A junior Dojo member from Ely Dojo won a contest at The British National Judo Championship in Sheffield last month (December). 

The National Championship is the target event for the most competitive judoka from across the United Kingdom and takes place at the Institute of Sport each December. 

This was the first time for Ely member Yonas to enter the National Championship in the junior division and the first club member to enter this event since before the pandemic back in 2017. 

Yonas stepped onto the contest tatami with confidence and determination and took control of his first contest with a dominant grip exchange that led to an Ippon win with a decisive judo throw.  

Ely Standard: Yonas stepped onto the contest tatami with confidence and determination and took control of his first contest with a dominant grip exchange that led to an Ippon win with a decisive judo throw. Yonas stepped onto the contest tatami with confidence and determination and took control of his first contest with a dominant grip exchange that led to an Ippon win with a decisive judo throw. (Image: Ely Dojo)

Caught off balance in his second contest, Yonas then lost out to a fast judo throw from his opponent before stepping out for his third contest in the repechage.  

A spokesperson for Ely Dojo said: “This was a close match that entered into ‘golden score’ after the four minutes contest time expired - when Yonas found his attack countered and lost out on getting any further towards the bronze medal contest. 

“A fantastic achievement for Yonas to win a contest at this high-level event where he did not look out of place amongst all the talented judoka he shared the mats with.” 

They added: “At Ely Dojo, we look forward to supporting more members in our 'Shia Squad' to take part in judo events throughout the new year ahead and we can’t wait to return to the National Championship again at the end of 2024.”