Sunday 18th September - British National Kata Championships 2011

Sensei Paul Hepburn and Sensei Steve Chappell competed at the British National Kata Competition 2011 at Kendal Judo Centre in Cumbria. They return from the Event with Bronze Medals in Katame No Kata (formal ground based grappling techniques) and as Gold Medallists and National Champions in Nage No Kata (formal throwing techniques).

Welsh Closed Championships

Mark Maslen was busy officiating in Wales, refereeing at the Welsh Closed. As usual, Mark refereed at a very high standard whilst representing his club.

BJA Grading

Rebecca Maslen entered a BJA Grading at High Wycombe, Judo Centre. Despite injury, she managed to gain 20 points towards her BJA Second Dan leaving her with only 60 points to go. Sensei Judy Maslen supported and lent her expertise to officiate on the table.

England Squad Training - Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th September

Two members of Tora Judo Kai attended England Squad training in Walsall over the weekend. Natasha Maslen (Saturday) and Renz Vallerja (Sunday) worked hard and earned compliments from the England Squad coaches for ability and dedication.

Saturday 17th September - Preparation 4 Performance (P4P) Workshop

Renz Vallerja and Sam Kessler attended the fourth Preparation 4 Performance (P4P) at Ashton Park School where they worked very hard learning from the BJA Western Area Technical Advisor and ex- German National coach, Sandra Klinger.

Heart of England competition – 10th/11th September

It was another busy weekend at Walsall Campus where the first big competition of the year started. On the Saturday, Renz Vallerja competed in the boys C band in the under 55 category where there were a total of 24 competitors. Renz won 1 fight and lost 2 fights placing him in seventh place.

On the Sunday Natasha Maslen was competing in the girls D band in the under 70 category where there were a total of 12 competitors which is a big group for girls. Natasha won 3 fights and lost won. Despite Natasha being unwell, she was able to beat a rival for the first time. Natasha gained the bronze medal. Due to her being ill the week before, Natasha pulled out of the senior category.  Well done to both Renz and Natasha who, as always, showed their skill of a high standard.

All weekend Mark Maslen was there refereeing from 8am  until 7.30pm, which is a very long day to be refereeing. Like our competitors, Mark showed off his high skill at what he does and shows that Tora Judo Kai has competitors and officials. Well done Mark. 

On behalf of the players, I would like to thank Sensei Judy Maslen who coached and supported all our players the entire weekend. 

Adult beginners' 10-week course - September 2011

Thursday 22nd September to Thursday 24th November inclusive from 7 - 8pm
Pill Dojo, The Poplars, Easton in Gordano, North Somerset BS20 0DH

Tora Judo Kai is launching an adult beginners' 10-week course. The course fee of £60 includes a new judo suit, a 4-month British Judo Association membership (including insurance) and a grading at the end of the course, working towards your red belt. You don't need to have done any judo before, and it's open to men and women.

Sign up and pay online now by clicking here! Select the course 'Tora Judo Kai, Pill' from the drop-down list.