University of Warwick Judo Club held their first general grading on Friday 3 December.

Over twenty people took part with success all round as every single player managed to pass the test.

This term, the club has run a beginner’s course in order to teach those new to the sport some of the basic breakfalling techniques, standing throws, and pins on the ground.

The new course attracted a huge amount of interest and the success of the grading demonstrated that every member of the course has learnt a number of efficient, well-executed techniques in judo.

Club judoka Sapphire Samiullah, who graded to achieve her green belt, said:” Our coach and 4th Dan Dave Nicholls deserves our gratitude for taking the time to make sure every newcomer to the sport now has a thorough grounding in the basic techniques.”

“Furthermore, special mention goes to newcomers John Thornby, Philip Hartley and Robbie Ripamonti, who, despite being complete beginners to Judo this year, all managed to grade successfully to their orange belt having passed red and yellow belt gradings already this term.

“Their fast progression through the first 3 grades is a credit to their conscious training attitude, hardly missing any of the four sessions a week. The success of the grading bodes well for this year’s Warwick Judo team at BUCS and the numerous other competitions coming up, and we are confident that there will a number of beginners able to start fighting in competitions successfully this year.

“One of the main dates to look out for next term is the culminating event of the University’s One World Week, when the Warwick Judo Competition will be held in the Sports Centre on Saturday 5 February.

“This has always been a highly successful annual event for the club, with many Warwick competitors in the past taking home medals for both team and individual performances, and we hope that this year will prove just as successful. With over 15 other clubs from different Universities taking part it’s not an event to be missed, and it would be great to see as many people as possible supporting our players on the day.”