7 October 2024
While every member fought with determination and gave their best, the standout feature of this tournament was the positive attitude displayed by each player. Competing against more seasoned judoka was no small feat, but our team rose to the challenge, showcasing resilience and a strong fighting spirit.
Special recognition goes to Barbara de Andres, who demonstrated fantastic progress even executing a text book Tomoe Nage—a throw she had only recently learned from Michihiro Omigawa. This particular technique was employed against a formidable opponent, proving Barbara’s ability to apply training under pressure.
Campbell Murray narrowly lost his final match despite fighting with an injured shoulder all day to earn a well deserved Silver Medal.
Another highlight came from Raphael McCathie, who secured victory in his final match with a spectacular Morote Seoi Nage. This rarely-seen technique, especially at his age level, impressed both the coaches and spectators alike.
For some of our judoka, this event marked their first competition. Ender Sayhan, Anton Artikov, Judo Bates, and Aarron Orsi all handled the nerves of a first tournament with grace. They represented themselves and the club excellently, gaining valuable experience that will serve them well in future competitions.
A particularly noteworthy performance came from Lewis Bodkin, who had an incredibly tough draw but rose to the occasion in stunning fashion. Despite facing four emotionally and physically draining matches, Lewis managed to defeat the British champion in his weight category, securing a hard-fought victory. His grit and determination earned him the title of Fighter of the Day.
The coaching team could not be prouder of how our judoka performed—both in terms of technique and attitude. Regardless of the results, it was clear that every member of the team deserved their place at this level of competition. It’s safe to say that our judo team has much to look forward to, and this experience will only push them to greater heights.
The Highland Budokan Grand Prix was an excellent opportunity for growth, and we are excited to see where our team goes from here. Congratulations to all of our fighters for their efforts, and here's to even more success in the future!
Team: Raphael McCathie - Gold
Campbell Murray - Silver
Felix Kinmond - Bronze
Finlay Roberts (Aboyne JC) - Bronze
Andy Chiru - Bronze
Barbara De Andres - Gold
Ryan Hobbs
Lewis Bodkin
Andreas Jones
Jude Bates
Anton Artikov
Ender Sayhan
Alessadro Scotti
Aarran Orsi
