Watson first judoka from Skegby to claim honour

The 22-year-old achieved his black belt at the Samurai Kyu Grade Championships in Kidderminster on Saturday 7th July, after collecting his remaining 20 points and passing his theory examination.

He also achieved a bronze medal in the competition in the men’s under 66kg category.

Watson had to amass either 100 points to achieve his black belt, be it from 10 wins by ‘Ippon’ - throwing an opponent flat on the back and pinning them down for 20 seconds or making them submit from a strangle or arm lock - against players of the equivalent grade, or to win five contests on the day at a grading event.

He collected his 100 points at events in Nottingham, Goole, Bedford and finally in Kidderminster.

Watson has been training at the Hucknall based Edgewood Judo Club since his fifth birthday in 2001, which is now 17 years, and Skegby Judo Club since 2004.

During that time he has progressed through the grading system, collected numerous medals, represented the Nottinghamshire County Squad and in 2013 started coaching.

He has achieved his BJA Level 1 coaching award and now that he has his black belt is looking at his Level 2 coaching award in 2019.