Over 700 keen judoka performed in front of a packed house in Sheffield at the weekend to compete in the British Schools Championships at the English Institute of Sport for the chance to be crowned the 2018 British Schools Champions.

Around 400 schools were represented over the course of the two day competition along with 250 coaches urging them on from the sidelines whilst an expectant and jubilant crowd enjoyed every throw, every grapple and hold.

The weekend saw British Schools Champions crowned across 91 different age/weight categories. Full results from the weekend are available to download here. 

The weekend also saw the combined British Schools Special Needs/Visually Impaired Champions crowned, which saw over 40 judoka enter.

Head of Events and Competitions, Rob Hartley said: “The level of competition at this event increases year by year, and we were thrilled to have over 700 competitors taking to the mat over the course of the two days. The arena was buzzing throughout the days and the spectators really got involved in building a tremendous

atmosphere for the fighters.

“Our volunteers are the lifeblood of this event and we couldn’t have done this without their help. I would like to thank everyone – the referees, table officials, coaches, competitors, British Judo staff, and the schools themselves. It’s been another fantastic weekend of judo and we look forward to seeing you all again next year.”

The event was once again supported by numerous junior referees and table officials to continue the development of the British Judo Association’s array of officials. 14 year old Erik Siers was awarded the Ken Webber trophy for Outstanding Young Referee of the weekend by British Schools Judo Commission member, Sue Collins. He was awarded the trophy for his consistency throughout the weekend and his calmness under pressure.

11 year old Ciaran Maren was awarded the Jerry Hicks trophy after working all weekend on the CARE system cameras along with all events for the past two years in a variety of event-based voluntary roles. The award is named after Hicks who was the Founding Member of the British Schools Judo Association which has now become British Schools Judo.