THE last month has been extremely busy for the competitive members of Dixton Judo Club. Not only do these players complete a two hour weekly training session and stamina building exercises but they have also been representing Dixton in a variety of events around the country.

The team travelled to Burnley, North Wales, to participate in the Burnley Junior Open Age-banded Championship at Burnley Leisure Centre. Dixton members fought well against tough opposition and the results were: Claudia Craven (5th place), Robert Fleming (silver medal), Kimberley Nash (bronze medal) and Richard Nash (bronze medal).

Samurai Judo Club in conjunction with the British Judo Association hosts a variety of prestigious competitions which caters for different categories of Judo Players throughout the year.

The Girls' Mini-mon and Ladies' Senior Kyu Grade competition took place on May 5th. Dixton coach John Keating was extremely pleased with the girls' progress at this event. Sara Garrett fought in the Under 33kg weight category, overcoming all seven of her opponents and returning home undefeated with a gold medal.

Claudia Craven and Kimberley Nash were both fighting in the Under 57kg. The two girls normally train together as team friends. However, this was the first event where they had to fight against each other. Kimberley also won all of her fights on this occasion, bringing a gold medal home. Claudia fought extremely well and stood next to her on the podium, winning the silver medal.

Competing in the Ladies' Open Weight category, Kimberley used her skill and determination to overcome opponents who were more experienced and heavier than herself. She did well to receive a bronze medal.

John Keating, Club Coach and Paul Addis returned to Kidderminster the following week to take part in the Senior High Grade Open competition. Paul won 10 pts towards his 1st Dan grade and John scooped 10 pts towards his 2nd Dan grade.

A minibus full of sporting members travelled to the Welsh Institute of Sport in Cardiff to participate in a National Grading. The Welsh Judo Association ran this whole day event. Judo players from all over the UK came to prove their ability and sportsmanship to the Association's officials. All the members of Dixton Judo Club that attended this event gained a promotion besides the Club Coach John Keating who ended up in hospital with a torn shoulder ligament.

The results are as follows: Felix Brown (5th Mon, yellow belt with two tabs), Steven Edmunds (3rd Mon, white belt with three tabs), Robert Fleming (14th Mon, blue belt with two tabs), Sam Ford (3rd Mon, white belt with three tabs), Sara Garrett (9th Mon, top orange belt with three tabs), Kimberley Nash (1st Kyu, top brown belt), Richard Nash (18th Mon. Top brown belt), Matthew Stott (9th Mon, top orange belt). Special congratulations go to Paul Addis who was awarded his 1st Dan Black Belt.

John Keating said that Paul had shown determination and commitment to Judo for many years and truly deserved his achievement.