Club Opening 2025 (and other major events).
Next Sunday 2nd February, Nathan has organised a technical clinic at the Budokan dojo with former World Silver medallist and European Champion Tommy Macias. Tommy has innovative and creative Judo and this is a fantastic opportunity for our athletes. The clinic is open to all Judoka so you will need to book in with Nathan asap. The schedule is:
**Tommy’s impressive career includes Silver at 2021 World Championships. Gold and 3 x Bronze at European Championships, 11 x Grand Slam/Prix/World Masters medallist including 4 x Gold as well as a top 16 at Tokyo OGs. **Nathan is 2 x Olympian making top 16 in Tokyo. He won Silver and Bronze in Asian Opens, Bronze in Oceania Open, is 3 x Oceania Continental winner and placed 5th in Asia-Oceania.
During mid-2024, Kerrye was recognised in the King’s Birthday Honours List with the award of the medal of the order of Australia (OAM) for her outstanding contributions to her community as a Judo athlete and Coach. This is a fantastic achievement and testament to her dedication to Judo and in teaching her students on and off the mat. I am proud to be her partner and was very excited to be a part of that celebration. It was wonderful for Kerrye, our family, the club and Judo. As it happens, I have now also been recognised in the 2025 Australia Day honours list for the same award and I am very proud to share this acknowledgement with my fantastic Budokan family. Without the support of our great coaches, assistant coaches, committee and amazing parents who step up at every chance to contribute, we would not be able to share in the well-respected achievements of Budokan and its athletes. A life in Judo is very rewarding and as mentioned in previous newsletters, translates directly to everyday life. It has always been Kerrye’s and my pleasure and privilege to do what we do and we are proud to lead the Budokan family. Thank you all for your messages of congratulations and your support.
Judo NSW has scheduled State Squad training at the NSW Judo Centre (Newington Armory, Jamieson St Silverwater).
As a result of the State Squads being held, Budokan will not be holding its normal Junior and Senior competition sessions on Saturday.
Elections for the Athlete Advisory Committee of the High Performance Combat Aus organisation resulted in Josh being re-elected to the Committee with other athletes from Judo, Taekwondo and Wrestling. Nathan has now stood down as Chairman of the Committee after two years of service.
