Shoalhaven Heads Bushido Judo Club members fought it out against players from all over the country for medals and possible selection for the Australian Titles.

In the senior men Danny Fagan third dan black belt from Shoalhaven Heads competed in his first tournament in 15 years.

Fagan won this division easily with his twin brother Darren Fagan from Jaspers Brush coaching him.

Berry’s Tinka Easton went up a division in the women’s and won.

Club member Shekea Potter from Shoalhaven Heads fought in her first women’s tournament and won third place.

Potter went on to win the gold medal in her own division convincingly with excellent technical and committed judo.

Lachlan Tavan from Coolangatta competed in his first open judo championships and won his division with good strong judo and determination.

Daniel Fagan from Jaspers Brush finished runner-up in the over 60 kilogram division being outweighed by his opponents, some who were 20 kilograms heavier. Fagan finished second only because he was penalised in the final.

Dario Simic from Kiama had one of the hardest divisions on the day.

Simic finished with a bronze medal and has qualified for the national titles.

Finn Lewis from Shoalhaven Heads won a bronze medal.

“At eight-years-old he is one of the hardest and toughest competitors that has come from the Shoalhaven Heads Bushido Judo Club,” coach Bruce Fagan said. 

Shoalhaven Heads’ Ryan Lewis is Finn’s brother and finished with a bronze medal. “Ryan is a very hard judo player at the age of six, is also a very tough competitor who never gives up,” Fagan said.

Shoalhaven Heads’ Gordon Douglas competed in his first open tournament. 

“Gordon has excellent balance and coordination for a judo player if he keeps going he will be an excellent judo player,” Fagan said.

Eva Douglas from Shoalhaven Heads also competed in her first open tournament to finish third and claim the bronze medal.

Jaylen Thompson from Shoalhaven Heads also competed in his first open tournament and played well against more experienced competitors to finish with a bronze medal.

Mitchell Cartwright from Gerringong played well to finish in fifth place in a very hard division.

Sam and Zach Fergusson fought hard in a competitive division. 

Zach finished fourth and Sam fifth.

Anyone interested in learning judo can call 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.