Chalfont Judokwai, fielding our largest team ever of fifteen keen Primaries, Juniors and Espoirs, entered this annual event and came away with a record medal haul of two Gold, three Silver and six Bronze.
Below are videos of some of the contests, both wins and loses. They are worth studying to see what works well and what does not. Particular attention to the times we lost and the lessons that can be learned from them will pay dividends in the long run.
Comments
Video
Allen
Allen is competing in a group in a pool which includes Dan grades and as a result is rather outclassed by this opponent. Early on the opponent takes Allen down with a Morete Seoi Nage which scores Wazari. After this the referees have a discussion regarding the same sided gripping of Allen but they allow this to continue.
Allen does fairly well to manage the situation but upon restarting the opponent takes a grip on Allen's sleeve which is strictly speaking illegal as he is crunching up the end of the sleeve in what is called 'pistol gripping'. This is carried further when as a result of a failed throw the opponent does a full 360 degrees resulting in the grip tightening against Allen's wrist further. However, the referee does not seem to notice this. The opponent then attempts a Harai Makikomi but this does not score. Once upon the ground the opponent quickly secures an Ude Hishigi Juji Gatame and with this secures his win.
Allen
Arya
Ayra is unfortunately 'strong armed' down to the ground with a Tai Otoshi which is slow but very controlled and sure. Ayra is immediately placed into Kesa Gatame and from this hold ther is no escape for him.
Arya
Arya
Arya is unable to get a proper collar grip here which is something he must be careful of. Partly because of this, Arya is not achieving very much and as a result is given a Shido for non-combativity. Upon restarting Arya continues to not do much. He is very successful at blocking his opponents attacks but is not doing much of his own although at one point he does secure an over the shoulder belt grip which he could have used to some advantage. Arya is given a second Shido and upon restarting is bought to the floor for no score as the technique was sloppy. On the ground the opponent is unable to take control so they come back to standing. In the last few seconds the opponent throws with an O Uchi Gari which scores Yuko. With this Arya is now down a second Yuko as the second Shido adds a Yuko
against him.
Arya
Arya
In Arya's final contest he is dragged down to the ground and after a few seconds of battling on the ground is placed in a hold from which he is unable to escape.
Arya
Chelsea
Chelsea (in red) is out classed in this contest. Her opponent has a much better concept of Kuzushi (balance) and technique than Chelsea, almost certainly as a result of more years experience. Chelsea is very strong but this demonstrates that strength alone is not enough. Her opponent throws her with a drop knee technique which Chelsea did well to turn onto her front from so that there was no score. Upon restarting the opponent correctly judges her moment and attacks with O Soto Gari which is scored as Ippon. So unfortunately, Chelsea loses this contest.
Chelsea
Chelsea
Chelsea's opponent (in red) attacks with a Tai Otoshi that has moments of Uchi Mata. It is scored as Wazari but on the ground, Chelsea is quick to turn onto her front to avoid a hold. They are bought back to standing. Upon restarting the opponent attacks again with something close to Uchi Mata but Chelsea is just able to avoid it. Chelsea is now beginning to become used to how to deal with this opponent and is able to block the attacks but is doing little of her attacking of her own. The opponent then realising this adapts by switching to Koshi Gurama which Chelsea manages to step around and then pushes her hard to the ground for a score of Wazari and quickly secures a Kesa Gatame hold with which she secures her win.
Chelsea
Jamie
Jamie is attacked early on with an Ushiro Goshi as a result of Jamie's own attack. This however fails and Jamie is able to counter with a sloppy Tai Otoshi. The referee however does not allow it as he considers it to be a Kubi Nage (neck throw) and awards a Shido. However, upon studying the video this may have been an error as the arm was not quite far enough around. But these things are very difficult to judge in retrospect, it is what the referee sees that counts. Upon restarting Jamie makes a sloppy attack where he drops to his knee and they are called back to standing again.
Jamie then attacks with a Ippon Seoi Nage where he drops to his knee again. The referee seeks the opinion of the corner Judges and it is decided that it is to be given a Wazari. However, upon studying the video in slow motion it seems that it was a drop knee technique which is not allowed at junior competition and so should not have been scored. Jamie then attacks again but it goes wrong and he falls to the floor. On the ground though he quickly gains dominance and secures a hold with which he wins this contest.
