🏆 Congratulations to Daisy Hodgkinson! 🏆

A huge well done to Daisy Hodgkinson on her outstanding victory in the Ladies’ Under 52kg division at the Western Area International Open Judo Championship held in Bath.

Daisy delivered a truly dominant performance on Day 1, winning all of her contests by ippon in convincing style and demonstrating excellent skill, determination, and composure throughout the competition.

And she didn’t stop there.

On Day 2, Daisy went on to win another gold medal, this time in the Junior Under 52kg division, once again showcasing her exceptional ability and competitive spirit across divisions.

These fantastic achievements are a testament to the hard work, dedication, and commitment Daisy puts into her training day after day.

We are incredibly proud of your success. Keep up the great work and enjoy these well‑earned achievements!

👏🥋 Well done, Daisy! 🥋

Well done to the Skeen boys. Back on form with a Gold and 3 Silvers at the Midland Area Mix and Match Event. Some great fights and wonderful Ippon throw along the way.

Elijah Skeen – Gold
Judah Skeen – Silver
Levis Skeen – Silver
Ezra Skeen – Silver

Well done to those who took part in the recent club grading:
Teddy Little – White Belt + 2 Red Tabs
Jackson Urch – White Belt + 2 Red Tabs
Killian Loughlin – Whote Belt + 2 Red Tabs
Corabn Little – Full Yellow Belt

Congratulations to Alex Williams and Tom Davies on earning a well‑deserved bronze medals at the East Midlands Area Open Judo Championships in Lincoln. In an event packed with top‑quality judoka, both Alex and Tom delivered excellent performances, demonstrating resilience and spirit in all their fights – well done both.

Congratulations to Frank and Arthur Zawadzki on their superb performances at the recent Area Gradings.

Both demonstrated an excellent knowledge of the grading syllabus during the theory section, followed by some impressive performances in their competition line-ups. Their hard work, determination, and preparation were evident throughout the day.

We’re delighted to announce that both achieved the highest grades available to them. Frank was awarded his full Green Belt, while Arthur earned his Yellow Belt with two Orange tabs.

A fantastic achievement for both judoka—well done, Frank and Arthur! Keep up the excellent work.

Huge congratulations to Norman Smith, who stormed to gold at the BJA High Wycombe Masters, one of the toughest and most prestigious events of the year. Facing top‑level opposition, Norman controlled every fight and secured ippon wins on the ground across the board.
Brilliant to see him back on top spot of the podium — a performance worthy of a champion.

Well done 👏👏👏👏👏

Well done to our judoka on some fantastic judo at the recent mini‑championship held in Digby, Lincolnshire. This was their very first competition, and every single one of them rose to the occasion with great spirit and determination. We saw excellent judo from all four with some exciting glimpses of the next wave of up‑and‑coming talent.
Silver Medals were won by Teddy Little, Corban Little, Shaneil Makonjwa with a Bronze Medal being won by Corey Makonjwa.
Keep it up — well done all.

What an incredible day at the first AJA National Training Session of 2026, hosted by Cedars Judo Club. The mat was packed with junior and senior judoka of all grades, all eager to learn, train, and be inspired.

Our guest coach, Dan Powell — reigning World Champion, European Champion, and Paralympic Silver Medallist — delivered exactly what we hoped for and more. His technical insight, energy, and down‑to‑earth coaching style created a brilliant atmosphere from start to finish. It was truly was a rare opportunity to learn from – and train alongside – one of the true greats of our sport”

Across the four‑hour session, with breaks to catch our breath, everyone worked hard, supported each other, and came away buzzing. The turnout was fantastic, the spirit was positive, and the standard on the mat was something to be proud of.

A special well done goes to the Cedars Judo Club judoka who represented the club brilliantly throughout the day: Luke Dexter, Jackson Urch, Levis Skeen, Frankie Pallet, Freddie Pallet, Tom Davis, Ezra Skeet, and Alijha Skeen. Their effort, attitude, and commitment on the mat were outstanding — a credit to themselves and to the club.

A huge thank you to Dan for giving his time, to all the judoka who attended, and to everyone who helped make the day run smoothly. This was a brilliant start to the 2026 national training calendar — and a reminder of what makes our AJA community so strong.

