THREE Bushido Judo Club members competed in the Australian National Judo Championships in Wollongong recently, winning two gold, one silver and one bronze.
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These were amazing results from amazing judo athletes.
It was amazing and rewarding to see Tinka Easton win the gold medal in the young women’s category which was her fourth Australian title, then finish with a bronze medal in the women’s division where she gave away a lot of experience.
After all the adversity with injuries, mainly a broken leg and ankle, which is now pinned after her operation at the end of last year it is amazing to think that Tinka can come back to the sport and still be so dominant in her category.
Shekea Potter fought Tinka in the final. This was Shekea’s first time in this category.
Shekea beat the gold medallist winner of the Cadets from Queensland to get to the finals against Tinka, while carrying a knee injury from a previous bout on the day.
This was an extraordinary effort on Shekea’s part as that gold medallist has not been beaten for quite a while.
Shekea never gave up and persisted with her attacking judo which overwhelmed this Australian champion and Shekea moved into final contention against Tinka at the young age of 15 in this much older category.
The other entry from Bushido, Jett Vongxaysay, who is 10-years-old had 22 competitors in his division.
The only word to describe Jett is brilliant.
Jett won the gold medal and his first Australian title. The final was all over within 30 seconds that’s how quick and brilliant Jett’s judo is.
Jett is very humble and is totally committed to the sport and is a pleasure to watch and train and has always got an infectious smile and attitude.
Jett’s father was Bruce Fagan’s student who actually won national medals himself.
All coaches at the Bushido Judo Club are accredited coaches by the Australian Sports Commission and have been competition competitors, some successfully winning medals Internationally and have represented Australia at World Titles, Olympic Games and the Commonwealth Games.
Anyone interested in learning judo can ring 4448 8494 or call in at Shoalhaven Heads Community Centre at Shoalhaven Heads between 5.30pm and 7.30pm on a Tuesday or Wednesday evening except in school holidays.