ATLANTIC OPEN 2019

2019 ATLANTIC CANADIAN JUDO CHAMPIONSHIP COACHES REPORT

FOUR NEW ATLANTIC CHAMPIONS FOR SPRYFIELD JUDO KAI

For our third year Spryfield Judo Kai brought a tough team of fighters to the Atlantic Judo Championships and fight they did!

This year the tournament was again held in Summerside PEI and was again a ton of fun!

SJK was represented by the following Judoka:

Tim Cranston, Abbi McCoullough, Chris Cormier, Mark Hill, Chris Brisson, JC Gravel

Kandace Verge, Ella Thoms, Logan Wheeliker, Isaac Filmore, Kadin Areny, Jared Fredericks, Noah Hardy, Logan Cook, Livie Thoms, John Wheeliker

SJK was represented in the Referee Pool by Sean Hardy and Chuck Cormier. SJK coaches were:

Mike Lavoie – Coach, runner, coffee drinker

Abbi McCoullough -- Coach, hairdresser

Carol Lavoie – floor coordinator, ninja bread maker

SJK coaches also took the chair for Halifax Judo Academy with the following Judoka;

Lina Scheffler, Lara Binod, Tacari Howe, Usman Arifov, Umar Arifov

The day started off fast and furious with lots of talented fighters taking to the mats, as can happen at this age many of our young fighters were in the same brackets and had to fight each other, here's how I saw it play out:

Logan Wheeliker, Kadin Areny and Isaac Filmore were in a division of 6 people and were given simple instructions, take over the podium. All three beat their first challengers and were then faced with each other. Between them they came up with their plan, fight to win and put on a good show. There was no doubt they meant it, all three fought their hearts out and it showed. This time Kadin came out with Gold, Isaac with Silver and Logan took home Bronze. Very well done gentlemen.

Ella Thoms was faced with her most experienced competition to date and fought like a tiger! Coming away with a Bronze medal.

Logan Cook took to the mats and as always, showed his calm and cool ways, fighting some solid fights and coming away with 3rd place.

Kandace Verge was faced with a very powerful opponent and managed to keep out of the horrible “hug zone”, winning her first fight, but was eventually overwhelmed, coming away with a hard earned Silver medal and a new respect for technique over size.

Then came the Spryfield Judo Kai Masters team;

Tim Cranston was in a division with a Black Belt from France and brought all he had to the mat. After 2 furious battles Tim came away with second place and the respect of the French team!

Mark Hill and Chris Cormier made up a division with Chris coming away with Gold and Mark with a second place finish. Played with class.

Representing the club (and I think the cutest) were LTAD Judokas Livie Thoms and John Wheliker. They tore up the mats with their fun and energy! And neither lost any teeth!

Halifax Judo Academy

For Lina and Lara this was their first time competing and although they were nervous they were very brave! Each came away with a Bronze medal and a huge smile! Great Kids!

Tacari Howe fought his fights, getting tripped up once and coming away with Silver.

Umar Arifov fought well, making a couple of good throws, and winning Silver.

Usman Arifov had an active day, fighting hard and winning Bronze!

Day 2

Jared Fredericks had 2 amazing battles with an experienced Brown belt and came away with second place, putting the heavyweights on notice!

Noah Hardy has worked very hard become the amazing young fighter he is and you can see his resolve and determination in his Judo. Coming away with a third place finish. Although he is a big guy, he is still young and we look forward to seeing where this road leads him.

Abbi McCoullough was the smallest in her division but kept moving, even getting an armbar finish! Gold For Abbi!

Chris Brisson, JC Gravel and Mark Hill fought it out finishing with JC Gold, Chris Silver and Mark Bronze.

Every time our team is represented at any local or regional tournament I am always incredibly proud and impressed by our fighters, coaches, support and parents, our TEAM. From day 1 we have realized that our success can't be guaranteed by any one person, only by working together can we really do our best for our sport, our kids, our community and ourselves. Great job everyone.

Sensei Mike Lavoie

Spryfield Judo Kai