Latest news with #NationalJudoChampionships
Otago Daily Times
4 days ago
- Sport
- Otago Daily Times
Club cleans up at e-competition
Cromwell martial arts competitor Anika Takimoana, 17, with the medals she won in an international e-competition. PHOTOS: SUPPLIED It seems anything can be done online — including martial arts competitions. Kman's Martial Arts Club head coach and owner Kman McEvoy said 11 students competed in the VI Open Martial Arts e-Championships, collecting a total of 14 medals. The championship was an online event contested by countries from all over the world with international judges. Gorge Borges, 9, with his nunchaku and medal from the weapons division of an international martial arts e-competition. "It is a great way to compete against the world without leaving your town, which saves competitors travel time, hassle and money," McEvoy said. The championship was a hard forms competition where martial artists performed a routine of martial arts moves, including strikes, blocks and stances, in a sequence like a fight dance. The routines were the core of most martial arts and called patterns in taekwondo, kata in karate, forms in kung fu, and were a way to practice martial arts techniques by yourself, he said. They were judged on form, technique, power, speed, precision, balance, flow and execution. The team was now training for the Auckland kickboxing championships later this month, the National Judo Championships in Christchurch in October and the World Taekwondo Championships in Puerto Rico in November. However, the club was not all about winning medals, McEvoy said. "Even though some members train for competitions, most train for self-defence, fitness and self-confidence." Gold medals were won by Kman McEvoy, 60, and co-coach Diego Hernandez, 31; silver medals were won by sister and brother Enora, 14, and Hoel Henry, 11; Anika Takimoana, 17; brothers Cian, 10, and Nate Driscoll, 6; and sisters Megan, 12, and Emerson Douglas, 10; and bronze medals were won by George Borges, 9, Reuben Brass, 11, Anika Takimoana and Megan and Emerson Douglas. — Allied Media
Global News
18-05-2025
- Sport
- Global News
Athletes compete during National Judo Championships to represent Canada at Worlds
The Calgary Olympic Oval was packed this weekend as more than 1,000 athletes from coast to coast dueled on the mats during the National Judo Championships. Competitors vied to see who would come out on top and represent Canada during the World Championship later this year. View image in full screen A Judoka throws their opponent during the National Judo Championships. Drew Stremick / Global News Former Olympian and CEO of Judo Canada Nicolas Gill says there's nothing quite like the sport of judo. Story continues below advertisement 'It's fun, it's intense, it's challenging,' says Gill. 'Every fight is a new story, so you don't get bored.' View image in full screen Former Olympian and Judo Canada CEO speaks with Global News. Drew Stremick / Global News The competition was anything but boring as judoka (judo athletes) took to each of the five mats. Gill says that for these athletes who are getting the chance to begin their international careers, these moments will stick with them. Get breaking National news For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen. Sign up for breaking National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy 'Every first, every new step you accomplish, you get this feeling,' Gill says with a smile. 'You know, 'I'm there! What's next?'' Emiliya Aliyeva from Calgary won gold and silver respectively for her weight class in the U18 and U21 competitions. View image in full screen Emiliya Aliyeva won gold and silver during the weekend competition, earning her spot to represent Canada in August. Drew Stremick / Global News 'I just got told that I'm qualified for the cadet world champions,' Aliyeva says excitedly. 'From the start of the year I said, 'My goal is to get to worlds this year,' and I'm really glad I accomplished that.' Story continues below advertisement Coming off a knee injury, Aliyeva explains how during her matches she's always looking for ways to maximize her points. The need to think strategically helped fuel her passion that was passed down from her dad. 'I love the strategy that it takes, and how you have to think before you do, but also do while you think,' says Aliyeva. 'My dad did judo, he was here for the past two days, and he's always there to support me and drive me everywhere… he's one of my biggest inspirations.' Those who qualified for the world championship over the weekend will head to Sofia, Bulgaria, in August.
