Most recently the team were in Thimphuin in the Himalayan mountains last weekend (Aug 16-17) for the inaugural Bhutan International Children’s Judo Tournament, a competition which is officially the highest staged from sea level judo competition for youngsters in the world.
Suggesting that the sky isn’t the limit in such lofty environs, the team shone. Team captain Gabin led the way, as he often does, winning all his matches to secure a gold medal, while Oliver was similarly dominant in his four contests to also secure gold.
Oscar demonstrated terrific heart to fight through the pain barrier after suffering a sprained wrist to secure a third bronze for the team, his courageous display also winning him the best fighter of the tournament accolade.
David secured silver and was desperately unfortunate not to win his final against a tough French opponent, while Timur won bronze after he defeated four of the five opponents in the under-15 age class despite only being 12 years old himself.
“It was a fantastic experience that everyone thoroughly enjoyed,” Dojo head coach Alexis Plantard told The Phuket News.
“Aside from the actual competition, which lasted around two hours each day, there were other pursuits such as daily six-hour hikes into the mountains, weight training, gym sessions and football, which were great fun.
“We all also had the opportunity to learn more about the culture in Bhutan, which was thoroughly enriching for all the team. We felt truly blessed to be there,” he added.
STATESIDE SUCCESS
Prior to this, the team participated at the US Judo Open Championships, officially the biggest judo tournament in the world.
The three-day tournament took place in Fort Lauderdale, Florida between July 26-28 and saw over 3,000 athletes from 50 different countries taking part.
Despite only having six athletes participating, Dojo Phuket finished a hugely impressive 27th rank overall out of 173 teams, with four of the team making the podium.
Gabin fought an exhausting 21 matches across six dvisions to secure a gold and a silver medal, while Oscar competed in 15 contests across six divisions to win a gold and bronze.
Fast becoming one of the top athletes at the Dojo, Timur fought 15 contests across five different divisions to win silver and two bronze medals, while coach Alexis continued to serve as the perfect role model to his students after he battled through 12 matches in four separate divisions to take home two gold medals.
“This championship is without doubt one of the hardest in the world where you can fight across many divisions to gain invaluable experience,” Alexis explained.
“I had some extremely tough opponents personally, some of whom were much, much younger than me but I am proud to say I dug deep and called upon all my experience to fight as hard as I possibly could. To do this in front of my students, I believe, is extremely important as it sets the standard and demonstrates the levels of mentality that are required. Believe in yourself and always strive to do your best is my message. It is important to lead by example, I think.”
‘LITTLE LION’
Before their exploits in the sunshine state of Florida, the team were slightly closer to home as they took part in the Hong Kong National Judo Championships on July 15.
Contesting a 16-team format of five players per team, Dojo Phuket finished an admirable third place after falling short due to injuries against Kuma Judo club, one of Hong Kong’s finest who boast several athletes who have represented the national team.
On July 22 the team took part in the jiu jitsu provincial championships at Saphan Hin in Phuket, winning an impressive 14-medal haul.
Among the winners was 42-year-old student Paul who, having recently secured his blue belt status, landed two gold medals.
Young Damir continued his progression by also winning two gold medals, while David battled heroically against tough opponents, including teammate Gabin, to land a gold and bronze.
Max won gold in his first championship with team Dojo, which should provide confidence to improve furthermore, while the ‘Little Lion’ Meera and Karim both picked up a silver and a bronze, Mayel won silver and Ray landed two bronze.
The team will be returning to Hong Kong to contest the Hong Kong Junior Asian Cup 2024 on Sept 15, with Sota, Kiichi, Oscar, Oliver and Janis in the under-11 age group and Mayel, Tomo, Timur, Gabin and David in the under-14s. Then a 15-strong squad will head off to Bangkok on Oct 5 for the Decathlon Judo Cup.