano Judo Schools
3	Jess Manson (Female)	Kano Judo Schools
Orange Belt & Higher	Boys under 13 years	+49 Kg
1	Kieran Gordon	Kano Judo Schools
2	Robert Gamble	UWA Judo Club
3	Aman Nasir	UWA Judo Club
Orange Belt & Higher	Boys under 13 years	Heavy
1	Nicholas Weir	Muchea Judo Club
2	Lewis Ridden	SouthWest Judo Academy
White/Yellow Belt	Boys under 16 years
1	Scott Dorning	Kano Judo Schools
2	Jeremy Dawson	UWA Judo Club
3	Thomas Ridden	SouthWest Judo Academy
Orange Belt & Higher	Boys under 16 years	-46 Kg
1	Kai Png	UWA Judo Club
2	Daniel Clark	Judo International
3	Mitchel Daniels	Muchea Judo Club
Orange Belt & Higher	Boys under 16 years	-60 Kg
1	Oliver McGraith	UWA Judo Club
2	Ruan Swart	Kano Judo Schools
3	Thomas Ridden	SouthWest Judo Academy
Orange Belt & Higher	Boys under 16 years	-80 Kg
1	Ian Moore	Muchea Judo Club
2	Meldon Schneider	Kano Judo Schools
3	Jesse Piani	SouthWest Judo Academy
Orange Belt & Higher	Boys under 16 years	+80 Kg
1	Darren Rogers	Kano Judo Schools
2	Tristan Schneider	Kano Judo Schools
3	Joshua Teremoana	SouthWest Judo Academy
	Senior Men	-81 Kg
1	Gerhard Weaver	UWA Judo Club
2	Tim Freeman	Judo International
3	Johan Janse van Rensburg	Kano Judo Schools
	Senior Men	+81 Kg
1	Jimmy Cangy	Kano Judo Schools
2	Brennan Yerbury	Midland PCYC
3	Ned Anderson	Judo International
	Senior Women	-65 Kg
1	Darcina Manuel	UWA Judo Club
2	Sam Revell	Kano Judo Schools
3	Jesse Weston	SouthWest Judo Academy

 

Training time change

Early school closure times have changed at Beaumaris and Currambine schools therefore making it necessary to change practice times for all clubs on Mondays and Wednesdays.

Thank you for your co-operation.

Please check the new time schedule here.

 

Holiday training and JudoWA camp

Holiday training times:

Holiday training will be held Tuesdays at the Currambine dojo during the times below:

January 6, 13, 20, 27	5.30-6.30pm 6.30-7.30pm	Beginners and intermediate Advanced and seniors
February 2 – All classes back to normal

Those attending the state training camp please take note of the information below:

Camp programme

Consent and medical information form

Map to camp

Western Australia International Open 2008, 30 November

This competition was the inaugural international open event of Judo in WA. Hopefully we will see rapid growth over the years to come with many international as well as national participant coming over to compete.

Kano players were at their usual standard both on and off the mat. As the last competition of the year, we are looking in great for 2009. Our squad is growing in size and experience and this bodes well for the nationals.

Results

Photos (soon)

Kano club closed competition, 8 November

The Kano club championships 2008 was the best ever. It attracted the biggest entry yet. Thank you.

My appreciation to all the players that came to test their skills on the mat. Competition is instrumental in the formation of well rounded judoka. We might not all become grand champions but that should never stop you trying.

To all the moms and dads – thanks for your support of our youngsters. It is your and my job to instill qualities like commitment, respect and motivation in our kids and if we support each other then we stand a good chance that our kids will be equipped to help face the future.

No event gives me greater satisfaction and enjoyment than the Kano club competition.

Well done to all the medal winners as well as the special award winners. You all did an outstanding job and deserve everything you got.

Those that did not medal, take heart. Your turn will come. Just don’t stop trying.

Thanks again to Fiona, Nick, Sam, Anke and Julie for their assistance on the mat during the past year.

