Fall Classic 2019

2019 Fredericton Fall Classic Team Judo Kai Coach's Report

This year Team Judo Kai was proud to be represented by the following Judoka; Bazyl Burns-Bahadur*, Ella Thoms, Kadin Areny, Isaac Filmore, Abbi McCullough, Josh Cherrett, Barbara Story-Brown, Chris Cormier, Kandice Verge

Day 1

Isaac and Kadin were the first to face the challenge and that's exactly what they did. After an intense battle Isaac pulled off a nice Ippon win. He later went on to face TJK teammate Kadin Areny and their professionalism and will to win made it one of the most exciting fights of the day, with Kadin coming out on top this time. They later went on to lose once each after a couple of unfortunate incidents finishing tied at Silver. More on that later...

Kandice has been working extremely hard and it showed! All of her fights were filled with great technique and incredible sportmanship. Gold with all wins!

The Seniors and Masters were up next and there was some tough competition! Chris was his usual fast moving self securing a solid win and a fourth place finish.

Josh brought his enthusiasm and energy to the mat for some very exciting fights. While he did not secure a win this time, he is a guy to watch.

Abbi and Barb shared a division with a third lady, all warriors! This respect was apparent with the amazing fights they put up. Very exciting to watch with Abbi eventually securing 2 wins and Gold, and Barb sharing the podium for Silver.

Day 2

For the second day we had Ella and Bazyl on the matside. Bazyl arrived fired and ready but was unfortunately taken out by a stomach ailment. We look forward to seeing him perform at the N.S. Provincial Championships.

Ella was just fantastic. Her calmness and professionalism was only outshined by her sweetness when her opponent was hurt. Ella had some great fights, all wins, and a Gold!

This tournament we did a few things differently, with Abbi taking on most of the heavy lifting regarding registrations, weigh ins, etc and also with Ella And Kandice travelling without parents! I have to say it was a pleasure to spend time with them both, they are strong smart young ladies, and I look forward to seeing them continue to succeed.

Special shout out to Carol Lavoie for arranging their travel, room, food, and who knows what else!

Occasionally at tournaments (and in life I suppose) something happens that ends up in what you might consider an unfair result. In my opinion this happened this weekend. When this happens we have a choice to make. We can hold on to anger and disappointment and let it sour our attitude. Or, we can put it behind us knowing that we did our genuine best, and move on to fight another day. I was very impressed with all of our Judo family this weekend, both how you treated the successes, and how you dealt with disappointment. You are truly what a Judoka is supposed to be.

To say I am proud of this team is an understatement, and I am honored to be your Sensei.

See you on the mats

Sensei Mike Lavoie

Team Judo Kai

Spryfield/Dartmouth