THE EUROPEAN STAGE

A couple of our players have reached the European stage in Judo. Kate Chisholm, 15 years old and Ben Barkby age 19, follow their progress below.

Kate was the first of our talented young judoka to compete in her first taste of the European circuit, at the cadet cup in Spain, Feb 2022 a great start on the road to gaining experience.

Kates Second trip was to Croatia, March 2022 unlucky to not win her first fight, she fought so well.

Next was France. A tough comp and camp, Kate wasn't on form this day, but the benefit was in the camp. Two hard days doing randori with the top cadets from around the world.

Polish training camp Feb 2023 went well with lots of good quality randori for Kate to gain much needed experience

2023 and time for the first competition. Croatia was the country and Kate was on true form. After many hours of working on her fitness, technique and strategy she had her first European win and 10 points for the GB rankings and her first World ranking points too. A great comp with a brilliant camp.

Our other player Ben Barkby has also been busy in Europe. First for him too, but as a Junior, missing cadets due to covid. His first event was in Portugal, and a win in his first fight, giving him world ranking points.

Next a trip to Paris for the European Cup Juniors. Tough draw, fighting the number 1 seed from Aze first fight. Great fight lasting 3 mins, until a loss, but was lucky enough to come back in the reparcharge. Up against a beast of a Frenchman had the best fight, but a win wasn't to be. Great camp though for three days and lots of lessons learnt.

Ben's next trip was to Spain, his home, which he hasn't seen for 3 years due to covid etc. He had the best time, but unfortunately didn't chalk up any wins. It was tough comp for all of GB juniors that weekend. But the camp was great and of course the sun was shining. Lots of fun had from all the team. Onwards and upwards regards the European circuit.

Next trip for Ben was to Hungary. July 2022. Another tough draw but can see the improvement. Carrying a small knee injury, the camp was tough but beneficial. Now to see what next year brings.