Pictures

Full results

SWJA Open

This yearly competition is very enjoyable and gives our players the opportunity to travel a bit and to contest against other spirited competition clubs. South West Judo Academy always host an enjoyable competition in pleasant surroundings. Thanks to Simon and Nancy and their team.

Well done to all Kano medalists

Pictures

World team championship, Tokyo – October

Team competitions bring out a different atmosphere altogether. It gets noisier and more spirited. It was a privilege to be invited to referee this event.

There were many surprises along the way but in the end Georgia won the men's and Japan the women's divisions.

It was nice to visit the cradle of world judo, the Kodokan again.

Pictures

Oceania kata course, Sydney - 29-31 August

This was an Oceania Judo Union course that had the intention to standardise kata within the region. Kata is now a part of judo that is contested at world championship level with the first worlds in Paris during November this year.

Instruction was under three Kodokan coaches and was a huge success. After four days of flat out training the body was ready to rest. Kata is a great way to keep you fit and your mind active. It is not there only for when you grade to dan level.

Come and try it at the next course. You might really enjoy it!

Pictures

Beijing Olympics Games 2008

Whew, what an experience! It was a long road to qualify as referee for the Games but worth it. The Chinese put up a fantastic spectacle and of course the judo was excellent.

It was very noticeable that judo champions come from many different countries. Gone are the days that a couple of countries dominate the world.

Now we await the first Olympic champion to come from Oceania. My guess is that it will be a Kano Judo Schools member!

Competitions

After a few months without the regular competition we are looking forward to several during the last term.

Saturday 8 November is our annual club closed and prize giving. All are welcome. It will also be the first event for many new club members.

The Rockingham club will also host an open competition 25 October.

We have decided to have the state titles early in preparation for the 2009 nationals. On Sunday 30 November (to be confirmed) the state titles/WA open will be held followed by an intensive training camp 9-11 January at the Ern Halliday holiday camp. More info later.

Competition results: Nick Morgan went across to the NSW Open and came away with a silver medal against stiff competition from Japan. He then met up with Celeste Knoester, Fiona and Carlo in Brisbane for the QLD Open where both he and Celeste won silver (again). Nick also won silver at the Victorian Open. Well done you two.

 Dojo

Our much anticipated main dojo has met with some snags. We are still looking for a more permanent venue in the Joondalup area. They are like hens teeth as we do not have any PCYC's or community centres where we can lay our mats permanently.

If anybody has any ideas as to where we can establish a central dojo, please do not hesitate to contact me. Our club has grown in leaps and bounds and this is the final step to put Kano on the international map.

 Self defence course

Many of you indicated that you would like to attend one of these courses.

Please note that booking is essential. Give me a ring at the office at 9301 5070 or 0421 667 723 to confirm.

Where: Ocean reef primary school, 7 Swanson Way, Ocean Reef.

When: October 20, 27 and Nov 3,10,17.

Time: 7-8pm

Please wear comfortable clothing without buttons or zips. You do not need to be very fit for this course.

An open mind and a sense of humour will be needed though. The course is open to all over the age of 14. So grab a few mates and/or family members and come learn how to protect yourself!

Booking is essential!

 Judo rules / officials course

Details have been finalised for this course and will be under the auspices of JudoWA.

It will be held at the Currambine dojo on 18 October from 9-12 am. I can highly recommend this course as it will cover the basic rules of judo as well as the different scores. This course is open to all players and parents that can sit still and concentrate for three hours…

Cost will be $5 and includes a copy of the rules and a drink.

Please let me know on 9301 5070 if you are interested so we can prepare adequately 

 

Kano player to compete in Beijing Olympics

Matthew Jago started judo at the age of three at the Kano Swan dojo in South Africa with sensei  Carlo. He was supposed to be having 'blankey time' (sleeping) next door but never had the patience for it. Instead he always came crawling on the tatami and eventually I relented and let him on. Now 22 years old, he is a full time judo player on a scholarship at the African Olympic training centre in  Morocco and traveling the world from competition to competition. Two weeks ago Matthew was selected to represent South Africa at the Beijing Olympics after a grueling selection process. We wish Matthew all the best in realising his lifelong dream.

