Through kicks, flips and a number of hits, the Flin Flon Judo Club has experienced various levels of success over the past few weeks.
The club has sent many of its athletes across Western Canada for competition and to gain experience from various judo athletes and coaches.
On March 23, five athletes with the club went to Moose Jaw to attend a two-day training camp with former Canada Games champion Bishop Sommerfeld and current Saskatchewan provincial team coach Michael Horley. The five athletes were among 43 selected from throughout Saskatchewan to train at the camp.
As if valuable experience wasn’t enough, the club also sent 10 athletes to the Saskatchewan Provincial Judo Championships in Watrous, Sask. on March 30 and dominated the competition.
Of the 10 athletes sent, eight were kids and two were adults. By the end of the weekend, participants from Flin Flon Judo Club came away with a grand total of 19 medals. What’s even more impressive is that this was the first time Flin Flon Judo Club has participated in provincial competition.
Local athletes still relatively new to the sport are quickly gaining recognition. Club founder and coach Josh Wiens told The Reminder that they were being touted as a powerhouse by rival coaches, even receiving an email from an executive from Judo Saskatchewan complimenting the program.
“As you can tell, judo is in full swing in our community,” said Wiens.
The club has also emphasized the importance of developing female athletes. On April 6, three Flin Flon Judo Club female athletes had the opportunity to travel to Edmonton to represent Judo Saskatchewan during a training session with former national champion and Olympian Amy Cotton, as well as former national champion Erin Morgan.
“We wanted our athletes to have a ton of fun, learn some great judo, and be inspired by some great female athletes,” said Wiens.
Judo classes are held on Mondays and Wednesdays from 7 p.m. to 8:15 p.m. for kids, and 8:15 p.m. to 10 p.m. for adults at the Many Faces School gymnasium.
For more information, call 204-687-4190 or email [email protected].
