Three months has amazingly past since the last report with a quieter period prevailing in the Judo world thankfully.
Having stated that a number of notable national achievements have come to Victorian clubs and members. The NTID program was finalized, selecting Ben Lee, Chris McMahon, Shayann Stuart and reserve Tom Bensted to the squad.
The new incentive program, instigated by the JFA, promoting Clubs of Excellence heralded this state gaining one of the two allocated nationally for 2009. Proudly, Dominance MMA located in Richmond and coached by Olympians Daniel Kelly, Maria Pekli and Dennis Iverson was a worthy winner. The Ohori club in Qld was the other recipient. This scholarship allows all members of Judo Victoria to gain extra training with many of the state team allowed free training and assistance with regional travel.
I encourage all up and coming players to make enquiries on training times and whether they meet the assistance criteria.
The biannual Pac Rim comp has only just been contested with many Victorians making the team and fairing well. Of special note was the medal gaining performances of Jack Bensted 3rd , Y/M 73kgs, Emily Bensted 3rd , W 57kgs and Mark Anthony 2nd , M 90kgs.
Also, our best wishes go Emily and Mark along with Dennis Iverson and Brent Iverson who are about to participate in the upcoming World Championships in Rotterdam Holland.
On the Kata scene, the first official World Championship are also about to take place in Malta with again Victorians gaining vital spots. The incomparable Janet Lambert/Jenny Beaton combination along with Andrew Coatsworth/Peter White will represent us well I’m sure.
The annual August tournament has just been run with numbers, not surprisingly down, given the winter months and the fact that many of our competitors are taking an off season break or meeting contest commitments overseas. With that stated there were many fights of note on the day prompting one of our very experienced referees to comment on the good judo being displayed. Our thanks to all the regular volunteers who make the tournament run so smoothly.
Upcoming events of importance are the Kata Seminar on August 30th to be held at Dominance MMA, see Website for details.
Other scheduled tournaments are VIOC on Oct 3/4 and the Victorian Schools Champs Oct 5th.
Finally I am pleased to report that Victoria has seen an ever improving membership during the course of the last few years. With that stated this can only keep improving with the addition of more Clubs and Coaches. I encourage anyone considering a more senior role in the judo world to contact me direct so JVI can offer assistance if possible.