KAZOKU-KAN Judo Club continued their progression as three members claimed gold medals at the National Judo Championships in Birmingham.
Seven students from the Droitwich-based club attended the event at Erdington Academy on Saturday competing for the chance to go to Holland in May for the 22nd Houvast Judo Tournament.
Eleanor Warburton, fighting in the over-65kg category, was up against tough competition and put up a fantastic effort by winning the majority of her fights to earn gold.
Alongside her in the under-60kg category was Molly Charlwood who fought against a Judoka with more experience and of a much higher grade.
However, Molly managed to take the gold.
Rob Alloway, competing in the under-66kg Dan Grade category, fought in a battle which could have gone either way but he too claimed top spot.
All gold medal winners are guaranteed entry for ‘Houvast’ and have earned the title of national champion.
Brother and sister duo Sian and Harry Evans were both fighting in the under-40kg category and were up against some tough competition.
They both held their own and displayed determination and showed the progress they have made in the past couple of weeks since their last tournament, both earning a bronze medal.
Felicity Warburton, competing in the under-50kg category, put up a great effort to win her first fight before going on to win a bronze medal.
Meanwhile James Worsfold, one of the only novices in the entire competition, came into the under-36kg.
His competitors were much higher grades than he was and had a great deal more experience, but he went in to those fights with the heart of a champion.
Even though he did not walk away with a medal, he walked away with his head held high.
Instructor Rich Morrish said: “For someone to be that enthusiastic about entering competitions with the small amount of experience he has under his belt and facing competitors he could see were much higher graded than himself, is something I will never forget.
“He did so well and we are so proud of him and he is a shining example to anyone that participates in Judo or wants to try it themselves.”
