Olympians visit Bishops Stortford Judokwai

Double Olympic silver medallist Yoko Tanabe joined fellow Atlanta Olympian Joyce Heron to lead a masterclass at Bishops Stortford Judokwai on Friday 30 March.

Japanese legend Tanabe, a five-time world medallist and six-time consecutive All-Japan Champion teamed up with former European and world bronze medallist Joyce Heron, British Judo’s Education and Training Manager, to showcase the techniques that served them so well in their illustrious careers.

Tanabe, is now an Associate Professor at Nihon University where she is currently completing her PhD in Coaching Education and will continue to undertake the course from Loughborough University’s Centre for Olympic Studies and Research.

The pair’s first masterclass together saw the celebrated Japanese guide the enthusiastic youngsters through her favoured o-uchi-gari and o-soto-gari techniques.

Club coach Rob Seabright said: “I was very impressed by Yoko’s technical demo. She showed us just a small bit of why she is such a decorated judo player. It’s a pleasure to have someone of her and of course Joyce’s skill and experience on our mat.”

Yoko Tanabe said: “I’m very happy to be here in Great Britain and to be able to visit British Judo clubs. 

“Many of my compatriots and fellow judoka have been to Britain and have thoroughly enjoyed the experience including learning the English language and promoting Japan’s Olympic Movement along with the sport we’ve dedicated our lives to.”

Joyce Heron said: “We owe a big thank you to Bishops Stortford Judokwai for being such good hosts and making us feel so welcome. They’re a lovely club with some fabulous people and we had a great evening.”

Bishops Stortford Judokwai train at Birchwood High School, School Gym, Parsonage Lane, Hertfordshire, CM23 5BD.

For more information including training times visit http://www.bishopsstortfordjudo.com/