Samurai in the medals at the Midlands Open

In school Years 6 and 7, James Hemer had clearly had too much Christmas pudding after he was moved up a weight category on the day to the under-38 kilograms.

The two-timeBritish champion still fought his way into the final before losing a contest he had dominated on a very borderline penalty and had to settle for silver.

He was also allowed to venture into the Years 8 and 9 section — again in this higher weight group to his normal one — and reached the final here as well with some good judo before losing and taking his second silver of the day.

Newcomer Lucas Kent, who has joined Samurai from another club, has already improved substantially in his short time at the club.

He produced his best judo performance as four contests ended with four maximum-point victories to Lucas, who bagged the gold medal in the Years 8 and 9 section.

Jack Walker also fought well, but came up against a couple of much older and physically stronger players in his second contest after a good win in his first contest, and was eliminated.

Matt Hemer, like his younger brother James, was just over his normal weight, although he is about due to move up a weight category anyway.

Competing in the Years 10 to 13 age band in the under-50 kilogram weight category, he showed excellent skills once again to control the contests and score frequently. He reached the final and then won this in the same manner to take the gold.

Three of the Samurai girls took part, all in the Years 10 to 13 age band.

Lauren Fletcher produced the best throw of the day in the semi final of her under-52 kilogram category to reach the final, and was dominating the final when a mistake on the ground cost her the contest against the run of play as she settled for silver.

There were gold medals for both Sophie Pollitt and Olivia Turner to round the day off for the club.

Anyone interested in joining Samurai can call 07761 122977 or visit www.samurai.org.uk for more information.