THE Stebbing-based West Essex Judo Club are celebrating the success of six of their junior players after they took a haul of medals at the Comberton Invitational tournament.

Stan Allen took the gold medal in his weight division in only his third competition.

The 11-year-old won all four of his fights by Ippon and used his explosive turn of speed to claim victory.

Coach Thomas Cousins said: “Stan’s unbeaten run through his fights was among the best performances in the competition.

"He showed some incredibly impressive technical judo, dispatching all of his opponents by Ippon throws.”

Gareth Jones, who is nine, took the bronze medal in his third event.

He took to the mat in four strenuous fights and mixed up his techniques to win two of them by an Ippon throw and an Ippon hold.

Taking to the mat in his first competition was eight-year-old Charlie Miller.

He was very skilful and had a great transition from standing to groundwork looking like a player beyond his years. Regrettably the results didn’t go Miller's way, but he remained composed throughout the day.

Next onto the Mat was eight-year-old Zack Kiberd in only his second competition.

He went through three tough fights against bigger and more experienced opponents and showed courage on his way to a bronze medal.

Two more bronze medals came to the club from George Buchan and Callum Orton, who were both in their first competition.

The pair had four fights each and despite their inexperience they fought incredibly well.

Orton was in a weight category with tough opponents, while Buchan was focused and displayed some brave judo, throwing with a spectacular Ippon in one if his fights.

The club meet at the Village Hall in Stebbing on Tuesday evenings and Saturday mornings for training and coaching with ex-junior world finalist Cousins and 2014 Commonwealth Games bronze medallist Faith Pitman.

For more information about how to get involved contact Pete Myers at pmyers48@zoho.com