Jamie
Jonah
Whilst Jonah is being a bit defensive the opponent is really driving forward hard which is rather unwise as his balance is to far forward. Jonah carries out a couple of attacks and then throws the opponent with Sasae Tsuri Komi Ashi which is scored as Ippon by the referee but adjusted to Wazari because clearly the corner Judges did not agree. By this time Jonah has obtained but stops presumably because he thought that he had won. This is a good example of the importance of not stopping until one hears Matte.
Upon restarting Jonah immediately throws with Deashi Harai and which scores another Wazari and this gives him the win. In both of these throws Jonah has demonstrated exceptional timing.
Jonah
Jonah
This contest is even quicker. Upon starting Jonah makes a couple of week attempts at a poor Ko Soto Kake and then, as the opponent moves goes again with the same throw, this time for Ippon.
Jonah
Jonah
We start this video with Jonah attacking with Ko Soto Gari and the referee scoring Wazari which is downgraded to Yuko by the corner Judges. Jonah makes a few attempts to gain control on the ground but gives up and opts to revert to standing.
Upon restarting both opponents make a variety of attacks and the opponent is thrown with a Te Waza but fails to score. Jonah attempts to gain a hold with Mune Gatame but the referee does not consider it (correctly) to be on as the opponent is not properly on his back. When Matte is called the referee's have a discussion, possibly about coaching from the side of the mat as we later see the referee go over to the side for some reason and also the boy is seen to mouth something to a spectator. None of this really matters however as upon restarting Jonah, despite an increasingly aggressive range of attacks against him throws the boy with a Ko Soto Gari but catching both legs which scores Ippon.
Jonah
Jonah
This contest is the final (there are some of contests that unfortunately we do not have on video). There is a delay in starting this contest but once it is underway, after a few seconds of attempts by both contestants at Tai Otoshi Jonah catches the opponent with Ko Soto Gari for Ippon. Jonah is now the Welsh National Champion.
Jonah
Jonathon
Jonathon attacks with his trademark Ippon Seoi Nage attack which is then combined with an Ko Uchi Gari for a score of Yuko. However he is unable to capitalise on the ground and they are bought back to standing. Much the same happens again although this time without a score and then the opponent attacks with Tai Otoshi but this fails to result in a throw. Jonathon then makes some poor Ippon Seoi Nage attacks due to the significant gap between his body and his opponents.
The opponent then attacks but Jonathon immediately tries to counter with O Goshi but the opponent gets his next attack in first but whilst they both end up on the ground, there is no score. Jonathon attacks again with Ippon Seoi Nage and O Goshi but does not get the close body contact that is required for these major throws to be executed properly.
Upon restarting the opponent turns in for what looks like a drop knee Seoi Nage. This is not a legal technique in Junior competition. The referees have a discussion on the matter and decide that it was not a deliberate drop technique and from that, give the decision to the opponent. From watching this video in slow motion it does seem to be a deliberate drop technique but it must always be remembered that it is the decision of the referees present at the time to decide as they see it.
Jonathon
Jonathon
The contestants are well matched. They are demonstrating attacks with a variety of techniques but are clearly well able to obstruct or defeat their opponents attacks. After a while Jonathon ends up on the ground but when his opponent tries to take the advantage, Jonathon is able to turn the tables and obtain a Mune Gatame with which he holds his opponent for the count and thus wins the contest.
Jonathon
Laura v Jessica
Jessica attacks with Tai Otoshi but has not secured a good grip and as she spins, she loses grip fully and falls to the floor. However, Laura is unable to take advantage on the ground. Upon restarting Laura takes grip and places her fingers inside Jessica's sleeve which is not allowed but the referee does not seem to notice this so she manages to avoid a Shido. Laura then attacks with Tai Otoshi but Jessica avoids it and they end up on the floor again as a result of Jessica's attempt to counter with Tani Otoshi. Once there Laura attempts to obtain a strangle but this is not successful.
Upon restarting Jessica again attacks with Tai Otoshi but they both end up on the ground once more whereupon Laura manages to obtain a hold with something that alternates between Kuzure Yoko Shio Gatame and Kuzure Kesa Gatame but this lasts for only seven seconds and so does not score. Laura's attempts to then gain and armlock are fruitless.
Jessica once more attempts to throw Laura with Tai Otoshi but this fails and Laura is again on the ground in the dominant position trying to work in an armlock and then a strangle. But this does not happen.
