The Australian Judo Titles were held in South Australia in very hot weather. Bushido Judo Club Shoalhaven had a small contingent of seven competitors: Daniel Fagan and Taylor Fagan from Berry, James Doosey and brother Cain from Shoalhaven Heads and Harry, Abbey and Edward Sullivan, also from Berry.
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Daniel Fagan won the Australian title in the heavyweight division, beating top players from other Judo Federations and absolutely demoralised the opposition in some memorably intense fights.
Taylor Fagan fought hard to gain a bronze medal against extremely hard competition in his division. Taylor put everything into his fights but his opposition were very strong and experienced for him to overcome.
Harry Sullivan won a bronze medal beating last year’s Australian champion easily. Unfortunately not having the experience caught up with Harry as he had bout after bout. The effort Harry put in was excellent given his inexperience.
Cain Doosey had a memorable experience at the titles. He never stopped smiling before his bouts and after his bouts. Cain fought off for a bronze medal third place but just missed out. Besides his judo, his attitude towards this competition was incredible for such a young competitor.
James Doosey, competing in a heavier division, also fought off for a bronze medal and just missed out.
Unfortunately James sustained a shoulder injury prior to this competition. The intestinal fortitude James showed to compete at all was amazing.
Abbey Sullivan tried very hard but the lack of experience in competition judo at this level was very hard for her. Abbey just kept trying and trying, come the next Nationals it could be a different story.
Edward Sullivan of Berry also tried very hard with judo technique beyond his years.
It took time for Edward to get going but once he did he didn’t want to stop. He got to that stage that he would fight anyone anywhere.
Coach Darren Fagan, a medallist in last year Australian Titles and 1996 Olympian also attended these Titles to give much needed support to all these young students.
The support team that travelled to South Australia were pretty vocal for their children competing. They included Bruce Fagan, 1992 Olympian and founder of Bushido Judo Club; Anne Fagan, former Australian Champion; Michelle Sullivan, graded in judo; and Peter and Melissa Doosey were all there to give added support to the children.
If anyone is interested in learning judo, ring 4448 8494 or visit us at the Community Centre at Shoalhaven Heads on Tuesday at 5.30pm. You can also look us up www.bushidojudoclub.com and facebook Bushido Judo Club Shoalhaven Heads.