This morning saw the return of the Western Area Open Mat Randori Gathering, hosted at Bradley Stoke Judo Club in Bristol, for what marked our 7th session in this thriving initiative. Judoka from 15 clubs across the region, along with visitors from as far afield as Swansea, came together for two hours of high-quality randori and skills development.
These Open Mat Randori mornings are proving to be a powerful catalyst for growth in our area. They offer invaluable experience for judoka of all ages, particularly through randori—a cornerstone of Judo development. We continue to witness tangible improvements in performance and confidence, especially among our younger judoka, with some as young as eight years old making tremendous strides.
Each session begins with a structured, skills-based warm-up, setting the tone for multiple rounds of tachiwaza (standing techniques) and newaza (groundwork). The atmosphere is welcoming, energetic, and above all, focused on participation—turn up, get stuck in, and enjoy your Judo.
Today’s session also served a dual purpose, acting as part of the selection process for the British National Team Championships in July. The intensity and dedication shown on the mat reflected the commitment of everyone striving for a spot on the national stage.
A huge thank you goes to Bradley Stoke Judo Club for their outstanding hospitality, and to every club and coach who made the journey to join us in this fantastic morning of Judo. These gatherings are not just about technique and sparring—they’re about community, connection, and shared passion for the sport.
We look forward to announcing future sessions soon. If you would like more information or wish to get involved, please contact:
Simon Ward
Western Area Head Coach
sward@kingsleydevon.com