Jessica and Laura then work at each other with more or less the same throws both equally well nullified by the other. Jessica is then given a Shido although it is not clear what for, possibly for avoiding Laura's attempts to take grip. Jessica then attacks with her best attempt so far which is a cross between Tai Otoshi and Sasae Tsuri Komi Goshi. But because it is neither one throw or the other it does not work and they once again fall to the floor. Upon restarting Laura and Jessica trade unsuccessful attacks until the time runs out. As there is no score it is down to a decision and the contest is awarded to Laura almost certainly on the basis of the short hold down earlier.
Laura v Jessica
Molly
Molly's opponent is the previous years champion. Molly has much improved in the last year and so the contest is more even. The opponent attacks with her trademark Tai Otoshi but this does not succeed. Molly makes a strange 'jump' and attacks but disappears from view of the camera and when we next see her she is trying to turn the opponent over on the ground. This fails. So they are bought back to standing. The opponent then makes a messy attack with a part O Goshi, part Tai Otoshi and also a part Uchi Mata but they end up on the ground where Molly gains a hold with Tate Shio Gatame. However she is unable to keep the opponent in place and there is no score.
Upon restarting Molly attacks with a messy Uchi Mata and they both end up on the floor again. They return to standing and attack each other again. Unfortunately, off camera there is a throw which results in Yuko to Molly who then secures a hold with which she wins the contest.
Molly
Molly
Molly's opponent tries to attack with a forward throw which Molly manages to block successfully and continues to demonstrate good control of her opponent. However, Molly is being very defensive and unless she starts attacking herself she will risk being given a Shido. In one of the attacks Molly ends up on the floor on her front and the opponent attempts to turn her over whereupon Molly just stands up despite her opponent being over her. This looks rather strange and does demonstrate the importance of maintaining proper control of the opponent.
Upon restarting Molly is having trouble making a proper grip but then does attempt an attack whereupon the opponent manages to bring her down with a sloppy Ko Soto Gari which does not score. On the ground they scramble around for a bit until the opponent obtains a hold but Molly has trapped her opponents foot so the hold is not valid. After a while they are bought back to standing. Molly then attempts something that looks like a Ushiro Yoko Guruma, a non-existent throw and this does not get a score but once upon the ground Molly grabs a hold with a Mune Gatame with which she gains her win.
Molly
Tom
In this contest the opponents (Tom is wearing red) display poor posture and gripping. They end up on the floor as a result of a failed Tai Otoshi attempt by the opponent where he is now face down and Tom on top of him. Within moments Tom has secured a win as a result of submission as the opponent was being strangled.
Tom
Tom
Tom attacks with a poorly considered Tani Otoshi which goes wrong and they both fall to the floor. However Tom recovers with a Hadaka Jime and the opponent submits to avoid strangulation, the second time in a row that Tom has achieved a win by this means in this championship. A neat ending to an otherwise potential disaster (for Tom).
Tom
Tom
As in many of Tom's contests, the initial stages are scrappy with more of a flurry of limbs rather than a clear intended technique. But usually, he manages to pull it off with something classy just when one least expects it. Such is this contest. In between all the poor posture and unconventional grips, Tom puts in a perfect Ko Soto Gari at just the right moment to take his opponent down for Ippon. He even gets straight into a hold. True, he was turned, but his still had control and if the Ippon had not been called, he would certainly have recovered the hold from there. All in all quite a classy win.
Tom
Tom
Tom
Comments Video Allen
Allen is competing in a group in a pool which includes Dan grades and as a result is rather outclassed by this opponent. Early on the opponent takes Allen down with a Morete Seoi Nage which scores Wazari. After this the referees have a discussion regarding the same sided gripping of Allen but they allow this to continue.
