Judo kids do battle in tough Tahitian tourneyBy SIMON PLUMB - North Shore Times
Tuesday, 25 September 2007
Juniors from North Shore Nippon Judo Club recently returned from a trip to Tahiti - and their coach Johan Boshoff insists it was no holiday.
Travelling on a week of intensive training and competitive action against some of the Pacific's finest, the theme of the visit was strictly business.
"We don't come to Tahiti for the sun or because it is easy judo," says Boshoff.
"Tahiti has a strong tradition of judo from its French origins, and so we come here to play tougher opponents than we can train against in New Zealand."
The squad of nine to 13-year-olds trained twice a day for more than a week before competing in a final tournament against the Tahitians.
They missed out on overall victory 7-11 after some good individual performances.
Students also developed new skills off the canvas.
During their time on the island they stayed with Tahitian families and attended a local school.
With many of the squad gearing up for next month's nationals, the tour has helped with their preparations.
"All players have developed considerably," says Boshoff.
"I rate the trip a complete success in that we went to gain higher standards for all our players, and we certainly got that."
The club have also played host themselves recently.
It was the second time in as many years developing players from New Caledonia have been welcomed to the club.
The visitors had the opportunity to practise and compete against some of the best young judo talent in New Zealand.
Travelling on a week of intensive training and competitive action against some of the Pacific's finest, the theme of the visit was strictly business.
"We don't come to Tahiti for the sun or because it is easy judo," says Boshoff.
"Tahiti has a strong tradition of judo from its French origins, and so we come here to play tougher opponents than we can train against in New Zealand."
The squad of nine to 13-year-olds trained twice a day for more than a week before competing in a final tournament against the Tahitians.
They missed out on overall victory 7-11 after some good individual performances.
Students also developed new skills off the canvas.
During their time on the island they stayed with Tahitian families and attended a local school.
With many of the squad gearing up for next month's nationals, the tour has helped with their preparations.
"All players have developed considerably," says Boshoff.
"I rate the trip a complete success in that we went to gain higher standards for all our players, and we certainly got that."
The club have also played host themselves recently.
It was the second time in as many years developing players from New Caledonia have been welcomed to the club.
The visitors had the opportunity to practise and compete against some of the best young judo talent in New Zealand.
FONTE: Auckland stuff.co.nz - Auckland, New Zealand
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