A new Judo club at North Gosford, Jita Kyoei, won two silver medals at the recent Central Coast Judo Championships in April.
The tournament was a State selection event which attracted Judoka from all over NSW. Participants attempted to qualify for the National Championships, which will be held in Wollongong in June. Paul Sheean achieved a silver medal in the under 66 kilogram category and Sean Cole, a silver medal in the 90 kilogram category. Head Coach, Mike Griffi ths was particularly pleased as Sean had to beat a second Dan black belt to win the medal. The name of the Jita Kyoei refers to one of the fundamental principles of Judo, mutual benefi t. This encourages all members to help everyone to reach their maximum potential. Club founder, Mike Griffi ths has been practising Judo for over 40 years. He still competes in both Shai (fi ghting) and Kata (forms) of the sport. Mike gained a Silver Medal at the Commonwealth Championships in 2012 in Wales and has held both National and Oceania Kata titles for the last few years. At the last world championships he fi nished 12th. Mike is a level three European Union Judo accredited coach and he coaches with the rest of the accredited coaching team at the Dojo in North Gosford.
Media release, 7 May 2015 Michael Griffi ths, Jita Kyoei