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Three of British judo’s
most revered former Olympian’s took a women and girls national
session at High Wycombe on Saturday 19th June.
The star-studded session
attracted 20 enthusiastic players who ranged from 12 to 46 years
of age. They learnt the favourite techniques of 2006 European
Champion Sarah Clark, 1999 World Champion Karen Roberts and 1986
World Champion Ann Hughes.
The famed trio, who’ve
competed at four Olympic Games between them, demonstrated techniques
such as tachi-waza, ne-waza which were all linked to transitions.
The event, which was organised
as part of the British Judo Association’s Women and Girls initiative,
was produced by Joyce Heron, an accomplished 6 th Dan, who competed
at the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta.
“Our theme of the day was ashi-waza
which is arguably one of the most important aspects of a player’s
skill development,” she said.
“In the afternoon during
the randori practice the young players were thrilled to challenge
their skills against Sarah Clark who is one of Britain’s current
Olympic hopes for 2012.”
Anja Dixon, 15, a member
of Gosport Judo Kwai in Hampshire, had one of the most memorable
training sessions of her young career.
"It was a really enjoyable
session and the techniques demonstrated by all the coaches were
extremely beneficial,” said the 13 mon.
“It was great to be taught
by players who had been to the Olympics so they could pass on
their experience and tips."
Organiser Heron believes
having accessible female role models in judo is hugely beneficial
to the initiative.
"For me these events
are crucial for the development of judo, in particular the benefit
of using female role models to inspire women and girls in the
sport can never be underestimated,” said Heron.
“The hard working players
had smiling red faces on the mat all day - what more can you ask
for?"
The British Judo Association is the National Governing Body for
the Olympic Sport of judo in Great Britain.
Gosport Judo Kwai train
at St Johns Church Hall, Hants, PO14 2JN. Men and women train
on Tuesday and Thursday at 20:00 – 22:00. Boys and girls train
on Monday at 18:15 – 20:45.
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