National Championships in Sydney, June 7^th to 9^th 2008

Gold medals
Jean-Charl Smith	Calvin Knoester	Jack Iredale	Jean-Charl Smith
Silver Medals
Sam Georgiou	Jess Manson	Monica McDonald	Sam Georgiou

Celeste Knoester	Alisha Lloyd-Jones	Darren Rogers	Nick Morgan	Kieran Gordon

Well done on our best performance to date!

Good to see that all the hard work paid off. Our club alone won more medals than four other states' total medal tally! Our strength lies in our young judoka and, as can be seen below, our under 13 players are moving into the older age categories and making their presence felt.

This is our best result yet - not bad for a young club. 

We received many compliments from coaches, managers and referees of other teams about how much judo in WA has improved over the last three years. Of particular interest were the comments about the good behavior, respect and manners of our fighters. It is good to see our youngsters not caving in to the bad habits of many children today (chewing with mouths open and wearing clothing back to front comes to mind...)

This success is a team effort by players, coaches and parents. Never forget the support from your parents - without their interest, support and yes, insistence to train when you don't want to, you would not have had these outstanding results.

I work day in and day out with our kids but I need to acknowledge the support and assistance from Fiona Iredale and Nick Morgan. You guys were great and it is an absolute pleasure to have you on the team. Also a big thank you to Ian Naylor for managing the team as well as Sue Rogers for arranging the accommodation. Parents and players had a great time.

Now the preparation starts for next year...

Results

Boys -13 years

Gold                 Calvin Knoester            -38kg               Kano Judo Schools

Gold                 Jack Iredale                 -42kg              Kano Judo Schools

Gold                 Jean-Charl Smith          +66kg              Kano Judo Schools

Gold                 Jean-Charl Smith          Open               Kano Judo Schools

Silver                Sam Georgiou              -66kg              Kano Judo Schools

Silver                Sam Georgiou              Open               Kano Judo Schools

Bronze             Kieran Gordon               -46kg               Kano Judo Schools

 

Girls -13 years

Silver                Monica McDonald       -36kg               Kano Judo Schools

Silver                Jessica Manson         -40kg               Kano Judo Schools

Bronze             Alisha Lloyd-Jones       -52kg               Kano Judo Schools

 

Boys -16 years

Bronze             Darren Rogers              -66kg               Kano Judo Schools

 

Girls -16 years

Bronze             Celeste Knoester          -57kg               Kano Judo Schools

 

Senior Men

Bronze             Nick Morgan                -66kg               Kano Judo Schools

 

Congratulations also to Renzo Briers, Michael Turnbull, Joshua Revell, Nikki Juras, Chelsea Kivell,  who all fought well but didn’t medal this time. I am sure that next year will be a different story.

 

Kano Judo Schools Open results - 18 May 2008

This annual event is growing and growing and this year again attracted over 100 players. This bodes well for judo in the state and we thank those clubs that supported us. Thank you again to all the junior referees and table officials for your time and effort, especially as you all still had to compete.

Results

Well done to all players that competed, regardless of results. It is a big achievement just to come and take part. If you missed out on the podium position, don't worry - it will come. Just don't give up!

 

Kindai Cup trials - Darren in the team!

Great news!

Darren Rogers (incidentally the player of the month) was selected at the ACT Open competition/trials in Canberra as part of a 5 man team to represent Australia at the Kindai Cup in Tokyo. This event caters for under 15 players and is very strong.

This is an awesome opportunity for this young lad.

Besides the international teams that were invited, Japan entries total 1000 players from different schools. You can imagine the competition!

And to top it all, Darren is going to train at the Kodokan (birthplace of Judo). This is a privilege that very few players get during their judo career and one that he will remember for the rest of his life.

