On April 5th 3 of our Students along with their Sensei, Rich Morrish travelled to the Netherlands to compete in the Adaptive World Games (SEN) tournament in Beverwijk, Holland. The event was split into 3 separate events with Saturday being the World Games tournament, Kata in the afternoon, then the BENG! memorial Tournament held on the Sunday Morning through to the afternoon, which is a festival of celebration in memoriam of Ben Van der Eng who sadly passed away, but is fondly remembered by everyone who puts this amazing event on year after year.
This year marks the 25th Anniversary of the World Games and everyone was excited to take part in such a prestigious event.
This year our participants were: Felicity Warburton, Liam Jones and Tyler Bedenham, all of which are no stranger to this yearly spectacular. All 3 were fighting on day one and day two, and Felicity and Liam took part in the Kata on the Saturday afternoon.
On Saturday, Liam had a poule of 4 opponents, each of which bringing it's own challenge for Liam to tackle. On his first fight Liam was fighting a Dan grade from Sweden and though it was a hard fought contest, Liam caught his opponent with a lovely Osoto-Gari combination for the Ippon. Liam's second fight was against a Dan grade from Belgium, who was a skilled opponent but Liam managed to gain the upper hand by holding his opponent down for a Waza-Ari for the win. His 3rd opponent for the day was from the Netherlands, towering over Liam by a good couple of inches, despite a tough contest, Liam managed to gain the win with a respectable Yuko score. Liam managed to secure victory on his fourth and final fight (Details not available as we had 2 competitors on at the same time on different mats) The final tally for Liam was - 4 contests, 4 wins meaning that for the first time at the World Games, Liam comes home as a WORLD CHAMPION GOLD MEDALIST!
Felicity took to the mat in her first fight against a Dan grade from the Netherlands, who displayed decent technique and skill but in the end Felicity dominated with a perfect O-Goshi (Major Hip technique). (Second and Third fight details missing due to other student on a different mat needing coaching). On her 4th and final fight of the day, Felicity was up against a Japanese fighter, the first time that Japan have competed at the World games. Although small in stature the Japanese lady was cool and calm even though Felicity broke free from the Hold down, the referee has awarded the contest to her Japanese opponent. Felicity had a decent display on the day, but was just outmatched but came home with 1st BRONZE World medal.
Tyler was our 3rd student on the mat today, fighting as a 3rd Kyu (Green Belt). Tyler fights in Ne-Waza (Ground contest only). On his first fight, Tyler was up against a 1st Kyu (Brown belt) from the Netherlands. A very well fought but difficult contest for Tyler, but he overcame the odds for the first win of the day in his poule. In his second fight of the day, Tyler went up against fellow Brit James Everest from Westerleigh Judo Club. In a contest of grappling, Tyler came out on top with a very secure win. (Other details unavailable at this time due to other students needing coaching on a different mat). Results: 4 fights, 4 wins, Tyler comes away with the GOLD and WORLD CHAMPION title.
Next on the Saturday afternoon, Felicity and Liam took part in the World Kata tournament. They displayed a smooth and well coordinated Kata (First set only this year), but this was without a shadow of a doubt, their best Kata to date and they proved it by grabbing the GOLD MEDALS for their effort.
On Sunday, all three students were fighting in the afternoon. Liam, Tyler and Felicity all upped their game and came out swinging (so to speak!). With Felicity dominating with her opponents with a 4/4 contests to come home with the GOLD medal. Liam in a tough poule of opponents but wasn't giving anything away, also coming in with the 4/4 contests to being home the GOLD! Tyler, not to be left behind, soundly defeated his 4 opponents to be awarded the GOLD medal as well.
Final Tally
Gold Medals - 7 GOLD Medals
Bronze Medals - 1 BRONZE
Head Sensei Rich who was there giving support to all 3 over the weekend says: "These students really are a mark on the world of Adaptive Sport. Whatever they have to overcome in life transitions to Judo and the work they put in shows in their contest and techniques. A medal is a great thing to have, but wearing the invisible badge of pride and self worth out ranks anything they could ever show around their necks. I am so SO proud of these kids, they are amazing, and the future of Adaptive Judo."
