The National Judo Championships started with the traditional Children Festival. Close to 100 children, aged 4 until 11 shared the tatami (Judo Mat) at the Malta Judo National Dojo. Sensei Joseph Castillo conducted a great warmup with core and coordination exercises. The Dragons then participated in judo games, but also had a taste of competition when they participated in Randori (competition training), under the coordination of several coaches from Maltese Judo Clubs. At the end of the 2-hour session, each child was called to the top podium, where they were presented with a gold medal each.
The next session was that of the Espoirs, aged 12 to 14. Tigne Judo Club dominated this age category, winning 3 out of the 5 gold. The National Champions in this age category are:
Tigne Judo Club: Bartolo Kris Samuel -46 kgs, Brincat Claude -55 kgs, Mizzi Gianluca – 60 kgs; Shirojudokwai Dojo: Castillo Leonor -40 kgs;
Malta Judo Academy: Camilleri Estelle -52 kgs.
This age group has been only recently exposed to a regular international circuit, and the athletes have shown commitment. Some of them will be moving to the next age category, that of Cadets, and a new generation of Espoir will start next January.
2 male Cadet categories were contested. The National Champions were Cauchi Owen -55 kgs from Tigne Judo Club and Zvicer Nikola -73 kgs from the Malta Judo Academy.
In the Junior categories another 2 categories were contested. In the females -57 kgs, 3 very strong elements battled for the title. Cardona Alanis (Mellieha Judo Club) gave a great performance and had a very close call with Esposito Katryna (Tigne Judo Club), but placed third. Esposito, who weighed in for the -52 kgs, moved up a category, as her category was uncontested, and still managed to secure a silver medal. Castillo Lara (Shirjudokwai Dojo) was dominant, and beat her 2 opponents, winning the gold medal and the National title. The first and second podiums were inverted, when Esposito Katryna beat Castillo Lara, and thus won the senior title. In the male’s category, Falzon Nathan won the National Title in the -90 kgs.
In the Senior categories, the following won the National titles:
Kamikwai Judo Club: Butters Kurt -66 kgs, Cachia Cheryl -63 kgs;
Malta Judo Academy: Law Kriss -60 kgs;
Kinsu Dojo: Aufieri Francesco -90 kgs;
Tigne Judo Club: Esposito Katryna – 57kgs.
This was the last competitive event of the year for the Malta Judo Federation. The coaches and officials are all gearing up for an exciting and successful 2019.
Photos and videos of this event may be viewed on the Malta Judo Federation facebook page.