JUDO NEW ZEALAND

Congratulations to all who took part and equipped themselves so well through out the weekend, picking up some new skills to see them start the new year with a bang and continue to evolve their judo to a new and dynamic levels .

A big thank to our guest coach Akishige Kuraishi from Kokushikan University - Japan, who shared his All Japan University winning  knowledge with us through out the weekend and taking some skills sessions, with world class gripping scenarios for us. Not satisfied to stop there, he also conducted Master Classes after the sessions for those enthusiastic judoka.- and for the great Ukemi practice he gave everyone. Arigato!

Once again compliments to the National Coaches for their commitment to turn up and help run the camp, and the ever present Kiki Velloza as the female chaperone - all your work is appreciated.

Drug Free Sport was in on Saturday to conduct random out-of-competition testing, an important part of playing clean sport is to meet our obligations and be available for testing, We are able to demonstrate to our stake holders and membership we believe whole-heartedly in playing by the rules and following the Clean Sport ethos.

Sideline consultants gave us a presentation on mental health and athlete wellbeing ,and the Athlete Voice Network also spoke at the presentations to a cadet group and then to the Junior and Senior Men and Women's group.

A big shout out to Central Districts Area for getting our mats over and arranging a mini van for us to use during weekend for airport trips and also to the Fell House Supers Jo and Rod Barnes who have yet again looked after us with such grace and kindness, nothing is ever too much trouble and walking alongside us during the weekend making sure we are getting our meals on time, access to the venue and our first aid needs are covered. We presented them with a Judo New Zealand Medal each to honor that selfless hospitality they provide. Thank you to Mabel Salmon for making up the medals and arranging shipment to Nelson.

To the crew of National Camp 2024 for rolling up the sleeves taking ownership, encouraging one another to get the mats unloaded and set up for the weekend and then loaded back up again onto the truck, it was a privilege to see this at work.

A successful way to kick off 2024 and all it holds for Judo NZ and its members - look forward to your stories this year.