Local success at Highland Open Championships

The event which was a British Judo Association three Star Tournament was held in the Nevis Centre in Fort William. David (Deek) Small who hails from Dervock won the Silver Medal in his weight category (Under 81 kgs) and also a Silver Medal in the Open category against heavier opponents. David only joined the club last year as a green belt (3rd Kyu) and has progressed to his current grade of brown belt (1st Kyu). In addition to his two well-earned medals David managed to win 30 points towards his black belt (1st Dan) which no doubt he will complete soon.

The other Coleraine player to excel was Gracious Phillips (16) who won a bronze medal at what was her first senior event. Grace’s weight category was merged with the one above so included heavier opponents including two British international players.  Despite receiving a minor injury in her first contest against one of the more experience players who was 10 years her senior, she carried on and enjoyed the rest of the tournament by winning her well-deserved medal. Local coach Philip Duncan should take credit for his pre-event tuition of the two players which included sessions on the new Judo rules which were in force at the Scottish event.

Although the Coleraine Junior Club will finish for the summer on Friday 28 June and resume on Friday 6 September, arrangements have been made for the Friday senior session to continue throughout July and August (8.15pm - 9.30pm). These sessions will be geared towards general training and include work on the technical syllabus and randori. The training will be open to all judoka, especially those who may be on vacation in the Coleraine area from elsewhere in Northern Ireland and beyond.