Previously I put forward the idea of a midweek Randori session at Uppingham. With a number of Vale Judoka competing at a high level and also in the England squad I think it is important we provide the opportunity to give them the support they need. While there is a requirement to maintain a level of fitness there is also the need to have time on the mat to learn new techniques and to practise. I am prepared to run a session from 1930 to 2030ish straight after the Uppingham Ju

On Sunday 23rd April four Vale Judoka went to their first competition at the Nottingham Red Belt Rumble. Jacob Saunderson from Oakham Louie Brown from Uppingham Charlie Utting from Uppingham Archie Utting from Uppingham Everyone fought extremely well and got stuck in. They all had a good experience from the weigh in to the obligatory waiting to fight while the nerves kick in. The nerves didn't seem to phase any of them and from bow I can honestly say all four went out and fou

James and Karis competed in the Northern Ireland Open in Derry on the 23rd April. 1st to weigh in and compete was James fighting in the Cadet u18 age group and the u50kg weight group after a by ( he was seeded no 2 ) , his first fight he won in Golden score ( new rules mean no yukos and wazari score 1 and no amount of wazari lead to ippons now so you can do numerous wazari throws ) James then managed to win against his next opponent who  He had previously lost to in the champ

This Easter weekend saw Daniel, Emma, Alex, James and Bryony attend the Sportif International Training camp in Edinburgh they received coaching from Neil Adams MBE 8th Dan , Euan Burton, Gemma Gibbons and 2016 Olympian Colin Oates. New techniques/combinations were learned which will be shared at Club training. This competition/training camp is always held Easter weekend in Edinburgh and is a favourite for some of the vale judoka , keep the date free in your calendar for next

A succesful day for 2 of our Juniors today in Edinburgh Daniel Bennet competing in the juniors u81kg achieved a Bronze medal also Alex Cutforth competing in juniors u70g achieved a bronze medal . A succesful day before the 2 day training camp starts. Well done :)

This Easter weekend we have James, Bryony, Alex, Emma and Dan competing on the Saturday. On the Sunday and Monday there is a training camp with Olympians Euan Burton , Gemma Gibbons and Neil Adams training alongside other prestigious coaches. Will Blog and upload pictures through the weekend

There are a number of competitions coming and with the Easter break causing a lack of ability to practise we are opening up in Thursday 20th for a two hour session. Big Pete and myself would like to offer a focused session for those entering competitions to look at grips, variations on techniques, ground work turnovers and armlocks/strangles (for 14 and above). There'll be an opportunity to learn some new things and to put them in practise. Open to Orange belt and above. Arri

On Sunday 11th June 2017 there is a competition at Thetford for all Ages and Grades. Group 1 Players born 2006 to 2009 aged 8 years and over, novice to 6th mon Group 2 Players born 2001 to 2005, aged 15 or under novice and above Group 3 Players holding a senior licence novice to 2nd Kyu Group 4 Players over 30 years novice to 2nd Kyu Group 5 Players holding a senior licence 1st Kyu and above. (There is a Dan grading following this event.) Group 6 Players over 30 years 1st Kyu

There is a Senior Team League Competition being held at Thetford on 14th May. It is a point scoring event for Men and Women. Mens Teams:- -66kg, -73kg, -81kg, -90kg & +90kg Womens Teams:- -57kg, -63kg & +70kg We should get at least 1 Mens and 1 Womens team together. Closing date for Entries is 8th May, so we need to act fast. http://www.britishjudo.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/eastern-area-teams-2017.pdf

Congratulations 'Big Pete' Sanderson who has successfully passed the BJA Level 2 Coaching Certification. Well done Pete! Your drive, enthusiasm, creativity and passion is a huge asset to Vale Judo Club. All of our members benefit from everything you bring to the dojo and on the mat!