Six juniors at Blacktown judo

Six junior Woy Woy Judo Club students, aged between eight and 11 years, competed in an invitation only Judo Competition on Sunday, May 27, at Blacktown PCYC.

In a field of over 100 competitors split into three age divisions of Under-9, Under-12 and Under-15, six were in the Novice yellow belt section.

Woy Woy's youngest competitor Oberon Burns, 8, won the silver in his first competition against Harrison Lamley from Samurai Judo Academy, Newcastle.

"Oberon tried very hard to throw Harrison many times only to be taken with a counter throw," said Woy Woy club administrator Ms Lindy Simmons.

Mark Mackay, Jasper Foti and Sean Keogh, all nine-years-old, had plenty of contenders in their weight divisions.

Jasper was in the lightest division of Under-29kg which was converted to a combined bout of male and female competitors to ensure all the lightweights had a roll around.

Jasper was the only male medal winner, taking the silver.

Mark Mackay and Sean Keogh were in a pool of five players in the Under-12-Under-34kg.

"Amid all the cheering, Mark showed outstanding concentration throughout all four matches, only to be taken out of medal contention in a hold down," said Ms Simmons.

Sean won all his bouts taking on team mate Mark as well as opponents from Budokan, Castle Hill and Tiger Do.

After three wins Sean was awarded gold when his fourth opponent forfeited.

In the Under-12-Under-42kg, Stirling Young and Steven Lill found themselves competing against each other in the match of the day.

Both players were confident of winning, which saw them use their favourite techniques with gusto.

Stirling was the successor with a precision ippon seo nage (shoulder throw) to seal gold.

Media Release, 25 Jun 2012

Lindy Simmons, Woy Woy Judo Club

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