Congratulations to Daisy Hodgkinson on gaining her Judo Black Belt (2nd Dan).

Your hard work and achievements make the entire club proud.

You’re a shining example for all the young ladies training with us and an inspiration well beyond our dojo

Cedars Judo Clubs Judokas delivered a great performance at the AJA National Championships held in Walsall, showcasing depth, determination, and dazzling skill across all levels. Our judoka brought home a stunning array of medals, reflecting the club’s commitment to excellence and team spirit.

• 🥇 Gold to Lola Sayers with 🥈 Silvers to Gabriel Patel, Harrison Collis — sharp, strategic, and relentless.
  
• 🥉 Bronzes to Tom Davis, Ezra Skeen, Frankie Pallet, and a second medal for Lola Sayers — a testament to grit and consistency.
  
• Also well done to the Salatke family from Castle Judo Club who train with us on a regular basis, all coming away from the Championship with well deserved medals.
  
• From explosive throws to tactical groundwork, every athlete demonstrated the Cedars ethos: courage, camaraderie, and class. Huge congratulations to all our medallists and competitors — you’ve made the club proud!

Another great performance from Daisy at her first appearance in BUCS (British Universities and Colleges Sport), held in Walsall.
A dominant win on the ground in the final against an excellent player from Nottingham University earned Daisy gold in the Ladies U48kg category.
Well done, Daisy — a fantastic achievement, and one that’s already inspiring the next generation of Cedars players watching her rise.

🎉 Fantastic Achievement for Arthur Zawadzka!
A huge well done to Arthur Zawadzka on another outstanding performance at the British Judo Association’s Schools Adaptive Championships.
Arthur continues to go from strength to strength, delivering confident, composed judo at every event he attends. His hard work is paying off, and it’s brilliant to see his self-belief grow with each championship.
A superb result and a testament to his dedication and spirit. Well done, Arthur—your club is incredibly proud of you.

🌟Congratulations to Alice Harwood – New Yellow Belt! 🌟

A huge well‑done to Alice Harwood, who earned her Judo yellow belt at our recent club grading. Alice showed excellent knowledge of her syllabus, demonstrated her throws and groundwork with confidence, and then went on to defeat two higher grades to secure her new rank.
A brilliant performance and a well‑deserved achievement. We’re all proud of you, Alice—keep that momentum going!

Another great performance from Daisy Hodgkinson at the BJA English Open, where she delivered one of her most impressive competitive displays to date. Fighting across both the Junior and Senior divisions, Daisy showed exceptional composure, tactical maturity, and trademark determination. She dominated throughout the day, securing double gold in the Junior Ladies U48kg and the Senior Ladies U48kg categories.

The English Open is one of the BJA’s key national ranking events, drawing strong competitors from across the country, making Daisy’s double victory even more significant.

Stepping up to the Senior division is a major milestone for any young athlete, and Daisy not only rose to the challenge but controlled her contests with confidence and precision.

Her performance showcased her growing versatility—sharp transitions, strong gripping sequences, and a calm tactical approach that belied her age.

Taking gold in both age groups on the same day highlights her exceptional conditioning, focus, and competitive mindset.

🎉 Huge Congratulations to Ant Sayers – Now Officially 4th Dan! 🎉

Cedars Judo Club is incredibly proud to celebrate Ant Sayers, who has been awarded his 4th Dan – a milestone earned through years of grit, graft, and a competition record that speaks for itself.

This recognition reflects Ant’s long‑standing success on the contest mat, especially his outstanding performances on the Veterans/Masters circuit at the British, European, and World Championships. His consistency, determination, and refusal to act his age have clearly paid off.

The award was conferred by the AJA National Coach and then presented by Ant’s long‑time club coach, Sensei Tony Jones – the man who’s been coaching him at Cedars Judo Club for an astonishing 44 years.

Speaking afterwards, Tony said: Some things really do stand the test of time. A huge well done, Ant – from everyone at Cedars Judo Club. Your dedication, spirit, and ability to still cause mischief after four decades on the mat continue to inspire us all.

