The determined group of Kido Judoka, from the Kido Mingara Judo Academy, competed in the 2018 Judo National Championships at the Gold Coast.
Daniel Villani won a gold medal in the Men’s Under 18, Under 66kg round, and a Silver Medal in the Under 21, Under 66kg round.
Villani had a stellar performance at only 16, his display of throwing skills was an entertaining performance from every angle. “His bouts were fully controlled, holding his opponent using the shime (submission technique) for full points. “In the Under 18 event, he won his five bouts in less than three minutes. “With the consistent solid training preparation this year and undivided focus that he brought to the event, he truly earned all his wins,” said Kido Mingara Judo Academy Head Coach, Mr Peter Acciari.
In the Under 21 event, Villani found a more evenly matched opponent from Victoria. “The fighting finished after four minutes, with a wazari half point scored against Daniel. “His Under 21 silver result impressed not only his coach, but the selectors as well, who included him in the July Asian Tour, to compete in the two cadet and Junior Asian Cups,” Mr Acciari said. Caroline Hain won a silver medal in the Women’s Senior Under 48kg round. Haim’s aim to defend her national title and reaffirm her dominance in the 48kg division looked to be on track after she swept through the semifinals, but a tactical error in the finals against her Tasmanian opponent scored against Haim.
“This half point score was followed with a barrage of attacks by Caroline, who produced powerful throws that remained unscored. “Her opponent took up a fully defensive position. “Unfortunately, her lack of offensive play did not receive an expected penalty for non-attack,” said Mr Acciari. “As Caroline’s relentless attacks were unable to score in the remaining time, she had to settle for the silver. “Still being highest ranked in her division, she is included to compete in the ASIAN Continental Open in Taipei in July,” he added. Liam Yokoyama won a bronze medal in the Men’s Senior Under 66kg round. “Liam’s preparation was severely shortened by a rib injury incurred at a tournament in Italy this year,” Mr Acciari said. “His first bout tested the state of the injury, with Liam winning with a technically showcased Tai otoshi throw. “His second bout was short in duration, winning after holding his opposition in an immobilizing hold down.
“The third bout was a battle for control, as both Liam and his Victorian opponent, found it difficult to obtain their grips to assert high scoring techniques. “Though it was a tough fight, Liam had to concede a loss and be relegated to the repechage round. In the repechage round, he secured a bronze medal in a four-minute bout,” Mr Acciari concluded. Angelina Yokoyama placed fifth in the Senior Women’s Under 52kg division. “Angelina moved well into throwing attempts, with a variety of attacks and a determination not shown before. “She had to take a loss which relegated her out of contention for the finals,” Mr Acciari said. “Although winning her second bout with a strong counter throw, she never had the time between fights to regain the undivided focus required for the bronze medal bout. “Her bout started promisingly, however a stumble cost Angelina dearly, losing the advantage, which was seized on by her opponent to score and deny her a medal,” he said.
Danny Vojnikovich placed fifth in the Cadet Men’s Under 60kg division. “After a 6 min (golden score) first-round win, Danny fought the favoured WA player in a strongly contested bout, but had to take a loss to the eventual champion. “A win in the repechage set up the bronze medal bout. “In playing for the bronze medal, an unexpected and rare mistake made by Danny, of rising up from groundwork, was taken advantage of with a speedy foot weep by his opponent that fully scored, and took Danny out of the medal race,” Mr Acciari said.
Three of Kido’s youngest members also tested their skills at the competition level for the first time. Alex Beckett competed in the Senior Boy’s Under 36kg division, Gabe Beckett competed in the Junior Boy’s Under 27kg, and Casey Clarke competed in the Junior Boy’s Under 30kg. “Although all three were facing stiff competition, they progressed steadily in the elimination rounds, each winning several bouts with strong throws, and eventually having to settle for a seventh place. “This event provided a valuable list of skills for the coaches to analyse, refine and teach,” Mr Acciari concluded.
Source: Press release, June 18 Pete Acciari, Kido Mingara Judo Academy