Judo National Champs 2012

Leaving the farm on the Monday morning around 7:30am. Smiles all round.

Aimee and her friends queuing to weigh in.

Aimee having weighed in, making he weight just just..!  You can see the judo mats in the background.  The Kallie Human Hall at the University of the Free State is really nice.  6 Mats all together, and warmer than outside.

Aimee waiting to be called to the mat, just after warmup.

Aimee waiting at the mat ready for her first fight, against a girl from WP.

Luke and Liam waiting for weigh in. Friends from Central Gauteng around them.

Aimee on the mat fighting a girl from Boland.

Sensei Richard Overbeek gives the Central Gauteng GRP3 & 4 boys and girls a motivational talk before the day begins...

Liam finishing one of his opponents in style... just before the ippon.

Liam getting a verbal blasting by his coach, Sensei Irbain..  " what did I teach you Liam..? why do you not follow my instructions...  one fight to go, to get in the medals".

Luke looking a little down after his was robbed.  Luke beat last years SA champ clearly.  The video was reviewed but somehow the decision remained the same.  SIDE NOTE: on reviewing our footage, it is clear Luke won the fight with a Wazari awarded to his opponent (as confimed by his coach).  The video of this fight will be posted later for all to see.  Sorry Luke, tomorrow you are in the A-Team... you will get your revenge.

Liam readying himself for a fight, standing next to JP, last years SA champ. Liam beat JP earlier in the day.

Liam in action...

Liam holding down his oponent... you can see the bean bag has just been thrown in.. indicating the end of the hold down and  fight.  Well done Liam.

Luke sitting with SA Champ last year (JP)... arch enemies on the mat, good friends off the mat.  What a great sport. Respect and hard work is all it takes... oh, and a touch of talent is useful, luckily these two have lots of talent too.

Liam injured...  getting some attention from the medic.

Yeeehaa!  Liam took that fight rather easily.  Focus Liam, a few fights to go boy.  (6 wins and 1 loss under the belt).

Liam's Mom strapping his ankle.

"Bring it on, brother..!" (7 wins and 1 loss under the belt).

Liam going into the Semi-Final. The eventual Gold medal winner standing behind him ready for the other semi-final.

Liam, having just lost the semi-final... officially finishing 4th in South Africa.  Liam was 1 Wazari and 1 Yuko up with 20 seconds to go, when Leon (eventual Silver medalist) won by a lazy Tani-Otoshi (backward counter throw).  Next year my Boy... Mommy and Daddy are very proud of you boys.  This is Leon's Mom standing with the boys.

Liam and Luke standing and talking to the Guest of Honour, Sensei (7th Dan) from Japan.   At the end of a good day... doing a fantastic sport!!