We wish him (and his anxious parents) all the best and can't wait to hear his story when he gets back.

Go Darren!

Olympic referee preparation - New Zealand and China

Carlo will be away to attend preparation events for the upcoming Beijing Olympics.

The first one will be the Oceania championships in Christchurch followed by the Chinese nationals.

Nick will run the classes together with the assistant coaches. Please give them your full support and co-operation. Nick brings with him a young, dynamic coaching style and I wish to thank him for stepping up and helping out. It is much appreciated.

Fiona will attend those classes that she is able to. She is on the mend after her shoulder operation and will soon be cart wheeling across the tatami!

Fremantle Open results - 9 March 2008

Well done to all our Kano members that won medals at this competition.

Again we were the dominant force in both junior and senior competition. Together with the competitions held from term 3 last year this is one of the qualifying events for WA judoka for selection to the national championships in June.

You have shown that you are consistent in your results and we wish you well for the state titles on 5 April.

The pictures did not come out as planned (The club really needs to invest in a good camera - or a sympathetic parent that has one, needs to put their hand up...) but we will have some good ones from the next state titles.

 

Rockingham Open 8 Dec 2007 - results

This was the last event on the WA calendar for the year and one that we all look forward to. The hosting club, South West Judo Academy, puts up a good show and we are always treated politely and shown a good time.

Kano has enjoyed an outstanding year on the mat and we wanted to finish in style. And did we ever do it!

We took gold in every weight division that we entered and won all the outstanding achievement awards.

Our young referees were also out in force after their weights were finished and did an outstanding job of assisting in the success of the event.

It was most enjoyable for sensei's Carlo and Fiona to be able to coach Team Kano and not worry about whether there are enough referees and officials to run the competition. Well done to all players that traveled so far and did so well and also a huge thanks to SWJA for a lovely event. See you next year!

Team Kano in foreground warming up - an intimidating sight!

Jack Iredale with proud parents receiving the most valuable player of the competition award

More pictures

Kano year end competition results and prize giving

This is a really special event where just our Kano clubs get together and celebrate a successful year together.

Thanks to all the players that attended the competition and congratulations to those that did well in the competition and special award categories. To those that did not medal, train harder and the rewards will come. There is always a next time. Pictures

I encourage all of you to attend more of our competitions as this is a great way to test yourself against others.

Indian Rim Asian University Games (Iraug) 2007 - Perth

This is the second time this bi annual competition was held and judo was one of nine participating sports and attracted players from the Indian ocean region as well as Asian countries.

Kano was well represented within the university and Tafe teams with all WA ladies and most of the South African ladies from either Kano (Australia) or Kano (South Africa). It was a very pleasant and relaxed event with a strong social emphasis...

My old friend Coen van Tonder was the tour leader and he brought with him some strong opponents to put up against our WA players.

The local uni team was triumphant in the mens team event and the girls came third. Nick Morgan (Kano AUS) was voted most valuable male player and Carolien Kruger (Kano SA) most valuable female.

Final results:

Weight	First	Second	Third
Women
-52kg	Tammy Dodgen (AJK - SA)	Tanita Batten (Kano SA)	Chelsea Kivell (Kano WA)
-57kg	Natasha Glassford (Kano SA)	Anemie Kruger (Kano SA)	Celeste Knoester (Kano WA)
-63kg	Carolien Kruger (Kano SA)	Darcina Manuel (Kano WA)	Cecelia Oliver (AJK - SA)
-70kg	Melissa Florszak (Kano SA)	O. Kiorubo (Nigeria)	K. Schonrock (UWA)
Open 1	Anemie Kruger (Kano SA)	Tanita Batten (Kano SA)	Tammy Dodgen (AJK - SA)
Open 2	Darcina Manuel (Kano WA)	Carolien Kruger (Kano SA)	Cecelia Olivier (AJK - SA)
Men
-60kg	Darren Rogers (Kano WA)	Jay Skipper (Kano WA)	Mark Huang (UWA)
-66kg	Nick Morgan (Kano WA)	Michael Bednall (UWA)	Chong Sum Hui (UWA)
-73kg	Louis Nolte (AJK - SA)	Sam Cohen (JI)	Chris Jones (UWA)
-81kg	Chris du Preez (Kano SA)	Dustin Dale (AJK - SA)
+90kg	Max Klyh (UWA)	Brandon Chin (UWA)	Giles Sandler (UWA)
Open 1	Nick Morgan (Kano WA)	Chris du Preez (Kano SA)	Sam Cohen (JI)
Open 2	Louis Nolte (AJK - SA)	Max Klyh (UWA)	Dustin Dale (AJK - SA)

