2018 British Open Adaptive Judo Compeition – UEL, London

GEORGE Franks (12), who qualifies as a Special Needs Judo player, but fights mainstream, took advantage of the first British Open Adaptive Judo Championships hosted by the London Area in the University of East London.

Special Needs events are normally organised in the Midlands, North England and Scotland, and George is not normally able to attend. On this occasion, George, who trains at Harlow Judo Club and started Passmores School this September, was happy to attend the event.

Harlow’s Senior Coach, Mick Ellis, was hoping to answer many questions about George’s future by attending the event. As it transpired, George was in fine form showing superb skill, listening to instructions and coping with the adapted rules for this event. The event was attended by players from all over Europe with a big contingency from Germany. George only had two fights which he won in great style in a very quick time scoring a maximum Ippon (top score in Judo) in both contests.

Harlow Judo Club have just completed a separate second smaller dojo at Foldcroft which is in a very safe environment with the aim of developing a Special Needs class at the Club. The Club are also starting various Beginners courses from the age of 4 years old up to adults, at the end of September. Full details are on our website www.harlowjudoclub.com.

If you can offer sponsorship, please contact Gill Ellis on [email protected] or 07976 955905. Harlow Judo Club also caters for those with special needs – please contact the Club for more details. They are based in Foldcroft, Harlow, CM20 1SE. For training times, please visit www.harlowjudoclub.com