Quarter 2 2025 Highlights from Northampton Judo Academy
The second quarter of 2025 has been defined by momentum, milestones, and memories—both on and off the tatami. From first-time competitors bravely stepping into the spotlight to established squad members sharpening their form at some of the toughest events on the calendar, our players have continued to raise the bar. Add to that the launch of a refreshed training schedule, a record number of competitions, and community days that brought families together in new ways, and it’s clear Q2 has marked another big step forward for Northampton Judo Academy.
6 April – Yamato Judo Club Interclub Competition
Fifteen of our Judokas travelled to compete at the Yamato Judo Club Interclub Competition, making it one of our busiest outings of the quarter. With so many players stepping onto the tatami, it was a full day for our coaching team—but also a hugely rewarding one. The results speak for themselves, with an impressive spread of medals across the board.
Results from the competition:
Gabriel – Gold
David – Silver, Gold
Adriano – Bronze
Gloria – Silver
Bertie – Gold
Milan – Silver
Roberta – Double Silver
Oscar – Bronze
Andrea – Bronze
Luke – Bronze
Dima – Bronze
Patrick – Gold
Leo – Gold
Daniel – Bronze
We’re incredibly proud of the effort, spirit, and sportsmanship shown by every competitor. This event not only brought home a collection of medals but also valuable experience and confidence for our players at all levels.
20 April – BSJK Yellow, Orange & Green Belt Championships
Easter Sunday saw three of our Judokas step onto the mats at the BSJK Yellow, Orange & Green Belt Championships, facing tough opponents and showing real commitment to represent the club on a holiday weekend. Their performances were nothing short of outstanding.
Results:
Luca – Gold
Keira – Gold
Jacob – 5th Place
It was a strong day of competition and an excellent reflection of the hard work these players have put in during training. We’re proud of each of them for their dedication and drive.
5 May – Brentwood NHC Low Grade Development Event
Our Judokas made an impressive mark at the Brentwood NHC Low Grade Development Event, stepping into a highly competitive environment filled with strong opponents from across the region. The day was packed with high-level matches, testing skill, focus, and resilience in equal measure.
Results:
Patrick – Gold
David – Silver
Oscar – Silver
Roberta – Bronze
Jacob – Bronze
Dima – Bronze
Patrick stood out with a confident performance that secured him the top spot, while David and Oscar fought their way to well-earned silver medals. Roberta, Jacob, and Dima each battled through tough contests to claim bronze, showing grit and determination throughout the day.
Beyond the medals, the event provided valuable experience for every competitor. Each fight offered lessons to bring back into the dojo—proof that progress comes not only from victory but also from how we respond to challenges. We’re proud of the energy and spirit shown by the whole team, and grateful to the families and supporters who cheered them on from the sidelines.
4 May – BJC Open Championships, Kettering
A strong group of our Judokas represented the club at the BJC Open Championships in Kettering, taking on tough competition and showing great spirit on the tatami. Every player gave their all, and the results reflected their effort and commitment.
Results from the Competition:
Gloria – Gold
Luca – Gold
Keira – Silver
Bertie – 7th Place
From podium finishes to valuable lessons learned, this event offered both recognition and clear feedback on areas to keep building. We’re proud of the bravery and determination shown by each of our competitors.
5 May – Bank Holiday Park Workout
Even with the dojo closed for the bank holiday, training didn’t stop. Seven of our players joined Coach Matt for an outdoor park session, keeping the momentum going with strength, fitness, and conditioning work.
The group pushed hard through the workout, showing real commitment and team spirit. A special mention goes to David, our youngest participant, who impressed everyone with his pace and determination—outworking some of the older players along the way.
Sessions like this highlight the resilience of our Judokas and the value of stepping outside the dojo to test themselves in different environments.
17 May – London Open 2025, SportsDock, University of East London
Two of our Judokas travelled to one of the toughest junior events of the quarter, the London Open, where the standard of competition was exceptionally high across every category.
