Visitors from Greece, the Republic of Czechoslovakia and Uzbekistan came to Dartford Judokwai Club for an internatonal tournament last week.

Also competing were a number of south of English-based judoists from as far away as Bournemouth.

The event was initially the idea of one of Dartford Judokwai's members who is also a member of the fairly recently-formed British Karash Association Karash being a sport similar to judo and which is extremely popular in Uzbekistan and more eastern parts of Europe.

The Dartford Judokwai member visited and trained in Uzbekistan, before inviting them to England, along with groups from Czechoslovakia and Greece

Originally, the foreign visitors were going to compete in Luton.

But due to the involvement of two Muslims from Luton allegedly fighting for the Taliban regime in Afghanistan, and Uzbekistan's geograhic proximity to the war-torn country, it was decided on the request of the overseas travellers to switch the venue. Luton's loss was Dartford's gain as many fans turned out to watch the bouts, which included some of the host club's finest.

The youngest competitor was only seven years old, with the oldest being the host club's Bill Sargeant senior currently the world veterans' judo champion. Bill's son, also named Bill, competed in the heavyweight and open category, winning both, including one over Czechoslovakia's Otipka Hubert.

A Darford Judokwai spokes-man said: "It was a wonderful and colourful occasion with the overseas visitors offering trtraditionally hand-made embroidered hats and gowns from their countries for the winners. We also had a foreign television crew to film the event.

"Judo is taken very seriously in their own countries, especially Uzbekistan, where the sport is as big as football is over here.

"Because of the lack of high-grade facilities, youngsters will just clear a bit of waste ground and compete.

"The Greeks event sent over a government minister, complete with interpreter, to escort their competitors.

"Because Karash differs slightly from our form of judo, the minister joined in the spirit of the occasion by swapping his suit for some kit to demonstrate just how they do it. Can you imagine a British minister doing that?

"Tom Maddison, the mayor of Dartford, also attended with his wife to do the honours, with all those competing receiving a special medal.

"The event was such a success that it will be repeated again next year."

If you would like more details about Dartford Judokwai Club, call head coach Alan Roberts on 07956 917576.

November 20, 2001 11:56

Kevin Impey