The training camp was great and all had a good time under sensei Wakayama from Japan. This is what makes champions - competition, travel and training camps. Watch the Kano team in '08!

Pictures

World team championships and Olympic test event - Beijing 2007

Beijing is well on its way to hosting the 2008 Olympic Games and the judo competition venue was absolutely superb. Some small details need to be ironed out but the general organisation ran very smoothly. The IJF and Chinese judo federation went out of their way to make everybody comfortable and relaxed.

The five star hotels were magnificent and it will take a few weeks to loose the weight gained by indulging in the excellent food three times a day. Can't wait to go again next year...

The team competition was all it was expected to be - tough and dramatic. Obviously China had the home advantage of a knowledgeable and partisan crowd. This helped bring home the gold medal against the famous Cubans in the women's section. The men's competition was a tense affair between Japan and Brazil. All was even until the final fight which Japan won in grand style.

Fiona was the appointed manager and coach for the Oceania team and from all accounts the team learnt a lot and had a good time. Unfortunately the team did not fare too well but the experience was invaluable. Well done Fiona. Kano is proud to have both Carlo and Fiona on the international stage!

From a refereeing point of view it was one of the highlights of my career.  I was chosen to referee both the men's and women's final team competitions. All went well without any drama's.

Thanks to Nick, Darren and Celeste for helping out with the classes.

Photos

Carlo to go to the 2008 Olympics

Carlo has been selected to referee at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing. This is a career hi-light for him and a lot of hard work has gone into achieving this.

As part of the preparation Carlo has to go to the test event in Beijing from 12-19th November. This is in the middle of term and will affect classes. Fiona is the team manager for the Australian team and will also be attending this event. Therefore there will be no classes in the week of the 12-16th November inclusive.

Please make up the class at any alternative time. Class times and venues are under Club Info->Training venues/Times on this website.

It must be noted that this is not the usual practise and we hope that you understand.

World Championships Rio, Brazil - September 13-16th

Carlo was selected as the Australian referee at this years world championships. The championships were held in Rio, Brazil. It was a huge event with 788 players from 98 countries completing on 4 mats. 

Kano team tour to South Africa

Our elite team left our shores not knowing what to expect at the 2007 South African Open Championships in the beautiful Port Elizabeth. Upon arrival we were met by local judo legend Marcial Schroeder, who was the organiser of the event and lifelong judo friend. He handed over the keys to the van that was sponsored by Algoa Toyota and what a beauty it was - brand new with 12 km's on the clock.

Our team consisted of Calvin Knoester (under 38), Jack Iredale (under 38kg), Alex Bellingham (under 42kg), Darren Rogers (under 60kg), Ruby Bellingham (under 52kg), Celeste Knoester (under 52kg), Darcina Manuel (under 57kg) and Fiona Iredale (+78kg). Keegan Bignoux also joined us in the under 55kg division.

Carlo was our coach and Fiona the manager.

The competition attracted around a thousand players. We started the first day with a bang when both Fiona and Darcina won gold in the Kurash competition with Ruby winning a bronze medal. This set the tone for the rest of the team.

Our final tally was 11 medals.