The 2026 Junior European Cup in Sarajevo opened its season with all the intensity and promise that defines this prestigious event. Young judoka from across the continent arrived in Bosnia and Herzegovina ready to test themselves on one of Europe’s most competitive junior stages. With strong national teams, deep categories, and a vibrant atmosphere, Sarajevo once again proved why it remains a key proving ground for future senior internationals.
Among the standout stories for Great Britain was Daisy Hodgkinson, who delivered an impressive showing at her first Junior European Cup of the year. The –48kg category was particularly stacked, featuring several established junior athletes and rising European contenders. Despite the depth of the field, Daisy rose to the challenge with maturity and confidence, securing a 7th-place finish, narrowly missing out on a bronze medal contest.
Throughout the day she produced excellent, composed performances, demonstrating both technical quality and competitive resilience—an encouraging marker for the season ahead and a strong foundation to build on as she continues her junior international campaign.

Well done Daisy and the rest of the GB Team.

Huge congratulations to all our Cedars judoka who took part in the Area Closed Championships.
We were represented across every age group and grade—from first‑time novices to seasoned black belts—and every single player stepped onto the mat with determination, skill, and true judo spirit.
The standard of fighting was fantastic, with strong technical ability on display and outstanding sportsmanship throughout the day. You all did the club proud.
Our results were as follows:

🥋 Well done to all those who competed in the East Midland Area Open Championship, proudly hosted by Cedars Judo Club in Earl Shilton, Leicester!
It was inspiring to see clubs from across all associations come together, creating a vibrant atmosphere where everyone could enjoy the judo — whether stepping onto the tatami or cheering from the sidelines. The spirit of camaraderie and competition shone brightly throughout the day, making the event a true celebration of our sport.
💪 Cedars players rose to the occasion, showcasing not only strong technical ability but also outstanding sportsmanship, reflecting the values at the heart of our club.
📊 Results were as follows:

A huge congratulations to our members who recently took part in grading and proudly advanced in their judo journey:

• Jackson Urch – White Belt + 2 Red Tabs
• Matiss Lasis – White Belt + 2 Red Tabs
• Olivia Coats – White Belt + 2 Red Tabs
• Freddie Pallett – Full Yellow Belt
• Noah Goncalves – Full Yellow Belt
• Isaac Patel – Full Yellow Belt
  
  🌟 Each judoka demonstrated strong syllabus knowledge, determination, and fighting spirit.
  
  👏 Well done to all! Your achievements reflect the hard work you’ve put in on the mat.

Congratulations to all Cedars Judo Club members who recently took part in the Area Grading held in Earl Shilton!

Every judoka stepped onto the tatami with confidence, demonstrating not only excellent knowledge of the syllabus but also the fighting spirit that defines our club. Their performances in the line‑ups were sharp, disciplined, and full of determination — a true reflection of the hard work put in during training.

Each player progressed to the maximum grading allowance, marking another step forward in their judo journey. This achievement highlights both technical understanding and competitive readiness, and we couldn’t be prouder of the way our members represented Cedars Judo Club.

🥋 Well done to all Cedars Judo Club judoka who took part in the Buyen Mix and Match Open Championships held in Birmingham!

🏅 Tom Davis stepped onto the tatami looking sharp and focused. Throughout the event, Tom fought with precision and confidence, showcasing techniques we’ve been drilling at the club — from crisp ankle sweeps to powerful hip throws. His flawless performance and commanding presence earned him a well-deserved Gold medal, with multiple Ippon wins that highlighted his class and composure.

🥈 Tallulah Bruce made her championship debut in a pool of higher-graded, more experienced opponents. Undeterred, she launched into her first match with a stunning Ippon throw just seconds after the start. Her second bout followed suit with another emphatic win. In a nail-biting final, Tallulah narrowly missed out on victory, securing a brilliant Silver medal and making a huge impression in her first outing.

🥈 Levis Skeen entered with confidence and stormed through his early matches, executing his signature Tomoe-nage with flair. In the final, he faced a well-prepared opponent who had clearly studied Levis’s style and managed to neutralize his attacks. Despite trying a range of techniques, Levis couldn’t break through for a decisive throw, but his efforts earned him a hard-fought Silver medal in a closely contested match.

