Judo pair in Eastern promise
Linzi Watson • Published 9 Nov 2011 15:00
5 Comments
TWO judo stars from Port Glasgow are hoping to strike gold at the British championships - by travelling to Japan to learn from the masters of the martial art.
Kirsty Rodgers and John McFetrick have already finished with top places in the Scottish, English and Welsh championships.
They are now set to compete against the best in the UK in the British Open Championships and up-and-coming Commonwealth Games so the local pair want to up their game.
To do this, they plan to travel to Japan - the home of judo - to perfect their moves but they need to raise enough money for the trip first.
It will cost £1,500 to send them both to Japan for a week where they will undergo gruelling four-hour fighting lessons, taught by some of the best fighters in the world.
To raise the money, Kirsty and John, who are both top in the British rankings for their weight category, are holding a fundraising night in Greenock.
They are urging local people to support them to give them a sporting chance in the future competitions.
Trainee nurse Kirsty, 29, said: "Going to Japan to train is the dream - it is like going to Brazil to play football.
"I have never been before would love to have the opportunity of training in the home of judo."
Kirsty, who fights in the women's over 78 kilo category, is celebrating after winning gold at the Scottish, Welsh and Heart of England championships.
John, 22, has recently won the silver at the Scottish and Welsh championships after beating off competition in the under 100 kilo category.
He said: "I have been to Japan before and it was a great experience.
"The training we will get out there will be hard but very beneficial, especially with some important competitions coming up."
Kirsty and John are both members of Boglestone Judo Club and Premier Judo Club in Glasgow.
The fundraising night will be held on 25 November at the George Bar in Greenock and the pair are looking for donations and raffle prizes to help raise enough for the trip.
To help or to buy tickets for the event, contact Kirsty on 07538 863779. You can also buy tickets through members of Boglestone Judo Club.
This article appeared in Greenock Telegraph 09 Nov 11
Have your say. Post a comment on this article.
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007goldfinger
49 posts
Nov 9, 16:44
Report commentbest of luck all the best from a 2nd dan fellow judoka
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helenmor
2 posts
Nov 9, 18:07
Report commentIt's great to see you doing so well, John. Good luck!
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askelvis
470 posts
Nov 10, 13:32
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Tiddles
1077 posts
Nov 10, 16:46
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jbgvms
1 post
Nov 11, 05:29
Report commentAll the best from Jim Smith Temecula Ca former club coach
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