On Sunday 11th May the Hertfordshire closed Judo championship took place at St Albans judo club. It was extra special to Shinto as we only recently rejoined the Herts area after being away for numerous years. 13 students entered and Shinto instructors also helped to referee during the day.

With a couple of competitions under his belt Denvir Ibrahim still only 5, won all of his contests and victoriously won his first gold medal.
Georgia Greenidge followed with the same result.
Hannah Teal fought well only losing once to win a silver.
In her first championship, Aysegul Mehmet who has only been doing judo a few months, fought bravely and won a bronze.
Molly James having just got over a difficult category in last weeks Nationals still came across tough opponents but won a bronze.
Reining National champion Alethea Calvert-Jordon continued her winning ways with another gold and this was followed a faultless performance from
Mitchell Brett who fought superbly beating some good opponents to win gold.
Older brother Daniel Brett showed some good judo only just losing his last fight into silver position.
Samuel James found his group tough and came out with a bronze
Rhea Calvert-Jordan who unfortunately got injured and limped away with the same result.
Wesley Greenidge still only a primary, agreed to fight in the junior category as they would be closer to his size but expectedly a lot more experienced. He put on a brave performance, never giving up. He won the hearts of many watching and was given a gold medal.
Hanna James was one of the star performances of the day. Executing some fine shoulder throws to win her way to two gold medals.
Chris Ash was our last competitor to compete in the senior man category. Still new to the sport he was unlucky not to win a medal but fought well.

Our final tally on the day was 7 golds, 2 silvers and 4 bronze. A great result and a happy reminder to all that Shinto are back!