🥉 Our remaining four judoka all earned Bronze medals in tough categories, showing grit and determination throughout:

• Elijah Skeen, the youngest competitor in his group, held his own against older, more experienced players. He secured a convincing win and narrowly loosing the others by the smallest of margins — a fantastic effort.
• Freddie Pallet and Ezra Skeen both gave away weight in their divisions but fought with heart and resilience. Their grit and detrmination saw them through to well-earned Bronze medals.
• Frankie Pallet continues to go from strength to strength. This was his best championship yet, with impressive technical combinations in both tachi-waza and ne-waza that secured him a richly deserved Bronze.
  
  👏 A huge congratulations to all our judoka — your performances were inspiring, and your medals well earned. You did the club proud!

👏 Cedars Ladies Shine at the NHC Championship!
A huge congratulations to the two outstanding Cedars Judo Club athletes who competed at the NHC Championship held at The Brentwood Centre in Essex.
🥇 Daisy Hodgkinson delivered a phenomenal performance, competing in both the Junior and Senior categories and emerging victorious in both—securing two gold medals! A remarkable achievement and a testament to her relentless progress and dedication. Daisy continues to impress with every outing, and this double gold is yet another milestone in her exciting judo journey.
🥉 Lola Sayers followed up with a fantastic bronze medal win, marking a triumphant return to competition after a recent break from the mat. It’s brilliant to see her back in action and already making her mark—this medal is hopefully the first of many more to come!
Well done, ladies! Your grit, talent, and sportsmanship make the club prou

Cedars Judo Club proudly hosted a masterclass at Heath Lane Academy in Earl Shilton, Leicester, on behalf of the Amateur Judo Association. The event brought together judoka of all ages and grades from AJA clubs across the UK for an unforgettable day of high-level instruction and inspiration.

Leading the session was Neil Adams MBE, 9th Dan, one of the most decorated judoka in British history. A World Champion, double Olympic silver medallist, and five-time European Champion, Neil is also globally recognised as the voice of judo through his role as the IJF’s top commentator and technical analyst.
Supporting him was Niki Adams, a 6th Dan judoka and accomplished coach, whose technical insight and warm delivery perfectly complemented Neil’s dynamic teaching style.

The masterclass focused on technical excellence, transitional skills, and competition readiness, with tailored sessions for both junior and senior judoka. Participants explored advanced gripping strategies and balance-breaking techniques, learned to transition smoothly from standing to groundwork, and refined their application of the Gokyo throws through detailed breakdowns. Live demonstrations and interactive drills led by Neil and Niki brought the techniques to life, while a Q&A session offered judoka the chance to engage directly with the instructors and deepen their understanding.

Throughout the day, the atmosphere was electric. Coaches and judoka alike praised the clarity, depth, and motivational impact of the instruction. Many highlighted the rare privilege of training under two world-class instructors and the inclusive, high-energy environment that made the experience so memorable.

Beyond its immediate technical benefits, the event reinforced Cedars Judo Club’s reputation as a centre for elite development and community engagement. It served as a revalidation opportunity for coaches and a milestone moment for younger judoka, many of whom left inspired by the legacy and leadership of Neil and Niki Adams.

A Fantastic Weekend for Cedars Judoka 🥋

Cedars Judo Club had a brilliant weekend with our athletes competing in two major championships held in Walsall and Lincoln—bringing home an impressive haul of medals and showcasing true fighting spirit.

Saturday: BJA Heart of England Championship – Walsall, West Midlands
Two of our judoka took to the mats in this prestigious event, both delivering outstanding performances:

• 🥇 Daisy stormed to victory with a Gold medal in the Ladies Under 52kg category.
• 🥉 Norman Smith battled hard to secure a Bronze medal in the Men’s -100kg category.
  A huge well done to both for excelling in what was a fiercely competitive championship!

Sunday: AJA Area Open Championships – Lincoln
Seven Cedars players competed in Lincoln, showing grit, determination, and skill across the board. Every one of them returned with a well-earned medal—an incredible achievement!

• 🥇 Gold medals: Tom Davies and Levi Skeen, both delivering dominant performances.
• 🥈 Silver medal: Alex Williams in the Men’s Middleweight category.
• 🥉 Bronze medals: Frankie Pallet, Freddie Pallet, Elijha Skeen, Ezra Skeen and Alex Williams (Mens Open Weight).
  
