During the long weekend, Judo players from all round New Zealand headed to Palmerston North for the National Judo Championships. Forrest Hill School had three players representing Nippon Judo Club. Heather Brooks, Ash Edwards and Cameron Edwards have all been training 3 to 4 times a week over the last two months leading up to this event. Their hard work was rewarded at the Nationals. Ash won the gold medal in his weight category, making him the New Zealand champion for this division. He was very focused, played fair, and thoroughly deserved this great result. Heather won bronze in her weight division. She played exceptionally well, with determination and great sportsmanship. Cameron won a bronze medal. He has a lot of talent and was a bit unlucky not to finish higher in his division. However, it was an exciting competition and these students performed superbly to gain a medal at the New Zealand level. Altogether, the Nippon Judo School under super coach Johan Boshoff, won 39 medals (14 gold, 13 silver an 12 bronze) making them the top New Zealand club this year at the Nationals. We have had good results in previous years with judo players such as Sean Crombie winning gold. However 2009 has been the best year yet. Meghan Robson (past FHS pupil) now at Carmel College won gold and silver medals. Congratulations to the Nippon Judo players! What a great experience.