Having just returned from a 6 week break in Europe, watching many of the Olympic Judo finals played on TV live, or replayed that same day, it is a little sad to hear that Judo had brief airtime once again on the Australian Networks.
My aim shortly is to get some comments from the Victorian contingent of the Beijing Olympic Judo Team, so the bulk of our Membership have a chance to appreciate what went on before, and during the Games.
I have already spoken with Daniel Kelly who was very passionate about the Judo Tournament and the lead up. I found his comments very interesting.
It goes without saying that we must all be very proud of each member of the Judo Team, particularly the Vics, as I know they have made many personal sacrifices to get to these Olympics. A special mention once again to Cath Arlove and Daniel who fronted up for their 3rd go. And again we applaud the incomparable Maria Pekli who once again showed her World class status by placing 5th, coming ever so close to making the final, and only losing to the eventual winner by the narrowest of margins.
Make sure you get in early for the JVI Olympic Dinner now being advertised on the Website, earmarked for October 11th, in order to catch the athletes there.
Since the last report John Jory ran a NCAC course, updating the participants on new elements to the national program. Our thanks to John for organizing the day and Frank Dando for once again making his Dojo available.
there was also a Tournament mid August held at the Darebin Center with solid numbers participating. A couple of injuries were noted which is a reminder to all Coaches to regulate their students about trying techniques that have an element of danger, should they be applied incorrectly.
We have a busy schedule coming up in the next three months with the Recreational Tournament being held at the Diamond Valley JC September 14th, and then the National University Games being held on Tuesday the 30th at the Victorian Uni Footscray Campus.
this will be followed by VIOC and the Victorian Schools Championships early October, NCAS on the 12th and the annual Bendigo Tournament on the 26th.
November is a little quieter with the AGM to organize on the 9th of the month.
Finally, I am pleased to report that another successful Kata Seminar was held during August 28-31 at the NSW Judo Centre, at the Olympic Park Stadium in Homebush.
As an example of the rising interest in Kata, this year the OJU took charge, fully funding proceedings.
the Kodokan sent out Nagsai Sensei again together with Sato Senei and Hasegawa Sensei. Both these gentleman are world renowned for their expertise in Nage-No-Kata.
Victoria was well represented across all ages with 15 individuals attending.
the intense four days culminated with a Kata Competition on the last day.
this tested not only the Kata exponents but also the Judges who were scored on their consistencies, or inconsistencies.
Congratulations once again to Peter White and Andrew Coatsworth for taking out the annual NSW Kata Championships. this was judged by the Japanese visitors on overall performances for the various Kata's demonstrated during that last day.
See Neville Sharpe's report and the photo of the Victorian contingent in the Gallery.