Promotion Reports

Report Submitted: 31/1/06
Published: 31/1/06
Authors: Sensei Adam

Contest Grading 29th January 2006
The first visit to the Budokwai for most of us, the most prestigious Dojo in the country (for more information on the Budokwai, please follow this link to see their history for a good read). From the reception with photographs of Jigaro Kano at the club, you could feel how much the club is steeped in the history of European Judo. A little bit daunting for those of us attending for our gradings!

A slow start to day saw kick off around 12pm, which gave us all a nice opportunity to get comfortable, and for Mike to manage his way there! Wall to wall mats and slightly smaller-than-usual mat area gives the venue a nice 'club feel'.


Andreas Killi
Andreas looked to be in a better group than usual, and it was odd seeing so many orange belts with no yellow or green! However, despite some really good battles, Andreas was unfortunate to come away with 2 losses and 1 draw, missing out on his grade this time.


Lee Ellis
After the relative heroics of last week, it was somewhat dissapointing for Lee to come away empty handed in regards of points. However, more encouragingly, Lee did take his 1st Dan theory that he had been dreading. Having a superb uke (humble, aren't I?!), he raced through his techniques, whilst giving us all a giggle everytime he needed his glasses! With a little confusion, Lee sorted out his Kubi Nage (bizarrely he was asked to do a Koshi Guruma for this), and scored 7's at the very minimum for all of his techniques. Needing a score of 150, his final score of 184 kept him very happy indeed!


Paul Pasifull
Another day of excellent shiai for Paul still see him without points. Ironically losing one bout due to a Tomoe Nage, he was also unfortunate to not be selected to get some points in any of the line-ups.


Mike Chapman
After 20 years, it took a brave man to enter another grading. Braver than any other 1st Dan's it seemed, with Mike being into his veteren years being the only 1st Dan present, ended up against more youthful 2nd and 3rd Dans still in their fighting years. Still, Mike put up a good fight against most, and certainly in causing one 2nd Dan to lose a lot of blood and ruining this 'pretty boy's looks. No points, but much more confidence and satisfaction for being out there going for that elusive 2nd Dan.


Adam Hutchins
Unfortunately, I was the pretty boy pitted against Mike. I wouldn't mind, except I use the term as after we found out that as clubmates we were to be opposition he used the term 'pretty boy Hutchins'. Git.

After a long battle, I lost my first fight against someone with 90 points towards his 3rd - still good to see him get that, and to escape a Juji Gatame. Mike second, and a trip to the bathroom to clean up my blood splattered face. Amazing what losing a scab can do! Lost my 3rd by being stupid, and within 20 seconds. My 3rd Dan opposition had already used the same technique twice, and once with Mike. Muppet I felt! Won my 4th fight with a hold down, submission on the time encouraging. Finally for my 5th, felt a lot better winning with an escape from a Kesa Gatame, and being able to show the winner of my first bout how to do Juji Gatame! 30 Points towards my 3rd, walked away happy (but with less blood).

A great day, and a great atmosphere, being able to chat with all opposition without any animosity with great Judo Spirit. A shame for the barer rewards, but Dagenham this Saturday on the 4th!