2020 Kanokai Challenge

2020 KANOKAI CHALLENGE COACH'S REPORT

This past Saturday Team Judo Kai travelled to nearby Alma NS for the 2020 Kanokai Challenge Judo Tournament.

This was a well run tournament with lots of volunteers and referees, great Job Kanokai and Jocelyn Sutherland for running a fantastic event!

Competing for Team Judo Kai were Sean Lee, Livie Thoms, Ella Thoms, Fraser Lake, Kandice Verge, Logan cook, Sophie Lake, Rachel Lake, Tyler (Kayla) Verge, Leland Bishop, Noah Hardy, Abbi McCoullough and Connor Kavanough.

Representing us in the Referee pool were Sensei Guy Estabrook and Sean Hardy.

Coaches on site were Sensei Mike Lavoie and Abbi McCoullough.

First timer Sean Lee was his usual smiling calm self in the Newaza division, he did a great job with 2 of his fights ending in decision! BRONZE for Sean, well done.

Livie Thoms was as always a little firecracker. This fast mover fought hard and well finishing the day with a SILVER.

Ella Thoms, coming off an illness was a pro all the way. Looking for her opportunities, she showed how much she has progressed with her technical abilities, a well won SILVER!

Fraser Lake didn't stop smiling all day, but he put some folks on notice. Working hard he comes away with a BRONZE

Kandice Verge was all business quickly putting away her opponent to take away a GOLD, well done!

Logan Cook had a great day, showing off some newly practised skills he came away proud with a great BRONZE medal finish.

Leland Bishop has been working to return to fighting shape and it shows! Coming away with some great fights with BRONZE.

Sophie and Rachel Lake as well as Tyler Verge were in one division with a fourth fighter.

Rachel Worked hard and fought like a tiger, coming away with a fourth place finish, nice work!

Sophie has been very dedicated with her training and this performance was likely her best so far. Coming away with a BRONZE, we look forward to seeing more from this tough Judoka.

Tyler did great with some lovely combinations that added up to a GOLD medal performance.

Noah Hardy was working hard with 4 fights, doing very well against an old opponent he comes away with a SILVER medal, and a plan...

Josh Cherett tested his skills and represented very well, finishing with a Bronze medal.

Abbi McCoullough took off her coaches hat and put on a gi. Giving up almost 40lbs she fought like a monster, coming away with SILVER.

Connor Kavanaugh was a machine. Keeping his fights very short, he defeated every opponent he faced easily and came away with GOLD

I have to say, watching our fighters' progression and improvement over the season is amazing. Your ability to work together towards this goal is the reason for such an incredible team. You genuinely care about each other and it shows, both on and off the mats. Keep supporting each other, and pushing each other and the sky is the limit!

Sensei Mike Lavoie

Team Judo Kai