Cypriot judoka Alexis Bardini, Sam Sampson and Samuel Charalambous recently travelled to Greece to participate in the prestigious 2018 WJF European Championships. The Cypriot judoka travelled as part of a team established by the UK Judo federation JFAUK, who brought a total of 10 judoka to the event, with each either crowning themselves as or placing on the podium.
Up first from the Cypriots was 2016 WJF European Champion Sam Sampson, who was looking to claim his second WJF European Gold in the new weight class of -83kg this year. Facing a Greek opponent first, Sam took his time to get going and worked through tough grips to finally execute a flying armlock and claim the win. Up next was yet another Greek opponent who Sam caught with a big Kata Gruma throw to take him into the final. In a repeat final of 2016, Sam found himself against a Bulgarian Judoka who had also moved up into -83kg. After a dynamic exchange between the two rivals, Sam was unfortunately caught by a big throw and had to settle for a silver medal this year.
Commenting on his performance Sam said “Overall I am pleased with my performance, I managed to execute a couple of new throws and I am happy to have medalled at the event. However, I am of course disappointed that I was unable to defend my title this year. However, this is judo, all it takes is one mistake on the day. This time, I lost to the better judoka, and I just have to go back and work even harder to prepare for the next one”
Next up was 2013 WJF Junior European Bronze Medallist Alexis Bardini in the men’s -75kg category. For his first fight Alexis used a quick combination to score ippon and get his day off to a good start. Next, Alexis found himself against a much taller opponent, forcing him to think carefully on how to claim his second win. Alexis utilised a similar strategy, using an Uchi Mata before changing direction and dropping into a different throw to score the ippon. For his semi final match, Alexis found himself against an experienced black belt however was unfazed, and managed to score an ippon throw in the early seconds of the fight to progress to the final. In the final Alexis was certainly pushed to his limits in an extremely hard fought fight. After a extremely dynamic battle, Alexis eventually sunk in a strangle to secure his WJF European gold medal.
Alexis remarked on his win, stating “I thought that I performed well, it was certanly my best performance at senior level. Coming off from a long-term injury meat that I was proud of my achievement, especially against very good judoka. It was a good learning process to take myself and my judo to the next level”
Cypriot Sam Charalambous was also set to compete in the men’s -75kg category but unfortunately had to withdraw before the competition due to an injured shoulder. However, Sam had a pivotal role in helping to warm up and prepare his team mates before their fights.
Their head coach, and Cypriot native, Sampson Sampson commented “Of course, I am remarkably proud of my students, and all of the other judoka who travelled to the tournament. They have all been training extremely hard, and it is clear that all their work has been paying off. Of course, there are always things to improve on, but that is the best thing about judo. It’s not just about winning a tournament, it’s about continual learning, development and self-improvement. Judo is not just for a few medals, it is for life.”
Also competing from the was Ross Elliot, who claimed gold in the Mens -99kg category, Oli Relton, who managed gold in the mens -79kg category, Karl Summerbell who won gold in the -66kg para-athlete category, Hannah Chesham who managed Silver in the Womens -78kg, Sebastian Eriksen who took gold in the Boys -40kg, Benjamin Eriksen who claimed gold in the Boys -55kg and Jason Baird who took bronze in the Veterans -79kg category.
The WJF European Championships is a European wide tournament established by the World Judo Federation. The event differs from the judo seen on TV as it allows a number of ‘traditional techniques’ that have been removed from mainstream judo (such as leg grabs and big lifts) as well as placing a large emphasis on groundwork judo. The championships, as well as all events led by the WJF, aim to re-ignite traditional judo and the many techniques that have been left behind in the modern era.
The Cypriot judoka train at the Sobell Judo Club in Finsbury Park every Monday and Wednesday. To find out more visit www.sobelljudoclub.com
