Johnstown club members starting to make impact

JUDO Sport promotes admirable ethos

Some weeks ago the Yoroi Judo Club, which in based in Johnstown, Navan, entered four of its members in the All-Ireland Schools Judo Championships at the National Indoor Arean at the Sports Ireland Campus in Dublin.

The results were very encouraging indeed for the Meath club as a number of medals were won and big performances given across a range of categories.

In the under 55kg weight category a "special congratulations" was extended to Edward Ala for his outstanding performance in the championships. He secured the gold medal, the youngster emerging victorious after four testing bouts. There was also success for David Mortsofei, who won silver in the under 73 kg weight category, while Kenan Aydin and Michele Borla were said by one club spokesperson who "showcased remarkable sportsmanship and represented the club admirably. Their sensei, Anderson Marcelino Dos Santos, head coach at Yoroi Judo Club, provided guidance to the group, while their teammates, family, and friends supported them throughout the competition."

Yoroi Judo Club, catering to both children and adults, is situated within the premises of Feel Fit Gym at the Johnstown Shopping Centre. This club welcomes judoka of all levels, whether they are beginners or seasoned practitioners.

Anderson Marcelino Dos Santos who is from Brazil says he has practiced judo for 30 years. He is the founder member of the Johnstown club. He set it up two weeks before Covid hit. Now it has 84 members. "We cater for four year olds all the way up, from four to eight, eight to 13 onwards. We also divide classes into beginners, intermediates and advanced levels."

The club founder points out that Judo is based on an ancient martial art and means 'gentle way.' It's a sport that is designed to develop physical and mental attributes of those who are involved. It also has a broader societal, philosophical purpose. "It's about getting a person developed not only physically but integrated into society so that this person can look after his or her mindset and contribute to society," he explains.

"I lived in Dublin but when I moved to Navan where I bought my house, I noticed there were no judo clubs in the area so I started to try and create the opportunity to look after the children who are in the area but don't fit into rugby and other sports that are commonly practiced here. I wanted to offer an opportunity for our children in the area."

Deeply involved coaching judo at national and provincial levels Anderson Marcelino Dos Santos is delighted with the impact club members recently made at the All-Ireland Schools Chamionships. He's hoping there's more triumphs to be achieved.