Noah Aldous of Ely Judo showed his fighting instinct and took the gold medal in the British Judo Associations Eastern Area Championships.
The tournament, held on Sunday November 1 in Thetford, was open to all experienced Judoka who are from the Eastern area and was attended by players from all over the region.
14-year-old Noah competed in the 12 to 16 year age group at the under 60 kilogram weight category and quickly won his first contest, throwing his opponent flat on his back with a fast sweeping leg technique called Uchi-Mata and scoring the maximum 10 point score known as ‘Ippon.’
Noah then won his second contest with another fast Ippon score at 12 seconds into the fight, again with the Uchi-Mata leg technique, and his controlled and powerful performance earned him a place in the final.
Noah quickly threw for another Ippon score 15 seconds into the final contest, this time using a drop shoulder technique called Seoi Nage, winning the final and claiming the gold medal.
Noah was then awarded the Ippon Trophy by tournament director, Denise Oates, for his fast, decisive and confident Judo.
By winning the gold medal in his group Noah has gained valuable recognition from the British Judo Association’s Eastern Area Coaches, who have invited Noah to join the area Judo Team in 2016.
Noah will also receive funding from the area for future team training.
Noah’s gold follows an impressive performance at the London Open earlier in the year coming in fourth place and then taking third place at his first European contest in Holland earlier this year.
Noah was delighted with his gold medal win, saying: “I was really pleased to take the gold medal at the area Championship on Sunday. It was a great feeling to be area champion in my group.
To be presented with the Ippon Trophy was a pleasant surprise. I am looking forward to training with the area team again next year and hope to continue to develop my Judo.”
The previous weekend had seen Thetford host a low-grade Judo tournament aimed at less experienced Judoka giving them the chance to compete and gain valuable experience. Ewan Noble and Yonas Aldous, both from Ely, entered the contest and both were skilful enough to win a silver medal.
Ewan came second in the lightest group at the event which had three players entered and Yonas also placed second in his group winning two of his three contests. Littleport Judo club always welcome along new members and those returning to the sport to their weekly training at Littleport Leisure Centre on Tuesday evenings from 7pm.
For more details on the club, please contact Ros Edwards on 07483 223458 or email ea.squad@mybtinternet.com.
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