Judo back on the map with 1st Tournament in 40 years
The first ever Judo Tournament was held at the Methodist Church, but this time around the recently built Tortola Judo Center in Pasea would host the Territory’s first Judo Tournament in 40 years, organized by ‘Sensei’, Mr. Mark Hooper, who is a 5th degree black belt and certified examiner and founder of the Tortola Judo Club.
On Saturday June 21, 2014, grandparents, friends, siblings and parents packed around the Tortola Judo Centre as 20 competitors anxiously waited for their turn for a 3 minute bout with an athlete of similar weight in divisions established for competitors generally 12 years of age and under who have been training from 6 months to 3 years.
Though only 20 competitors, a richly diverse group of boys and girls with roots from Tortola, the greater Caribbean, Australia, India, North America, Asia and Europe added further appreciation to the sport’s broad appeal.
Matches were determined by the athlete’s ability to best utilize Judo throws, holds, and pins. From the moment the ref shouted, “Hajime” (begin) until the match concluded with a “Matte” (end), competitors embarked in highly disciplined yet intense 3 minute bouts to showcase their Judo skills while side judges closely monitored the moves to award points.
Some matches would feature spectacular throws and decisive victories, many would end in draws, but all would end just as it started with a “rei” (bow) to the fellow competitor gesturing mutual respect for one another regardless of match outcome.
“You don’t leave your Judo on the mat,” remarked Mr. Hooper. “When you go home it is still with you, you still respect people around you, and you’re kind to people”. Respect for others and discipline are the most important Judo lessons Mark instills in his pupils and it was certainly shown in the tournament.
In a bruising heavy weigh match, the physically advantaged Liam Blok successfully submitted his opponent, Anton Lichota, on a devastating choke hold. While Liam would go on to win the heavyweight crown, he seemed more concerned about the health of his opponent than becoming champion, “Is Anton alright?” were his first words he ushered after receiving his trophy. In fact, it seemed as many were equally impressed with Anton’s bravery as he was then awarded a trophy for his perseverance and discipline throughout the event and season.
Judo teaches physical, mental and emotional control and no outbursts, trash talking, or boasting is permitted. Match after match, the same code of conduct applied with all competitors consistently upholding the very standard they were taught.
The strong example spread to the crowd. Parents were often heard cheering for other children, even while their kid was competing directly against them with equal praise for each competitor regardless of result.
But, there was one match that seemed to harmoniously blend the disciplines of the sport of Judo with life’s greater lessons. To the casual observer the match between Michael Chen and Guillaume Parkins may not appear much different than the dozens of others before it.
Competitors used fast foot work, offensive and defensive positioning, throws and ground work until the three minute time expired; however, the significance of the bout was exceptional. As the match concluded, both students turned and faced one another, and then bowed in mutual respect.
Soon after loud cheering erupted as Mr. Hooper announced that outside of the tournament and well beyond the walls of the Dojo (Judo Center), Michael and Guillaume had earned the two highest marks in the Territory on their primary 5 academic exams.
Who won the match on the mat between Michael and Guillaume? Nobody cared. The sport’s lessons of life were evident and positively affecting every kid in the tournament and beyond making all participants winners.
“All kids did great and I’m proud of all of them,” commented Mike Hallet who had both of his sons competing.
"Judo has really done wonders for my son. It’s given him confidence he didn’t have and is making a big difference and he just loves it,” remarked another parent.
And it is in this spirit that Mr. Hooper now hopes he continues to make a difference. Based on the feedback from students and parents, Mr. Hooper now hopes to make this tournament an annual event.
In addition to Judo, such disciplines as Karate, Akido, Ju Jitsu, and MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) are available. Costs are $25 a month for unlimited lessons and open for all ages and abilities. Those interested may contact Mark Hooper at 494-2891.
Results:
Heavyweight:
1. Liam Blok
2. Jade Hodge
3. James Rajic McKnight and Guillaume Parkins (tie)
Middleweight:
1. Ceiba Dick Reed
2. John Pettigrew
3. Connor MacCallum
Lightweight:
1. Miles Creque
2. Takara Wood
3. Zach Hallet
Best Throw Heavyweight – Jade Hodge
Best Throw Middleweight – Alicia Ayers
Best Thrown Lightweight – Zach Hallet
Most Improved – Anton Lichota, Connor MacCallum
Tournament Awarded: Derek Pettigrew, Nicoli Jagessar, Michael Chen, Jake Hallet,
William Dawson, George Dawson, Johann Blok
.png)
.png)
.png)
Follow Us On
6 Responses to “Judo back on the map with 1st Tournament in 40 years”
Don-Jitsu is a martial art system made up by Trinidadian Don Jacobs which he named after himself.