Two members of the Battleford Judo Club are preparing to compete in the National Judo Championships in Calgary, Alta. to be held May 11-18.
Slavko Pristojko and Grace Burton have earned the right to represent Judo Saskatchewan at nationals after a successful competitive season. Both judoka have competed and earned medals in tournaments held in Regina, Saskatoon, Prince Albert, Lloydminster, Watrous and Winnipeg, Man.
Slavko says of his competitive experience, “I’m usually competing against friends from other clubs and, win or lose, we’re still good friends.”
Girls’ competitive judo can be especially fierce and Grace found her season was a real learning experience and helped develop her judo skills. She also made a lot of new friends with whom she competed.
“Judo players are really friendly.”
They’ve also attended a number of provincial training camps led by Judo Saskatchewan’s high performance coach Amy Cotton. Cotton is a former Olympian, Pan American bronze medalist and a 10-time Canadian championships medalist. She will be coaching Slavko, Grace and other Saskatchewan judo players in Calgary.
Slavko will be competing in the under 16 years of age under 55 kilogram class. Slavko is looking forward to competing and unleashing his devastating “uchi mata” throw. The inner thigh throw is a favourite of fast and aggressive fighters.
Grace will be competing in the under 16 years of age under 44 kilogram class. She’s looking forward to seeing the Calgary Oval, which is the first covered speed skating oval in North America and was built for the 1988 Olympic Winter Games. She’s excited to find out who she will compete against, and what kind of throwing techniques they’re bringing to their game. Grace’s favourite technique is “harai-goshi,” or the sweeping loin throw. It’s a fast and powerful technique sure to take her opponents by surprise.
Slavko’s dad, Vladimir, and Grace’s dad, Russ, are also members of the Battleford Judo Club. They are proud of the success their kids have had in judo. They plan to attend the Nationals to support their children’s advancement in judo.
Vladimir is excited and proud that Slavko made the provincial team. He says, “Slavko always admired Lloyd Bullerwell, a former Battleford Judo Club member, because of his success at the national level. Now Slavko is following in his footsteps. Vlad Junior, Slavko’s brother, is also an active competitor and hopes to follow in his older sibling’s footsteps, and compete at the national level when he’s of age.”
Russ and his kids enjoy judo as a family sport, and he’s especially proud of Grace’s drive and determination.
“That’s what got her to nationals. Her mother and I haven’t pushed her at all. We were happy to support her along the way.”
The Battleford Judo Club is proud of Slavko and Grace and wishes them all the best as they head off to Calgary for Nationals. The club is also looking forward to helping Judo Saskatchewan host the 2018 Winter Games Judo Championships, right here in the Battlefords.