Allen does fairly well to manage the situation but upon restarting the opponent takes a grip on Allen's sleeve which is strictly speaking illegal as he is crunching up the end of the sleeve in what is called 'pistol gripping'. This is carried further when as a result of a failed throw the opponent does a full 360 degrees resulting in the grip tightening against Allen's wrist further. However, the referee does not seem to notice this. The opponent then attempts a Harai Makikomi but this does not score. Once upon the ground the opponent quickly secures an Ude Hishigi Juji Gatame and with this secures his win. <object width="640" height="360"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/Hk25__iaqT4?version=3&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/Hk25__iaqT4?version=3&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="640" height="360"
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Allen Arya
Ayra is unfortunately 'strong armed' down to the ground with a Tai Otoshi which is slow but very controlled and sure. Ayra is immediately placed into Kesa Gatame and from this hold ther is no escape for him. <object width="640" height="360"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/YAZhKux-7D4?version=3&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/YAZhKux-7D4?version=3&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="640" height="360" allowscriptaccess="always"
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Arya Arya
Arya is unable to get a proper collar grip here which is something he must be careful of. Partly because of this, Arya is not achieving very much and as a result is given a Shido for non-combativity. Upon restarting Arya continues to not do much. He is very successful at blocking his opponents attacks but is not doing much of his own although at one point he does secure an over the shoulder belt grip which he could have used to some advantage. Arya is given a second Shido and upon restarting is bought to the floor for no score as the technique was sloppy. On the ground the opponent is unable to take control so they come back to standing. In the last few seconds the opponent throws with an O Uchi Gari which scores Yuko. With this Arya is now down a second Yuko as the second Shido adds a Yuko
against him. <object width="640" height="360"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/G3_XU1NXMGg?version=3&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/G3_XU1NXMGg?version=3&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="640" height="360" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object>
Arya Arya
In Arya's final contest he is dragged down to the ground and after a few seconds of battling on the ground is placed in a hold from which he is unable to escape. <object width="640" height="360"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/KqC1fYy9kFM?version=3&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/KqC1fYy9kFM?version=3&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="640" height="360" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object>
Arya Chelsea
Chelsea (in red) is out classed in this contest. Her opponent has a much better concept of Kuzushi (balance) and technique than Chelsea, almost certainly as a result of more years experience. Chelsea is very strong but this demonstrates that strength alone is not enough. Her opponent throws her with a drop knee technique which Chelsea did well to turn onto her front from so that there was no score. Upon restarting the opponent correctly judges her moment and attacks with O Soto Gari which is scored as Ippon. So unfortunately, Chelsea loses this contest. <object width="640" height="360"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/81G7nJtClQg?version=3&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen"
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Chelsea Chelsea
Chelsea's opponent (in red) attacks with a Tai Otoshi that has moments of Uchi Mata. It is scored as Wazari but on the ground, Chelsea is quick to turn onto her front to avoid a hold. They are bought back to standing. Upon restarting the opponent attacks again with something close to Uchi Mata but Chelsea is just able to avoid it. Chelsea is now beginning to become used to how to deal with this opponent and is able to block the attacks but is doing little of her attacking of her own. The opponent then realising this adapts by switching to Koshi Gurama which Chelsea manages to step around and then pushes her hard to the ground for a score of Wazari and quickly secures a Kesa Gatame hold with which she secures her win. <object width="640"
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Chelsea Jamie
Jamie is attacked early on with an Ushiro Goshi as a result of Jamie's own attack. This however fails and Jamie is able to counter with a sloppy Tai Otoshi. The referee however does not allow it as he considers it to be a Kubi Nage (neck throw) and awards a Shido. However, upon studying the video this may have been an error as the arm was not quite far enough around. But these things are very difficult to judge in retrospect, it is what the referee sees that counts. Upon restarting Jamie makes a sloppy attack where he drops to his knee and they are called back to standing again.
Jamie then attacks with a Ippon Seoi Nage where he drops to his knee again. The referee seeks the opinion of the corner Judges and it is decided that it is to be given a Wazari. However, upon studying the video in slow motion it seems that it was a drop knee technique which is not allowed at junior competition and so should not have been scored. Jamie then attacks again but it goes wrong and he falls to the floor. On the ground though he quickly gains dominance and secures a hold with which he wins this contest. <object width="640" height="360"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/HhfExc4Z18M?version=3&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen"
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Jamie Jonah
Whilst Jonah is being a bit defensive the opponent is really driving forward hard which is rather unwise as his balance is to far forward. Jonah carries out a couple of attacks and then throws the opponent with Sasae Tsuri Komi Ashi which is scored as Ippon by the referee but adjusted to Wazari because clearly the corner Judges did not agree. By this time Jonah has obtained but stops presumably because he thought that he had won. This is a good example of the importance of not stopping until one hears Matte.
