The Âé¶čAV Judo Clubâs 2019 Okanagan Open was another success for the local martial arts club.
Clubs from the Okanagan and the Kootenays came to Parkinson Rec Centre for the fun, all-aged and family tournament where marital artists ranging from three years old to 57 years old stepped onto the tatami (mat area) for friendly competition.
âThe tourney is meant for novices, orange belt and under,â said sensei Kathy Hubble. âWe started it with just little kids six years ago, but now we even have a novice adult menâs division because itâs become such a popular event.â
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The tournament had a total of eight clubs over the weekend compete and show off their clubsâ skills. Though the clubs fought and competed against one another, thereâs a sense of family between all the members.
âEven though (KJC sensei) Stu Leatherdale and I organize the tourney all year, it really couldnât be pulled off without the help of all the other senseiâs in the region,â said Hubble.
âThe other instructors all come together as a region on the day and help referee, score-keep, setup, take-down, everything. We really come together as a judo family at this event and it gets everyone back to grass-roots judo. It really is one sport that just brings everyone together.â
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Âé¶čAVâs crew was well represented this year by: Meg Baranieski, Chloe Gyori, Julius and Sebastian Behrisch, Adam and Sarah Clarke, Eduardo Aragon, Quinn Davis, Jeremiah Fehr, Torsten Godwin, Daniel Gyori, Lukas Gyori, Alexander and Andre Marinho, Braxton McFadden, Michelle Jorgenson, Brittany Morgan, Nathan and Oceane Gibon and Jake Vandermeer.
With candy as well as medals up for grabs, the Âé¶čAV Judo Clubâs members are already excited for nextâs years tournament.
Visit for more information and club prices.
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