With the new year, another competition season has kicked off, and our judokas certainly haven't been idle. Our first test of the year was a tournament in Plzeň. For many of the kids it was a big challenge — with the new year they moved up to older age categories, where the competition is another level up. The results are more modest so far, but there's no lack of effort!
Barbora Kadlečková shone above all — after four superb victories she found no one to beat her and dominantly won her weight category. Big praise also goes to Tomáš Hančík, Václav Kule, and Milan Čmolík. All three fought their way to the bronze medal matches, and even though the podium narrowly escaped them and they finished fifth, they fought like lions. The others didn't get lost on the tatami either, even if it wasn't enough for medals this time.
We know where the shoe pinches, so we immediately added more strength work to our training to match our opponents physically as well. We keep grinding! On the penultimate Saturday of February, a solid portion of technique awaits us — a full-day seminar in our gym focused on standing and ground fighting.
And what's next? March will be a ride! The beginners and younger pupils head to the Spring Tournament in Sušice, and the very next weekend the younger and older juniors have a tournament in Tábor.
RuKa JUDO
