On Sunday 18th May, two players from Northampton Judo Academy competed in the London Open 2025 at SportsDock, University of East London. This was one of the toughest and most competitive events on the junior calendar in this quarter.
Keira delivered a strong performance throughout the day. Focused and technical, she battled her way to the final and brought home a well-deserved silver medal. Her progress over the past year has been immense, and this result is another step forward on her journey.
Luca, meanwhile, stepped onto the mat for the very first time as a cadet, marking our club’s first-ever cadet entry. Despite facing older, more experienced opponents, he held his own with confidence and determination. His efforts earned him a brilliant bronze medal, setting the tone for what looks to be an exciting future.
The standard of judo was exceptionally high across all categories, with tough matches and intense pace from start to finish. Wins and losses aside, the real success lies in how both of our players handled the pressure and pushed themselves beyond comfort. Their dedication, preparation, and mindset on the day were outstanding.
We’re incredibly proud of both Keira and Luca, not just for their medals, but for representing Northampton Judo Academy with heart and grit. Every competition is a learning experience, and this one showed just how far our players have come and how much potential still lies ahead.
We’re back to training this week with even more motivation and fresh focus. The journey continues, and we’re excited for what’s next!