IT was a family affair at Samurai Judo Club’s Men’s Open Championship for grades below black belt with a father and son both taking gold medals.

Martin Allen, aged 15, competed in the men’s under 66 kilos category and five excellent wins saw him take the gold. His dad Mark was competing in the veterans under 73 kilos, he comfortably won four contests out of four to match his son’s medal.

Jack Walker has recently gained his brown belt and the 15-year-old had four wins, including three by maximum points against brown belts, to reach the final of his category. Unfortunately victory in the final eluded him and he had to settle for silver, but he was happy with his first 30 points towards his black belt.

Rob Starbuck took part in the veterans heavyweights and took bronze with two wins.

In the ladies open event, which was for all grades, Ellie McAteer was competing for the first time this year but had three excellent wins to take her to the final.

She had to settle for silver despite a good performance in the final after incurring a technical penalty.

Olivia Turner was in good form and did well to take the gold medal in the black belts heavyweight category.