Since my last report three tournaments ago, a training camp and a Kata seminar have taken place in Victoria. The annual Shoreham training camp organised by Sandy Hollingsworth, and this year Tristen Everett, was once again successfully run during the long weekend in March. There were a number of guest coaches including Mr. Yamada and myself on the Sunday. It was terrific to see the enthusiasm displayed by the fifty odd, primarily junior group. Sandy noted this year the behavior of the participants made running the camp a breeze. Congratulations to all who participated and many thanks to the volunteers who gave up their time to promote judo.
As most judo people know by now, new rules and age categories have been introduced to judo worldwide. This year’s Geelong competition was our first event where these changes could be tested. The day went very smoothly with referees commenting that there were noticeable improvements in judo techniques. Participation numbers were also up from last year. Our thanks once again to the tireless group at the Geelong JC for their contributions.
The State Schools Tournament took place on April 19th, brought forward in the year in an attempt to improve participation numbers. Last year’s event had dwindled due to it coinciding with the first day back to school after the third term break. This rescheduling appears to have worked with participation numbers doubling that of last year. It was especially pleasing to see a group from NSW giving it their all.
The April Kata seminar held at Caulfield JC was a well run affair with Naga No Kata the theme of the day. Our thanks to the many Coaches who gave up their Sunday, their expertise is appreciated. The regular May tournament has just been completed with some concerns now on the table for JVI to rectify. The main one being the gap that has been created with the introduction of the cadets category that has had some parents voicing their disapproval. After consultations with the JFA, Judo Victoria has taken steps to reduce the age brackets in the sub 15 years age categories. The new divisions will be in place for the tournament in July. The JVI Secretary will be sending a special notice out to all Clubs shortly outlining the changes.
Moving on to the longstanding legal debt many of us are familiar with, referred to, on many occasions as the ‘T&K’ debt. This occurred some 20 years ago and for those of you that are unaware, the consequences of this action left the judo community in this State with a burdensome legal bill of $225,000 that has strangled subsequent committees over the years.
I am happy to report that the ‘T’ side of that debt has now been closed and signed off on. The ‘K’ group has been made an offer which we (JVI) are awaiting a reply on. My thanks to Paul Rooke for all the hard work he has put into resolving this longstanding millstone of an issue. As far as I’m concerned this matter is now closed, which means JVI can now move forward debt free, allowing the organization to service its members in a better way.
Finally, I would like to encourage all of our Judo members to go along to the State training at Richmond MMA on Sunday mornings from 10am till 12pm. Not necessarily to train but to watch how Victoria’s athletes are progressing. I had the pleasure of getting on the mat recently, during a session where the State Coach, Maria Pekli, who’s doing a great job, conducted a two hour schedule full of passion and intensity. I witnessed, and unfortunately felt, the skills of many of Victoria’s team members who are going gang busters on their way to the National Champs in June. A special mention to Eddie Leoni, Greg Bensted and Brent Iverson who pushed the juniors along on the adjoining mat. It would also be remiss not mention the longstanding Manager Sandy Hollingsworth who always works tirelessly behind the scenes. I’m sure Victoria is going to have another very good year in the competitive arena.
Yours in Judo,
Michael Picken President of Judo Victoria Inc.