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Two fledgling judo players
from Suffolk, who successfully transferred from school sessions
to their local club, have tasted success for the first time.
At the Eastern Area Open
in Thetford on 14 August, James Trivett, a 7th mon, took bronze
in the under 55kg category while 8th mon Ben Caldwell won gold
in the under 34kg weight class.
The event featured players
from London’s top clubs such as Redbridge and Pinewood while there
were international players from Belgium outfit Kemzeke.
James and Ben were representing
Felixstowe Judo Club where they now practice the sport. The players
were first introduced at their schools through the British Judo
Association’s Enjoy Judo programme in the form of afterschool
sessions.
Felixstowe Judo club has
a School 2 Dojo black belt link, the highest grade in the scheme,
with both Deben High school and Causton Junior School where the
respective players study.
School 2 Dojo recently
reached 500 links between schools and community judo clubs with
Suffolk’s high-quality links among the most lauded on the programme.
Dave Martin, an Enjoy Judo
coach and founder of Felixstowe Judo Club, has been running the
scheme at Deben High School since 2007.
“Both players have come
through the Enjoy Judo scheme with me and gained experience at
local grassroots events before medalling at the Eastern Area Open,”
said Martin.
“I’m delighted with their
success and think both players are capable of making a mark in
the sport. Their development also shows how our programmes provide
a clear pathway for youngsters to take up and then pursue the
sport at a higher level.”
Three afterschool sessions
take place each week at Deben High and have been aided by funding
from Sport Unlimited which has helped to purchase judo licences
for beginners.
Five afterschool sessions
take place at Causton Junior School, another highly-successful
link which has been running since 2008.
Enjoy Judo summer school
classes were staged during the holidays while Felixstowe Judo
Club was active at local events including Active Fest and Xtreme
Fest 2010.
Felixstowe Judo Club is
based at Garrison Lane, Felixstowe, Suffolk, IP11 7RF. The club
train on a Monday and Wednesday with training times and further
details available at http://www.felixstowejudoclub.co.uk
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