Kids from judo clubs, also called dojos, across the Kootenays descended on Revelstoke on Saturday for an exhibition of their skills and an opportunity to learn from other practitioners.
Called a randori this kind of special sessions drew kids from Salmon Arm, Vernon, Kelowna, and as far away as Salmo to the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 46 auditorium. Their matches were short and action packed as opponents sought to pin each other to the mat.
“This tournament is aimed at kids six to 16 years of age, and is important because it gives white and yellow belts (newer athletes) a chance to compete in an instructional setting,” said Robert Serrouya. “More experienced judokas, include orange, green, and blue belts, are also competing.”
He said that with over 30 members the Revelsoke dojo has ”grown enormously this year, perhaps because of Canada’s performance in the Olympics last summer, and perhaps our costs are so low compare to other sports ($25/month per kid, for 8-9 practices a month).” There are 20 in the local club who fought in this weekend’s randori.
“We’d like to thank the Revelstoke Legion, Branch 46, and the City of Revelstoke for helping to sponsor the event.”
Here are a few photos we hope you’ll enjoy:
Kids from dojos (martial arts schools) across the Kooternays and Okanagan sit facing six black belts (right) at the randori held in Revelstoke on Saturday. Rob Serrouya photoYoung judokas Caine McCabe of Revelstoke and Ben Leatherdale of Kelowna jockey for position. David F. Rooney photoOliver Corley of Revelstoke and Jake Blake of Kelonwa show what they can do on the mat. David F. Rooney photoCorley and Blake bow to each other and the conclusion of their match. David F. Rooney photoCarlos Serrouya of Revelstoke attempts to throw ben Hamilton of Kelowna as their match is video recorded. David F. Rooney photoMany of the macthes saw boys pared off against female opponents. David F. Rooney photoBailey Leatherdale of Kelowna and Liam McCabe of Revelstoke grapple for advantage.. Radnoris are informal exhibitions that serve as ways for judo tracitiionters — judokas — to size each other up and to acquire new skills. David F. Rooney photoBailey Leatherdale of Kelowna and Liam McCabe of Revelstoke grapple for advantage.. Radnoris are informal exhibitions that serve as ways for judo tracitiionters — judokas — to size each other up and to acquire new skills. David F. Rooney photoAlex McNeil of Vernon and Ben Hamilton of Kelowna had a great match. David F. Rooney photoAlex McNeil of Vernon and Ben Hamilton of Kelown were focused intently on each other. David F. Rooney photoNaomi Chan of Salmon Arm proved to be formidable opponent for Rory Vaugh )in blue) pf Salmo. Even though he was a belt ahead of her she dominated their match. David F. Rooney photoBailey Leatherdale attempts to pin Brad Bennett of Salmo. Alex McNeil of Vernon and Ben Hamilton of KelownLiam McCabe of Revelstoke struggles to prevent Trennan Lifely of Salmo from pinning him to the mat. David F. Rooney photoLifely and McCabe briefly became airborne. David F. Rooney photo
