Gracie NEPA Judo continues to ‘develop’ winners at Philadelphia Tournament

Liberty Bell judo/sambo academy held its annual spring developmental tournament this past Sunday May 16, 2010, in Philadelphia PA. The tournament, which is held exclusively for the ranks of white to brown belt, is an opportunity for novice competitors to face live competition in a less intimidating environment while affording the senior competitors the chance to better hone their skills at a smaller venue. While the venue may have been small, the attendance was not, as clubs from around the state and surrounding areas piled into the dojo to test their wares in the middle of the mat and Gracie NEPA Judo was no different

Representing the club on this day were Jr competitor, Matty Leslie, Gracie NEPA Academy Owner Jeff Reese, and Brandon Chicalese.

Leslie(pictured, right, with Sensei Eddie Adams) continued his impressive streak of earning a medal at every judo competition he has entered by capturing a gold and bronze medal in two divisions winning 5 of six matches on the day while also taking home the tournaments “Fighting spirit” award

When asked how why he believes Matty has been so successful in competition Sensei Adams, Gracie NEPA judo’s coaching representative on the day, was short and quick with his response “Hard work” he says with a smile “For such a young kid , he is very hard working and extremely coachable”
Reese continued the club’s dual medal day bringing two silver medals home to “The electric city” displaying an awesome infusion of standup and ground skills something that is emphasized at Gracie NEPA
For Chicalese, the day wasn’t quite as fruitful going 0-3, but despite the less than favorable outcome, his coach sees nothing but positives

“Yeah, Brandon had a tough day, and I’m sure he is disappointed right now because he’s a competitor but he fought very hard and very well, he is still pretty new to the sport, this was only his second tournament ever and he has made and continues to make fantastic progress, the wins will come, I thought everyone fought great today”