SUCCESSFUL 1ST NATIONAL JUDO CHAMPIONSHIPS

The 1st Jamaican Judo Championships took place on the 22nd of December 2018 at Wolmer's Boys School in Kingston. Around 150 judoka took part in this history making event. The tournament involved 9 judo clubs from across the country: Wolmer's Boys and Girls JC, Camperdown JC, Oberlin JC, Eltham JC, Jose Marti JC, The Cedar Grove JC, Cumberland JC, Alpha JC and Dennis Avenue JC.

The tournament first conducted all contests at the Pre-Cadet group [age 12-13], where 11 national champions were awarded, whilst receiving their invitation for the national team. The second part conducted the Cadet event [age 14-18]. Prior to the contests, as part of the Opening Ceremony, our distinguish guests took the stage to welcome all athletes, parents, officials and volunteers. Both, the Ambassador of the Japanese Embassy, Mr. Hiromasa YAMAZAKI and the President of the Jamaican Olympic Association, Mr. Christopher SAMUDA were impressed to see how fast judo is developing in the Island. In addition, CEO of the Jamaican Olympic Association, Mr. Ryan FOSTER inspired all judoka whilst highlighting the historical moment that they draw by being the first judo athletes to compete at the very first national championships.

The Cadet event displayed incredible sets of judo skills and talented hopes to represent Jamaica at international stage during the upcoming years. The total number of 23 national champions were awarded amongst this age group. To conclude the event, the Senior age group was on show where yet again dedication was on high note. The overall team event saw the following results:

1. Jose Marti Judo Club

2. The Cedar Grove Judo Club

3. Camperdown Judo Club

3. Wolmers Girls and Boys Judo Club

The President of the Jamaican Judo Association, Mr. Dwayne Barnett considered the event as a successful start:

"I was absolutely excited and overwhelmed with joy and delight how amazingly well the event went and the extraordinary pool of talents we have in Jamaica, who will no doubt go on to make Jamaica proud at international competitions.

The competition was the first of its kind in Jamaica and the Judokas who took part were extremely proud and happy to be part of such a historic event.

I would like to thank the International Judo Federation, The Jamaican Olympic Association, our sponsors, officials and volunteers who took time to make the historic day a success."

The next event which will also be the first international event is CARIFTA 2019, The final team will be announced closer to the date.