Upon restarting Jonah immediately throws with Deashi Harai and which scores another Wazari and this gives him the win. In both of these throws Jonah has demonstrated exceptional timing. <object width="640" height="360"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/VIfVkNg25I8?version=3&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/VIfVkNg25I8?version=3&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="640" height="360" allowscriptaccess="always"
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Jonah Jonah
This contest is even quicker. Upon starting Jonah makes a couple of week attempts at a poor Ko Soto Kake and then, as the opponent moves goes again with the same throw, this time for Ippon. <object width="640" height="360"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/hE8y9feicbo?version=3&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/hE8y9feicbo?version=3&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="640" height="360" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object>
Jonah Jonah
We start this video with Jonah attacking with Ko Soto Gari and the referee scoring Wazari which is downgraded to Yuko by the corner Judges. Jonah makes a few attempts to gain control on the ground but gives up and opts to revert to standing.
Upon restarting both opponents make a variety of attacks and the opponent is thrown with a Te Waza but fails to score. Jonah attempts to gain a hold with Mune Gatame but the referee does not consider it (correctly) to be on as the opponent is not properly on his back. When Matte is called the referee's have a discussion, possibly about coaching from the side of the mat as we later see the referee go over to the side for some reason and also the boy is seen to mouth something to a spectator. None of this really matters however as upon restarting Jonah, despite an increasingly aggressive range of attacks against him throws the boy with a Ko Soto Gari but catching both legs which scores Ippon. <object width="640" height="360"><param name="movie"
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Jonah Jonah
This contest is the final (there are some of contests that unfortunately we do not have on video). There is a delay in starting this contest but once it is underway, after a few seconds of attempts by both contestants at Tai Otoshi Jonah catches the opponent with Ko Soto Gari for Ippon. Jonah is now the Welsh National Champion. <object width="640" height="360"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/GSC92Z38LN4?version=3&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/GSC92Z38LN4?version=3&hl=en_US"
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Jonah Jonathon
Jonathon attacks with his trademark Ippon Seoi Nage attack which is then combined with an Ko Uchi Gari for a score of Yuko. However he is unable to capitalise on the ground and they are bought back to standing. Much the same happens again although this time without a score and then the opponent attacks with Tai Otoshi but this fails to result in a throw. Jonathon then makes some poor Ippon Seoi Nage attacks due to the significant gap between his body and his opponents.
The opponent then attacks but Jonathon immediately tries to counter with O Goshi but the opponent gets his next attack in first but whilst they both end up on the ground, there is no score. Jonathon attacks again with Ippon Seoi Nage and O Goshi but does not get the close body contact that is required for these major throws to be executed properly.
Upon restarting the opponent turns in for what looks like a drop knee Seoi Nage. This is not a legal technique in Junior competition. The referees have a discussion on the matter and decide that it was not a deliberate drop technique and from that, give the decision to the opponent. From watching this video in slow motion it does seem to be a deliberate drop technique but it must always be remembered that it is the decision of the referees present at the time to decide as they see it. <object width="640" height="360"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/nKZAMvWux2Q?version=3&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param
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Jonathon Jonathon
The contestants are well matched. They are demonstrating attacks with a variety of techniques but are clearly well able to obstruct or defeat their opponents attacks. After a while Jonathon ends up on the ground but when his opponent tries to take the advantage, Jonathon is able to turn the tables and obtain a Mune Gatame with which he holds his opponent for the count and thus wins the contest. <object width="640" height="360"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/t1HTqjUyjTQ?version=3&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed
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Jonathon Laura v Jessica
Jessica attacks with Tai Otoshi but has not secured a good grip and as she spins, she loses grip fully and falls to the floor. However, Laura is unable to take advantage on the ground. Upon restarting Laura takes grip and places her fingers inside Jessica's sleeve which is not allowed but the referee does not seem to notice this so she manages to avoid a Shido. Laura then attacks with Tai Otoshi but Jessica avoids it and they end up on the floor again as a result of Jessica's attempt to counter with Tani Otoshi. Once there Laura attempts to obtain a strangle but this is not successful.
Upon restarting Jessica again attacks with Tai Otoshi but they both end up on the ground once more whereupon Laura manages to obtain a hold with something that alternates between Kuzure Yoko Shio Gatame and Kuzure Kesa Gatame but this lasts for only seven seconds and so does not score. Laura's attempts to then gain and armlock are fruitless.
