Controlled aggression and respectful combat on show at West Rand Grandslam

Patient positioning and stealthy strength determine the timing of the strike.

After a prolonged break, eager fighters returned for competitive judo on September 20. Judokas from across Roodepoort and a few special guests from Ekurhuleni bowed in united combat at the West Rand Grandslam in the KJK Judo dojo on Sport Street.

Given the green light by Judo South Africa, dojo owner and West Rand Judo Association President, 6th Dan Sensei Katja Bruwer, took every step to ensure that a coronavirus-free environment was sustained. All the officials present were proud to state that they had received their vaccinations, allowing their minds to focus solely on the matters on the mat.

Without the presence of family and supporters, judokas created their own atmosphere as the exemplary standards of judo were exhibited in front of impressed officials. With customary precision, proceedings began at 9:00 sharp with the programme running like clockwork as each group seamlessly transitioned into the other, adhering to the strict guidelines set out by Judo South Africa.

Split into weight categories, the senior judokas went first, squaring off in a series of round-robin fights that resembled elegant dances of attrition punctuated by exertions of brute force. As the seniors left the dojo, the 13 to 14 age group was substituted by the 11 to 12, and the seven to ten age groups respectively. After every group, a mop drenched in sanitizer was brought out to make the combatants’ arena squeaky clean and ready for the next thunderous encounters.

Relieved to be able to put on an event to keep judokas fit and sharp, Sensei Bruwer was delighted with the overall results, graciously saying, “Well done to all the judokas and thank you all for being a part of our event. We can’t wait for the next opportunity.”