By Laura Stovel
Judo enthusiasts from Creston, Salmo, Invermere, Salmon Arm and Vernon gathered at the Revelstoke Legion on Saturday for a randori (practice competition) hosted by the Revelstoke Judo Club.
Revelstoke sensei (teacher) Cornelius Suchy described the event as a novel, grassroots initiative. New national judo regulations prevent students with white and yellow belts from participating in full competitions. This was an effort to introduce children to the rules of competition and to give them a chance to practice with others in their weight categories.
Sensei Sandy Sydnam of Salmo said the randori is important because “smaller people don’t always have others to fight with in our club.”
Suchy, who has been teaching judo in Revelstoke since 2002, described judo as “the last non-commercial martial art.”
“No one gets paid and fees are low,” he said. “It’s open to people who cannot afford to ski (or do other, more expensive sports.) People from all walks of life participate.”
Here are some additional photos from the event:
