Australian Olympic judoka floors Judo New Zealand training camp

ON THE MATS: Ilminster gym was the venue for a national judo training camp at the weekend, with New Zealand and Australian representatives passing on their knowledge. The coaches above are (from left): Jason Koster, Matt D’Aquino, Naomi Spinks, Kiki Reedy Velloza and Jason King. Pictures by Paul Rickard

Australian Olympic judoka, author, entrepreneur and motivational speaker Matt D’Aquino was the guest speaker at a Judo New Zealand training camp in Gisborne at the weekend.

“Matt was very impressed with our New Zealand judoka and their enthusiasm, and loved the Gizzy atmosphere,” national women’s judo coach Kiki Reedy Velloza said.

“Matt was part of the camp coaching staff — which included New Zealand Commonwealth Games bronze medallist Jason Koster, former New Zealand women’s coach Naomi Spinks and Gisborne coach Jason King — and showed some great technical skills that our young athletes will take away with them.

“We had 90 athletes from around the country here and the camp was also a chance for Judo New Zealand’s new technical director, Dave Browne, to meet many of the up-and-coming athletes and to meet with national coaches.

“Refereeing director Craig Barlett, who has recently returned from an International Judo Federation refereeing seminar in Baku, Azerbaijan, updated our athletes on the new rules going into our next Olympic cycle.”

Trial fights were held in two divisions — the senior men’s under-73-kilogram division and the junior men’s u66kg division — for deciding spots for the Oceania Judo Union team travelling to Tonga in Apri.

“We also wanted to showcase Gisborne as a training destination, so we were grateful for the use of the Ilminster Intermediate gym — a great facility that we can use with two full competition mat areas for training.

“We were accommodated at Te Tino o Porou conference centre, where we were well looked after by Kuini Williams and her team. The athletes need to train hard, and then be able to rest between sessions in accommodation facilities that are comfortable.”

Reedy Velloza said Judo NZ team officials were pleased with the training atmosphere at the camp.

Eastland Community Trust and club members had given behind-the-scenes support.