PSUK Judo National Championships 2017 Report

Derbyshire Police hosted the 2017 PSUK National Judo Championship on 16th September, through the hard work of Julian Gallagher and his team with excellent hotel accommodation and a superb sports hall and mat area the event was all geared up to be the success it proved to be was with 82 entries from 21 forces.

Throughout the day we saw some amazing judo with highly skilled wins repeatedly coming from the likes of Fred Itoise Metropolitan Police and Darren Dean North Wales Police, Darren winning his 32nd medal from these championships and 23rd national title, Darren's display of throwing judo was nothing short of amazing. Of special note was the return of Frank Boardman Devon and Cornwall Police (Retired) to compete in the Masters U90 kilo event, Frank at 61 years of age is the oldest competitor to compete in the police championships and showed he still has the skills for judo competition, winning a bronze medal and the spirit of judo trophy for his fighting spirit and sportsmanship. Other outstanding performances came from Lee Holley Devon and Cornwall winning his 8th concurrent national title, Jason Moore Police Scotland winning his 10th title and Gary Cole Dyfed Powys Police winning his 8th national title.

It was particularly good to see entries from Cumbria, South Yorkshire and Nottinghamshire forces not represented for some years.

From the open categories we shall now select a new British Police Squad to represent PSUK in international competitions, some of the more highly graded experienced judoka were unable to attend through duty or other commitments, the squad selection criteria will be used to consider these judoka's inclusion in order that the strongest squad be formed. Disappointingly we only had two ladies enter this year both low grades, in order to maintain a ladies presence in the British Police Squad we need to encourage experienced lady judoka to compete.

Retaining competitors is always problem in police sport with limited funding and other demands on forces, PSUK Judo are continually seeking both experienced and new judoka within the police family to enable police sport to thrive by offering judo opportunities for all levels from beginners to advanced and recreational to elite international police competition.

The presentation dinner was held in the Championship hotel with ACC Bill McWilliam of Derbyshire Police welcoming the participants, officials , guests and PSUK Committee, the dinner ending with the presentation of medals and trophies as well as Frank Boardman being awarded the spirt of judo , Richard Wooley of PSNI was awarded a new trophy, the Granite City Trophy for the outstanding kyu grade this was given and presented by PSUK longest member Bill Berry MBE, involved in police judo since 1952.

The 2018 Championship will be hosted by Cheshire Police with forces already promising to host up to 2022.

The future for Police Judo promises to be good and if we all work together we will make that a reality.

Andy Moss/Chris Hunt

PSUK Committee