2019 National Judo Championships - from left Russell Jones, Raeanne Cowell, Freddie Espinosa, Norm Cook, Dima Gladkih.
The National Judo Championships were held in Rotorua 19-20th October.
The competition was of high level with the biggest recorded number of entrants for National Championships, especially from Auckland and Waikato Bays. The number of entrants and a high level of competition created an exciting atmosphere for all competitors. Junior Men were contested on Saturday with Freddie Espinosa winning the Bronze medal in Under 60kg division. Competing in the Under 73kg division was challenging for club mates Dima Gladkih and Russell Jones trying to judge their competitors’ strengths and weaknesses. Dima fought hard through to the final winning the Silver medal.
Sunday, again the competition in Cadet Men Under 73kg was tough with Dima and Russell competing in the division having the highest entrant numbers. Dima and Russell had some challenging fights with Russell winning his first fight in 20 seconds. Working hard through their bouts the two club mates had to fight each other for the Bronze medal with the win going to Dima.
Freddie won Gold in the Under 60kg. A strong fast grapple of his opponent’s judogi and committed attack his second fight was 6 seconds winning with an Ippon.
Coaches Norm Cook and Raeanne Cowell were proud of the three Judoka for their commitment to training before the competition and their success at the championships.
-Ends
ABOUT KAPITI JUDO CLUB
Originally founded in 1971 by Paraparaumu residents Des Sharp, Sergeant Jim Weekes and Ralph Chicktong, the Kapiti Judo Club has had a long association with the Kapiti Region. In 1995 Des Sharp retired and his daughter Karen Parker (1st Dan Black Belt) who commenced with the club in 1973 as a junior continued the club’s operation.
The Club today is extremely fortunate to have the expertise of all the current coaches and parents participating to learn with their children and assist in club development. The wealth of experience in judo they bring to the club is invaluable.
