PARENTS can succeed in judo after watching their children start the sport, as Nick Ashen proved by winning gold at the British Masters Championships.

On the other hand, children can be inspired by their parents. After Paul Spencer won gold at the British Masters last year, this year his son Callum took silver at the British Minors Championships (for players aged 10-11 years).

The British Masters was for players aged from 30 years upwards, with the oldest competitors being over 70.

Last year, Samurai won an incredible seven medals at this event, including two golds, but this year for various reasons they only had four entrants.

Mark Flello, who took silver behind Paul Spencer in the limited grades section last year, had moved up this year to the higher grades section and fought well but was eliminated after two defeats.

However, black belts Rob Alloway and Paul Moss both won bronzes in the men’s under-40 years and under-55 years sections respectively.

But the undoubted star of the day was Ashen, who followed in the footsteps of his sons Jake and Harry by joining Samurai.

This was his first competition in the limited grades section, over 45 years, but he powered to gold with three wins.

Samurai’s young players were also in action and Evan Turner and Lily Deeming-Lane both had a good go.

Jake Ashen, after watching his dad the previous day, won three contests in style to reach the quarter-finals before being unlucky to lose, and with his opponent losing in the semi-final this eliminated him from the repechage.

Callum Spencer reached the final after four wins and sealed silver, his first ever national medal.

Anyone who would like more details about starting judo can call coach Andrew Haffner on 07761 122977 or visit samurai.org.uk