OVERCOMING adversity is what a Martial Artist does, and Staveley Judo were able to overcome the lockdown and the competition in their recent championship.

The British Shadow Kata Championships was hosted for U16’s Judokas, and the Staveley club score well with their demonstrations and came away with two golds, one silver and two bronze medals.

The U12’s category saw Staveley Judo win three out of four medals in the category.

Isabel Dodd achieved gold with Anna Elliott winning silver and Levi Chacko claiming the bronze medal.

Success continued for the team in the U14’s category where Peter Wilson won another gold medal for his club, and Solomon Chacko achieved another bronze with his performance.

The competition took place over video link due to the restrictions and kata demonstrations were filmed by competitors from their clubs, Dojos and from in their homes.

Staveley Judoka Isabel Dodd impressed the judges so much she received the second highest score of all the age groups.

Top score was given to U16’s competitor Jake Ashen who also won the gold medal for the age band.

Head coach John Barton said: "This competition will likely be a one off. Previously our juniors competed at the national championship and came back with gold medals.

“This year we aren’t able to take part in face to face contact championships, so the British Judo Association came up with the Shadow Kata championship. It’s very difficult because you have to practise a throw without an actual partner.

“We submitted our videos and the judges awarded medals according to how good the display was. We entered the U12 and U14 categories and won golds in both. Peter won gold in the U14s, and Isabel won the gold in the U12s.”