Results from London Open 2025:
Keira – Silver
Luca – Bronze
Keira delivered a focused, technical performance, battling her way to the final and securing a well-deserved silver medal. Her steady progress over the past year has been remarkable, and this result is another milestone in her development.
For Luca, the event marked his debut as a cadet—and our club’s first-ever cadet entry. Despite facing older, more experienced opponents, he fought with confidence and determination to earn a brilliant bronze medal, setting the stage for an exciting future.
Beyond the podium, both players showed outstanding mindset and composure under pressure. Their performances demonstrated how far they’ve come and how much potential still lies ahead.
18 May – Family Fun Day, Spring 2025
Eighteen of our members and their families joined us for a day of adventure at Jungle Parc, where climbing, swinging, and plenty of laughter set the tone. After navigating the treetop challenges, we gathered for a relaxed family picnic filled with good food and conversation.
The highlight of the afternoon was the debut of the now-legendary potato game. Parents and players joined in, with the ball flying for more than three hours. Miss a catch, and you were in the middle on your knees, waiting to win your way back out—it was organised chaos that had everyone smiling.
Days like this remind us that judo isn’t just about training or competition, but community, friendship, and shared experiences beyond the dojo walls.
Beginning of June – Updated Class Schedule
From June 2025, we introduced a refreshed timetable designed to meet the needs of our growing community and provide clear pathways for every age and stage.
Key updates included:
- A brand-new Saturday Judo Fundamentals class, tailored for players not yet competing or preparing for squad training.
- Mini Judokas (Under 8) is expanding to two sessions per week, following the huge success of our youngest group.
- All Sho grades train alongside peers at the same stage, with a clear, structured plan to support their progress.
The changes were shaped by feedback from both parents and players, ensuring every Judoka has access to the right level of challenge and support. Our evolving schedule reflects the growth of the club and the commitment to giving each player the best possible environment to learn, develop, and thrive.
7 June – Bucks Judo Yellow & Under Interclub Competition
A group of our youngest Judokas travelled to compete at the Bucks Judo Yellow & Under Interclub Competition, with many of them stepping onto the tatami for the very first time. It was an exciting day filled with energy, determination, and plenty of learning moments.
Results (youngest to oldest):
Gabriel – Gold
David – Silver
Andrei – Bronze
Mason – Silver
Gloria – Gold
Adriano – Bronze
Luke – Gold
Toby – Bronze
Shiny – Gold
Nichita – Silver
Matteo – Bronze
Igor – Gold
For most of the group, this marked their debut competition experience, and they showed fantastic spirit throughout. Medals were a highlight, but even more important was the way every player demonstrated courage, respect, and commitment on the mat.
Wrapping up Q2 2025
The second quarter of 2025 has been our busiest yet, packed with competition, development, and community spirit.
Our Mini Judokas have been a standout success, with hugely positive feedback from players and parents alike. This demand encouraged us to introduce major changes to the schedule, expanding opportunities for younger players—and it’s clear everyone is enjoying the new structure.
On the competitive front, we attended six judo competitions, our highest number in a single quarter so far. For many of our children, it was their first experience competing, and they showed not only bravery and sportsmanship but also plenty of potential for the future. Our Competition Squad continues to thrive, benefiting from dedicated Tuesday and Saturday training sessions. The progress in technical form, fitness, and fighting spirit has been remarkable.
Community remained at the heart of the club. Our Bank Holiday park workout and Family Fun Day strengthened bonds between players, parents, and coaches—proof that the friendships built off the tatami are just as important as the training on it. These moments remind us that we’re building more than Judokas; we’re building a strong community.
Finally, with growing interest in the Competitive Squad, we’ve also seen more of our teenage players stepping up to support younger groups. Three members of our teen team now assist regularly, showing leadership, commitment, and a passion for giving back to the club that inspires them.
Q2 has been a quarter of growth on every level. From first-time competitors to experienced squad members, from our youngest players to our teen role models, everyone has contributed to moving Judo Academy Northampton forward. We’re proud of what we’ve achieved together—and excited for what Q3 will bring.