Jessica once more attempts to throw Laura with Tai Otoshi but this fails and Laura is again on the ground in the dominant position trying to work in an armlock and then a strangle. But this does not happen.
Jessica and Laura then work at each other with more or less the same throws both equally well nullified by the other. Jessica is then given a Shido although it is not clear what for, possibly for avoiding Laura's attempts to take grip. Jessica then attacks with her best attempt so far which is a cross between Tai Otoshi and Sasae Tsuri Komi Goshi. But because it is neither one throw or the other it does not work and they once again fall to the floor. Upon restarting Laura and Jessica trade unsuccessful attacks until the time runs out. As there is no score it is down to a decision and the contest is awarded to Laura almost certainly on the basis of the short hold down earlier. <object width="640" height="360"><param name="movie"
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Laura v Jessica Molly
Molly's opponent is the previous years champion. Molly has much improved in the last year and so the contest is more even. The opponent attacks with her trademark Tai Otoshi but this does not succeed. Molly makes a strange 'jump' and attacks but disappears from view of the camera and when we next see her she is trying to turn the opponent over on the ground. This fails. So they are bought back to standing. The opponent then makes a messy attack with a part O Goshi, part Tai Otoshi and also a part Uchi Mata but they end up on the ground where Molly gains a hold with Tate Shio Gatame. However she is unable to keep the opponent in place and there is no score.
Upon restarting Molly attacks with a messy Uchi Mata and they both end up on the floor again. They return to standing and attack each other again. Unfortunately, off camera there is a throw which results in Yuko to Molly who then secures a hold with which she wins the contest. <object width="640" height="360"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/jwNgXaxoUPE?version=3&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/jwNgXaxoUPE?version=3&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="640" height="360"
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Molly Molly
Molly's opponent tries to attack with a forward throw which Molly manages to block successfully and continues to demonstrate good control of her opponent. However, Molly is being very defensive and unless she starts attacking herself she will risk being given a Shido. In one of the attacks Molly ends up on the floor on her front and the opponent attempts to turn her over whereupon Molly just stands up despite her opponent being over her. This looks rather strange and does demonstrate the importance of maintaining proper control of the opponent.
Upon restarting Molly is having trouble making a proper grip but then does attempt an attack whereupon the opponent manages to bring her down with a sloppy Ko Soto Gari which does not score. On the ground they scramble around for a bit until the opponent obtains a hold but Molly has trapped her opponents foot so the hold is not valid. After a while they are bought back to standing. Molly then attempts something that looks like a Ushiro Yoko Guruma, a non-existent throw and this does not get a score but once upon the ground Molly grabs a hold with a Mune Gatame with which she gains her win. <object width="640" height="360"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/FT5PYyXmXbY?version=3&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/FT5PYyXmXbY?version=3&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="640" height="360" allowscriptaccess="always"
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Molly Tom
In this contest the opponents (Tom is wearing red) display poor posture and gripping. They end up on the floor as a result of a failed Tai Otoshi attempt by the opponent where he is now face down and Tom on top of him. Within moments Tom has secured a win as a result of submission as the opponent was being strangled. <object width="640" height="360"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/50Tma-yuK0U?version=3&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/50Tma-yuK0U?version=3&hl=en_US"
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Tom Tom
Tom attacks with a poorly considered Tani Otoshi which goes wrong and they both fall to the floor. However Tom recovers with a Hadaka Jime and the opponent submits to avoid strangulation, the second time in a row that Tom has achieved a win by this means in this championship. A neat ending to an otherwise potential disaster (for Tom). <object width="640" height="360"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/-eVrJIJDkz4?version=3&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/-eVrJIJDkz4?version=3&hl=en_US"
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Tom Tom
As in many of Tom's contests, the initial stages are scrappy with more of a flurry of limbs rather than a clear intended technique. But usually, he manages to pull it off with something classy just when one least expects it. Such is this contest. In between all the poor posture and unconventional grips, Tom puts in a perfect Ko Soto Gari at just the right moment to take his opponent down for Ippon. He even gets straight into a hold. True, he was turned, but his still had control and if the Ippon had not been called, he would certainly have recovered the hold from there. All in all quite a classy win. <object width="640" height="360"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/wChyFro9UsA?version=3&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/wChyFro9UsA?version=3&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="640" height="360"
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