To round off the training year, together with Judo Klatovy and the Budulínek Family Centre we organized a Saturday camp with an overnight stay through to Sunday, during which we launched the first inter-club competition under the rules of the Czech Judo Federation. A total of 44 competitors took part, divided into several weight groups. The director of the whole event was the Dobřany judoka’s coach Karel Fojtík, and the role of head referee was taken on by the Klatovy coach Rudolf Kortus.

The Dobřany judokas faced a seasoned team from Klatovy, whose athletes hold many trophies from major judo competitions. In the bouts themselves the difference was not apparent — the Dobřany judokas were very well prepared and won many matches through sheer fighting spirit. The home judokas of course had tremendous support in the spectators, who turned out in great numbers, and the entire gymnasium was packed with fans of this Japanese sport. They too deserve thanks for the incredible, nerve-racking atmosphere throughout the competition.

Many parents were quite surprised at what a perfect and thrilling atmosphere prevails at such an event. At this historically first inter-club competition the Dobřany judokas simply shone, and so they have my thanks, and I wish them more precious medals for their collections. Of course, judo in Dobřany could not be at the level it is today without the financial support of our main partner, Mr. Ondřej Oravec and the company O.Z.Traiding, s.r.o. Dobřany; the company VISHAY ELECTRONIC spol. s r.o. also contributed financially to the competition. For this they have our great thanks.

Judo has a 3-year tradition in Dobřany, where we strive to teach judo to children from the age of 6. Some members are already 18 years old, which gives us a broad spectrum of competitors. This year we officially founded a sports club under the name RuKa JUDO, where the head coach and trainer is Karel Fojtík; we must not, however, forget to mention the very experienced Klatovy coach Rudolf Kortus, who is also a member of RuKa JUDO and helps prepare the Dobřany judokas.

Budulínek Family Centre and RuKa JUDO