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Former World and European
judo champion Craig Fallon’s master class wowed players and officials
at Headcorn Judo Club on Saturday 22nd May.
Fallon, 27, is widely
seen as one of the most decorated fighters of his generation,
having joined Neil Adams as the only British judoka to reign as
World and European Champion at the same time. The revered Brit
has taken a sabbatical from the sport since the 2008 Beijing Olympics
but maintains an active presence within the British scene.
Club Secretary Jane
Armstrong said: “Both Craig and the organiser Andrew Moshanov
delivered a remarkable master class, demonstrating extraordinary
skill that members were able to practice immediately with
the master himself.
“The event attracted
players from North London, Bromley, Lewisham and a significant
group from Ashford Judo Club.
“Our youngest members were
provided with what has proven to be a remarkable opportunity to
truly inspire them for a life of sports participation in the future.”
The master class coincided
with the club’s annual presentation evening which saw five awards
handed out to some of the Kent outfit’s most promising talents.
Bethany Baker won the Most
Improved Award, Harry Croucher was awarded Best Technique while
the Fighting Spirit Award went to Alfie Remess. Oliver Renshaw
claimed the Spirit of Judo Award and Charlotte Nixon, 7, was selected
as Best Novice.
Club Coach Richard Armstrong
said “ Charlotte gained silver in the day’s novice competition
after beating all the boys, only losing to a larger, older boy
in the final.
“A coach always knows
when he has someone special and, although she is very young and
has only been on the mat less than 10 times, she has it all. When
I asked the question to the whole group who they thought was the
best novice it was a resounding ‘Charlotte’ that Craig witnessed
them reply to. Her father had said Craig Fallon was her only topic
of conversation leading up to Saturday and she was first on the
mat the following Sunday morning.”
After the presentations
were made the club’s highly-regarded coach Richard asked the accomplished
Fallon whether he’ll make a much-anticipated playing return to
the sport.
Jane said: “All the
members cheered when Richard asked whether they'd like to see
him back competing.
“Craig's reply was that
he'd very much like to but that he needs to get training and make
sure he's fit, so there wasn't absolute certainty.”
Fallon, who won admirers
the world around as a player, earned rich praise for his coaching
endeavours.
Richard said: “From
a coaching perspective what Craig delivered
was absolutely spot on as he didn’t miss anything out
and I’m sure his upcoming visits to other clubs will prove to
be as successful.”
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