  Congratulations to all our competitors—your hard work and dedication continue to make Cedars proud!
  
  

Congratulations to Daisy on a well-deserved bronze medal at the British Judo Association’s English Closed Championship, held at the iconic SportsDock, University of East London, Docklands.
This national-level event, hosted by the BJA London Area, brought together top-ranked judoka from across England to compete in a highly competitive environment. With seeding based on current GB ranking lists and fierce competition across all age bands, Daisy’s podium finish is a testament to her skill, determination, and composure under pressure.
The English Closed is more than just a championship — it’s a proving ground for future international contenders. Daisy’s performance places her among the country’s rising talents and reflects the strength and spirit of our club.
Well done, Daisy — your hard work and resilience continue to inspire us all!

4 members of Cedars Judo Club recently took part in an unforgettable masterclass led by Gemma Howell, one of Great Britain’s most accomplished judo athletes. Hosted in Erdington, Birmingham, the event offered an incredible opportunity to train under a world-class judoka and left a lasting impact on everyone in attendance.

World-Class Instruction

Gemma Howell’s judo career is nothing short of inspiring. A two-time Olympian (London 2012 and Tokyo 2020), 2022 European Champion, and Commonwealth silver medallist, she’s renowned for her technical excellence, grit, and dedication to the sport. Her journey—from junior success to overcoming serious injuries and competing at the highest levels—has made her a standout figure in British judo.

Skill Development

The masterclass focused on refining newaza (groundwork) and tachiwaza (standing techniques), with Howell providing detailed breakdowns and hands-on guidance. Cedars members absorbed new skills with enthusiasm, benefiting from her sharp tactical insights and practical demonstrations. The energy in the dojo was electric as attendees worked through techniques and soaked up Howell’s world-class expertise.

A Memorable Experience

Beyond the technical instruction, Howell’s down-to-earth approach and engaging style resonated strongly with the Cedars team. Her willingness to share personal stories and career experiences made the session both educational and deeply motivational.

Looking Ahead

The Cedars contingent returned from Birmingham inspired and eager to incorporate their learnings into everyday training. The club extends heartfelt thanks to Gemma Howell for her generosity, passion, and dedication to growing the sport.

🥋🏅 A Huge Congratulations to Our Judoka! 🥋🏅

What a day for our club at the Midland Area Mix and Match Championships, held on 13th July 2025 in Birmingham! We’re thrilled to celebrate the amazing achievements of our four Judoka who competed — and each brought home a well-deserved medal!

🥇 Gold medals went to Tom Davis and Levi Skeen, both showing outstanding technical skill and unwavering determination on the mat. Their powerful performances were marked by dynamic Ippon throws and tactical brilliance.

🥈 Silver was earned by Elijah Skeen, who displayed grit, sharp timing, and resilience throughout his matches, narrowly missing the top spot in a tightly contested final.

🥉 Bronze went to Ezra Skeen, who fought with heart and composure, securing his place on the podium with smart judo and strong finishes.

It’s incredibly rewarding to witness the dedication and hard work from our training sessions come to life on the competition stage. Every athlete gave it their all and represented the club with passion and pride.

A massive well done to Tom, Levi, Elijah, and Ezra — your club is proud of you! 🥋💪👏

🥋 Success for the Club at British Masters Veterans Event – 06.07.2025

A fantastic showing from our seasoned judoka this past weekend at the British Masters (Veterans) Championships held in Walsall! Congratulations to Antony Sayers, Norman Smith, and Glyn Hodgkinson for representing the club with grit, spirit, and exceptional performances on the national stage.

🥉 Norman Smith kicked off proceedings in the fiercely contested Under 100kg category. Demonstrating tactical awareness and unwavering determination, Norman battled his way through a competitive bracket to earn a well-deserved bronze medal.

🥉 Antony Sayers was next up in the Under 90kg category, where he faced a challenging pool of high-calibre opponents. Despite the intensity and a nail-biting points countback that kept spectators on edge, Antony secured an impressive third place, narrowly missing the silver in a display of strength and composure.

