A team of eight members from the Cobar Judo Club competed at the Australian Kodokan Judo Association (AKJA) National titles over the weekend with one member, Caleb Theakston, winning his Under 16 years division.
Competitors from all over the country were in attendance.
This was the first sanctioned tournament held by the AKJA since before the COVID lock down which saw pretty much everything stopped or delayed for the past two to three years.
Cobar Judo Club Sensei Ray Chandler said for the bulk of the Cobar team, it was the first time they had competed against other clubs and for some, it was their first time ever at a tournament.
The juniors competed on Saturday with Caleb, and Cobar team mate, Mark Hibbert, contesting the Under 16yrs Under 65kg division.
“Caleb was poised and his technique was more than a match for his opponents.
“In a very cool, calm and collective frame of mind, Caleb was able to lead his opponents and set them up before dispatching them in style,” Sensei Ray said.
“When the dust had settled, he walked away with 1st place.
“Mark came out for his first bout and surprised everyone with his tendency to try ‘out of the box’ techniques, mixing it up and trying to keep his opponents off kilter.”
Unfortunately for Mark it wasn’t enough to get a placing but it was impressive.
“Mark has shown vast improvement in training and we expect him to only get better,” Sensei Ray said.
Tim McClure competed in the U10yrs U40kg division and started his bouts very determined to make his mark.
“In his initial bouts, he was two wins against two losses.
“His final bout would decide if he would eventually come away with a 3rd place.
“Unfortunately, determination fell to experience and Tim would have to be content with coming in at 4th place.
“We expect Tim to only get better as he too gains more experience,” Sensei said.
Joseph Theakston, in the U13yrs U50kg division, had a slow start, but he eventually hit his stride.
“Joseph wasn’t going to allow his opponents to dictate the bout or have it all their own way,” Sensei said.
“In the end, Joseph walked away with a 3rd place.”
Sunday saw the senior (16yrs+) bouts contested.
Brothers Jacob and Jeremy Theakston competed in the Men’s U81kg division.
“Despite both of their efforts, neither one got a place in the division, however Jeremy did manage to beat his older brother Jacob during the contest, which we are sure was going to be an interesting conversation on the trip home,” Sensei commented.
Connor Caton contested the Men’s U90kg division.
“Connor came out strong and made sure his opponents were in for a challenge, and that this ‘boy from the bush’ wasn’t going to be beaten easily.
“Being one of the more experienced members of the team, Connor managed to hold his own and eventually walk away with a 3rd place.”
Paul Theakston competed in the Men’s Veterans (Over 40yrs U80kg) division.
“Paul, probably the most experienced member of the team, demonstrated old age and cunning could still overcome youth and skill, or at least, ensure your opponents were going to have to earn any placings they wanted,” Sensei said.
“By the end, Paul managed to pick up a 3rd place.
“Paul then turned around and competed in the Men’s Veterans Open (O40yrs no weight restriction).
“Paul was able to move around his, in a lot of cases, much larger opponents and hold his own.
“After some grueling bouts, Paul eventually walked away with another 3rd place.
“All in all, it was a very good effort from the members of the Cobar Judo Club that were in attendance,” Sensei Ray said.
