The competition is for red and yellow belts only and for half the travelling team it was their first time in competition.
First to compete in the under-10 group was eight-year-old Alex Shield who totally dominated her much bigger opponent with strong grips in her first fight. After several attacks she finally managed to throw her opponent flat onto her back to seal a win.
Alex lost her next fight against a much higher graded player but went on to win her next one, again throwing the player for top score of ippon and claim a silver medal.
Also competing was Maddie Roberts, aged 8. In her first contest Maddie took the lead with a minor throw which was followed up with a superbly executed osoto gari throw with a top score of ippon. Maddie put up a good fight in her next contest but her lack of experience lead to her being thrown but still finishing with a silver medal.
Cherise Dobson, also eight, gave all three of her opponents a really tough time but, despite her tremendous effort, novice Cherise did not manage a win and was awarded second bronze position.
Cameron Degg was the youngest in his group having just recently turned eight but she has a remarkable zest for this sport and currently attends all five weekly sessions as well as studying judo books and DVDs at home.
Cameron showed determination but his age and inexperience left him disadvantaged as he didn't manage to secure a win. He was pleased to pick up his bronze medal and to support the rest of his team mates.
Sam Murphy, eight, was the last Judo Excellence member to fight in this age group. His first fight went the distance as his opponent struggled to score until a yuko was finally awarded to the opposition. Sam's next two fights were equally close and Sam collect the bronze medal.
Four players fought in the under-12 group.
For 10-year-old Elanor Ludlam it was her first time competing and she was in a tough group of experienced yellow belts. She suffered a foot injury in her first fight but courageously took on her next opponent but was clearly bothered by her sore foot and pinned down. She was unable to continue with the contest and was awarded the bronze medal.
Shannon Tarandij, aged 10 and following in brother Liam's steps, was exceptional as she threw her first opponent for a wazari score and followed it up with an outstanding ko soto gake throw for ippon.
Shannon was on form as she dominated the next fight to also win by another awesome throw. The last fight was the toughest and despite going almost the full distance, Shannon was thrown for ten leaving her with a silver medal.
Declan Nicholson, 10, barely broke sweat to finish both his fights in less than 15 seconds with powerful, superbly executed throws for ippon.
Declan pleased his coaches as he successfully deployed the gripping strategies they have recently been concentrating on and he fully deserved his gold medal.
Will Rook, also 10, managed to win gold at a competition in Kendal last weekend with two tremendous wins and was hoping for a repeat performance.
It was looking quite promising until he was thrown and pinned down therefore losing his first fight. Will then went on with sheer determination to throw his opponent for ten and finish in silver position.
Competing in the under-16 section were 12-year-old Joseph Bath and 13-year-old Emily Kaye .
In both his fights, Joe made several attacks but was unfortunately thrown in his first and pinned down in his second which left him in bronze position.
Emily was last to fight but it was worth the wait as she dominated with her grips against the much bigger opponent who she managed to throw her with ouchi gari and followed up with a pin down. A jubilant Emily then secured yet another win by ippon to collect her gold medal.
Judo Excellence train regularly at the dojo in Hebden Bridge. For information on junior and senior classes, contact Karen on 07799067093