Judoka from Doryoku Judo Academy shine at the Open Judo Tournament
Judo South Africa Primary Schools Open Judo Tournament saw various judoka from the Academy walk away winners.
Doryoku Judo Academy judoka impressed at the Judo South Africa Primary Schools Open Judo Tournament from October 5 to 7.
Danie Bruwer head coach of the academy explained the tournament took place at the Belhar Sports Centre in the Western Cape.
“Judoka as far as Namibia attended this tournament. Judo is a very competitive Olympic Sport and judokas on the West Rand participate in judo, either at their school or at club level,” said Danie.
In the primary school’s Novice Open Judo Tournament that took place in October, two judokas from Doryoku competed. The event is aimed at those that have never participated in the national tournament. Aiden-Duane Nel came in second in the boys 10 years plus 50kg category. In the boys 12 years, under 46kg category, Cameron Swanepoel came in third.
“Aiden fought very bravely. Aiden is very new at tournaments and has a bright future ahead of him. Cameron is a blue belt and a very loyal judoka and works very hard at improving his judo. Cameron also acts as a technical official or referee at tournaments,” added Danie.
In the primary schools’ Advanced Open Judo Tournament in October, five contestants took part, all walking away with first place, Danie mentioned this is the first time in the club’s history that all the contestants obtained first place in the advanced tournament. The gold medal winners include Caden Carstens, Dalton Seyffert, Alexis Remy, Cara Claassen and Stephan Agenbach.
In the Judo SA National Ranking event, which also took place in October, in the boys aged 13 and 14, under 60kg, Stephan Agenbach walked away with the third place. Danie noted he was allowed to participate in the tournament even though he is only 12 years old. His results also put him in fourth place on the Judo South Africa Ranking list, which means he can be selected for the national trials in 2024 if there is an international event for his age group.
Danie concluded, “I am very proud of the results of the Doryoku members who represented Joburg Judo at these prestigious events.”
