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The Great Northern Open

For the 4th running of this superb judo competition hosted by the Newcastle area of the British Judo Council. Teams came from all over England, Scotland, Wales, Italy, Switzerland, Holland & Ireland.

With a huge entry of over 330 competitors, 70 more had to be turned away due to time constraints, according to tournament organisers John Chrisp & John Pickering.

This was the first time any Irish competitors took part in this prestigious event on the BJC calendar, with 2 young players, Fabio Viti & Cathal Ó Fainín representing Judo Ireland. Following the Minor & Junior events, Fabio & Cathal, both 17, entered the senior categories.

At only 53kg, Fabio was by far the lightest in the U62kg. His category included 2 Italian Dan grades. First up he fought Jack Slater, Washington Judo Club, on whom he just missed completing a Sankaku Jime & was later caught for Ippon with O Guruma. In the next match, he sidestepped a very strong attack from Greg Dawson, Kyu Shui Dai Ryu, whom he picked him up & threw for Ippon. In his third match he met the eventual winner, 17-year-old James Somers, The Parks Judo Club, who proved far too strong throwing Fabio for Ippon with a superb left Ogoshi. Fabio pulled the ligaments in his left shoulder during this match & was forced to retire as a result.

Cathal at only 63kg was in one of the toughest categories U66kg with all his opponents 2nd & 3rd Dans. First up, he fought Stu Pateman, who caught him at the edge of the mat, throwing him off for Ippon. Next up was the very quick Moamba Mackay, who scored wazari with Ko Uchi Gari, then drop Seoi Nage for Ippon. The final match was with Andrew Swinbourne. By now Cathal had settled down & managed to wriggle off a very powerful pick up attack early on, but was later caught for Ippon by a lovely left Seoi Nage, ending his participation.

Both players had a great day, as this was their first experience fighting abroad.

Alan Martin, 3rd Dan
Team Coach