Shane wins judo silver

Retired policeman and Woy Woy Judo Club sensei, Shane Hobbs, recently won the silver medal in his division of the World Police and Fire Games held recently at the Adelaide Convention Centre.

Club secretary Ms Lindy Simmons said Mr Hobbs set a rigorous training schedule in the lead-up to the games.

"Shane entered in the under 73kg Grand Masters division," Ms Simmons said.

"The weigh-in area was dominated mainly by Russians, Koreans and Chinese judokas.

"Shane, who stands at 160cm, was amazed and slightly concerned at the build of some of the players."

Ms Simmons said that after the weigh-in, the draw was compiled, and Shane was up against two Russians.

"Although shorter, they were very stocky in build," Ms Simmons said.

"The bouts were four minutes long under the rules of Australian Judo Federation.

"In the first bout, A Shchelkushkin (third dan) took a double-handed grip on the one lapel of Shane's jacket and was immediately penalised - for an instant two points to Shane.

"Shchelkushkin attacked again with ouchi gari (inner leg reap) and both went to the ground where Shane had an opportunity to attempt a strangle.

"The referee signaled to start again.

"Shchelkuskin then attempted a standing strangle that pulled Shane to the ground.

"Keeping his chin tucked in firmly, Shane moved around his opponent and pinned him to the mat for 30 seconds, taking out the match for 10 points."

Ms Simmons said the second bout was against V Muravyeu (fourth dan), five time Soviet Union champion, one time Olympic champion and current Sambo Champion.

Ms Simmons said the player took a defensive stance by not standing upright and "proved to be very strong and harder to attack".

"Using attempts at foot sweeps at first then extending to full leg sweeps in order to get in underneath Shane was able to score a yuko (five points) and a koka (three points) on his opponent who had a yuko already," Ms Simmons said.

"With time running out, Shane came in for soto maki komi (outer winding body throw) with the Russian taking a grip under Shane's leg and lifting him up and throwing him with Te guruma (hand technique) that resulted in an ippon (10 points) to the Russian."

Shane received the Silver Medal in his division.

"The two Russian opponents were very friendly and exchanged club badges and flags," Ms Simmons said.

Mr Hobbs would "endeavour to attend the next games".

Press release, 20 Apr 2007 Lindy Simmons, Woy Woy Judo Club