💪 Glyn Hodgkinson stepped onto the tatami in the Under 81kg category, contending with some of the top fighters in the country. After a long wait to compete, Glyn faced formidable opposition and pushed through despite sustaining a painful foot injury early on. His resilience and fighting spirit were evident in every bout, and although he missed out on the podium, his courage left a lasting impression—not to mention a very bruised foot to commemorate the day!

👏 A proud moment for the club and a true showcase of experience, determination, and camaraderie. Well done to all three athletes—your performances inspire us all.

We are proud to celebrate an outstanding achievement by our clubs ladies and local club representatives at the British Teams Event in Walsall on 5th July 2025. Competing against elite players from across the country, our athletes delivered a powerful performance in one of the season’s toughest competitions.

👏 Congratulations to Daisy Hodgkinson, Leah Starmore, Bella Maw (Yenton), Amber Penlington (LJA), Gabriela Slavcheva and Sara Korbas.

The British Teams Event continues to set a high standard within the sport, and this result marks a significant milestone for our club and other clubs from the local area , Behind every success is a network of support, and we extend heartfelt appreciation to our coaches, training partners, and club community who help shape these performances.

This result is more than a medal—it’s a statement. With continued growth and momentum, we look forward to many more podium finishes in the future. 🔥

Well done to all the judoka who took part in the club grading! Every player demonstrated excellent theoretical knowledge combined with some tough competitive spirit to earn their grades. A fantastic effort all around — congratulations to everyone!

Well done to the five judoka from the club who attended the Area Grading in Digby, Lincolnshire.

All demonstrated outstanding knowledge of their syllabus, followed by some exceptional fighting performances. As a result, every judoka earned the maximum possible grade promotion.

Congratulations to you all on this fantastic achievement!

Well done to our Club Members who competed at the recent East Midlands Area Orange and Under Championship.

It was a fantastic event, bringing together over 80 judoka who proudly showcased their skill, determination, and fighting spirit. The championship was a true celebration of developing talent, with some brilliant judo on display throughout the day.

Club Results:

A huge well done to Ant Sayers on earning a well-deserved bronze medal in the team event at the prestigious European Veterans Championships in Riga, Latvia. After a solid showing in the individual competition, Ant was snapped up by Team Finland for the team event — a true testament to his talent and reputation on the international veterans circuit.

Competing alongside the Finnish squad while proudly representing Cedars, Ant played a key role in helping the team secure a podium finish, with two great wins. His performance, commitment, and sportsmanship continue to make us proud.

Well done, Ant! 👏🥉

Cedars Judo Club Trio Shine at Prestigious Houvast Judo Tournament in the Netherlands

Daisy Hodgkinson, Ezra Skeen, and Levi Skeen of Cedars Judo Club proudly represented the Amateur Judo Association (AJA) at the 28th International Houvast Judotournament in Mierlo, Netherlands, on Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th May 2025.

The tournament, one of the most competitive on the European judo circuit, featured over 1,400 athletes from 12 countries. All three judoka rose to the challenge, showcasing impressive skill, determination, and sportsmanship on the international stage.

🥈 Silver Medal – Daisy Hodgkinson
🥉 Bronze Medal – Ezra Skeen

Levi Skeen also delivered a strong performance, narrowly missing out on a podium place after a series of closely contested matches.

Together, Daisy, Ezra, and Levi brought pride to Cedars Judo Club, with their performances reflecting the hard work and dedication they bring to the mat every day. Congratulations to all three on representing the club and the AJA with distinction!

The East Midlands Area recently organised a highly successful Mini Judo Competition for yellow belts and below, welcoming a lively group of young judoka from across the region. Held at Digby Linces the event created a positive and encouraging atmosphere for some of the region’s youngest and newest competitors — many of whom were experiencing their first taste of championship judo.

Among the standout performers was Ashton Wright from Cedars, who demonstrated excellent technique, composure, and determination throughout the day. Competing with great spirit and discipline, Ashton earned a well-deserved silver medal. His success is a testament to the hard work he’s put into training at the club.

The competition served as an ideal platform for beginners like Ashton to gain valuable experience in a friendly and supportive environment. All participants — some as young as four years old — embraced the core values of judo: respect, discipline, and perseverance. The event featured many closely contested matches and inspiring moments of sportsmanship, making it a true celebration of grassroots judo.