Mall goers flip for international judo tournament
Two black belts perform Kata, a set of choreographed judo moves, during the weigh-ins at the Edmonton International Judo Championships at West Edmonton Mall Fri. April 1st, 2011. Photograph by Dale Boyd
By Dale Boyd
Over 600 fighters from all over the world came to compete in the Edmonton International Judo Championships held in the Ice Palace at West Edmonton Mall last weekend.
The skating rink-turned judo ring drew mall-goers for the sixth time since the tournament moved to the mall in 2005. Fighters of various weight classes and belts competed for gold in their divisions.
The competition is one of only two national points tournaments in western Canada. These tournaments are unique because if an athlete places, they can be ranked nationally and move on to national teams and world championship tournaments.
Ready…Fight!
The opening ceremonies started on Friday with the weigh-ins and a demonstration of the judo practice of Kata, a series of choreographed judo techniques done with a partner.
The fights began on Saturday and went on through Sunday as fans packed the bleachers and the mall’s second floor to watch the action.
A unique part of the tournament is the Sherwood Ford Grand Championship, an open-weight competition that allows any fighter over the age of 18 to compete for the $1,000 grand prize. Taking gold this year was three-time winner of the Grand Championship here in Edmonton, Robert Edward.
Edward, who has been practicing judo for 17 years, feels the open-weight style of competition offers up excitement for the fans.
“I love the open weight (competition),” Edward said. “It’s so exciting. I’ve traveled around and done open and they’re the most fun, and it’s a spectator event so it’s all about showmanship and sportsmanship, so it’s always really exciting to do.”
The cheque wasn’t all that was given out at the award ceremony. An honorary black belt was given to the parents of Stephanie Kerr and her childhood friend. Stephanie, who was greatly involved in the Edmonton judo community, was killed in a car accident six years ago. Parents Lorrie and Tom Kerr accepted the belt on Stephanie’s behalf in an emotional presentation.
“It’s an honor,” Tom Kerr said.
““It’s over-whelming,” Lorrie Kerr said. “That’s what this community is all about, and that’s why were still involved. This is a family. it’s not just another sport. These kids grow up together in the sport.”
Judges and officials look on as fighters compete in the Edmonton International Judo Championships at West Edmonton Mall on Saturday, April 2, 2011. Photograph by Dale Boyd.
Judo Rules
To the average spectator, Judo may seem difficult to follow. Like many martial arts, there are traditions and rules that aren’t so clear-cut. Although not as physically aggressive as the increasingly popular MMA, judo is a defensive aspect of martial arts that requires finesse and strategy to get your opponent to the ground according to fighter Colton Hall.
“The goal is to score points by getting your opponent on their back and you can score points by arm-bar or choke, but I prefer standing,” Hall said.
Judo is mainly focused on throws and defense, but just coming off of a knee injury Hall knows too well that Judo is just as physical as other forms of martial arts.
“It can definitely be a dangerous sport at times,” Hall said.
