PSUK JUDO Event
Saturday 9th September 2023, Greater Manchester Police hosted the prestigious PSUK Judo National Championships. GMP’s Judo team had the honour of welcoming competitors and distinguished officials from the British Judo Association from all over the United Kingdom, to our Force Sports and Social Club, The Hough End Centre in Chorlton.
Judo is a combative Olympic Sport, which consists of throwing, submitting by choke, strangle, arm locks, or hold down.
GMP Judo Section lead and team coach, Detective Inspector Mark Montrose, multiple times Police National Champion and former member of the British Police Team, entered a mixture of veteran PSUK Judoka, DC Chris Webster bronze medallist at Merseyside 2022, PC Paul Carmody 2 x silver medallist at Merseyside 2022, PS John Jacques former National Champion, PC Paul Bradbury former National Champion and first time entrants PC Stephen Lovatt, PC Ben Shutt, DC Paul Shacklady, PC April Howe, PC Oliver Hurst and DC Chris Povall.
Organising an event of this size, is a challenge, however support from the Directors of the Sports and Social, Hough End and district sports and social clubs, helped fund the initial preparations. Nick Baxter, Susan Burton, Iain Hale, Ed Sherwood and the Hough End team, tackled breakfast and lunch for the masses and were incredibly attentive to our guests. This was amongst a myriad of other tasks with a slickness that only comes from many years of experience. The guests were exposed to the entire club and the positive comments on the quality of our facilities and the dedication of the staff were many. Hough End’s purchase of the competition area has made GMP’s venue an amazing space to compete in all grappling sports.
Sponsorship of the event by Ultimat Defence’s Alan Carlyle, Darren Stewart and Tony Price, all experienced Judoka, provided the competition area at a heavily discounted price.
The Northwest Area British Judo association and Police Sport UK officials and referees coordinated and officiated this point scoring event, attended by nearly a hundred competitors. Stalls selling Judo kit and clothing were provided by Ultimat Defence / Essimo UK, Motley Solutions and the Wrist Lock Club.
The theme for the event was “Welcome to Manchester” celebrating all that is great about our city. Only Manchester music was played during the day in the centre. Evening entertainment was provided by local guitarist and vocalist Joe Rafiq, who welcomed the guests into the members lounge with Manchester music. The sun shone outside as guests joined in with the classic songs. The presentation meal was provided by Mike Venning’s Beggars Bush Caterers and a welcome to Manchester video presentation and highlights of the days event was produced by Media students, Cam, Hao and Max. Corporate Communications Chris Oldham also captured some of the action from the day, along with renowned Combat Sports photographer Richard Goulding, himself a keen Judoka. The tournament coordinator and competitor Mark Montrose said, “the way all the people and organisations have pulled together to make this event happen is outstanding. It makes me proud to be a part of GMP and the wider Judo community. The whole day had a real feel of positivity and friendship.“
The Judo on display throughout the day was incredible, with some big names in attendance, Gary Cole from Dyfed Powys, many times Police National Champion, European Gold medallist and Manchester 2002 Commonwealth Games Bronze medallist. Sharing Gary’s fond memories of Manchester was Sam Delahey from Avon and Somerset, Manchester 2002 Commonwealth Games Silver medallist.
First up for GMP was Ollie Hurst and Paul Carmody in the U100 kg (Open dan grade Black belt). Hurst put on a powerful display, sweeping aside all including Delahey, to make it all the way to the gold medal match. The contest swung back and forth with the eventual winner Will Lovall from Cambs, snatching the Gold by a counter, against the ever-attacking Hurst. Hurst would settle for Silver in his first outing in PSUK Judo. I’m sure Gold will not be far away in the future.
Paul Carmody entered the U100kg Dan grade contest and Vets category for the first time, as a first Kyu grade (one belt, before black belt) and fought valiantly against extremely experienced competition, which included Delahey. Paul would place outside of the medals in both categories, such was the quality of his opposition.
GMP’s April Howe also a first Kyu, was also in skilled company, featuring BJA number 7 in the country Rachel Hall. April replicated Hurst in her first contest walking out and dispatching her opponent in seconds with a powerful throw. The level of competition would increase for the remainder of Howe’s challenge, and she eventually had to settle for a hard-fought Bronze, in her first PSUK competition.
GMP Detective Constable Chris Webster, a seasoned veteran of PSUK Judo, would enter the fray in the U81kg and the U81 kg Vets. These categories would be dominated by Darren Dean North Wales, who is amongst the best in the building. Chris’s tenacity would carry him into third place in both categories and two bronze medals.
The men’s under 81kgs Kyu (beginner) section would be contested with two GMP entries Stephen Lovatt and Paul Shacklady, up against Police Scotland and the Met. Lovatt produced some fantastic Judo and athleticism to defeat everyone and become the National Champion in his first PSUK contest. Paul Shacklady was narrowly beaten to the gold medal match, coming in third and securing a bronze medal.
The men under 90 kg Kyu category, saw experienced Kyu grade Paul Bradbury and new to the sport Ben Shutt and Chris Povall take on the challenge. Paul would produce some calm and calculated Judo to make his way through to the gold medal match up with Euan Cranston of Surrey. Cranston would snatch the gold, leaving Bradbury to take the silver honours. Chris Povall battled hard, successfully reversing a strong hold down from Dale Le Hardy Police Scotland, only to be reversed himself and held for ippon. This loss just pushed Chris out of the medal position. Ben Shutt was the surprise of the Kyu grade competition, with only 7 months training, Ben stuck to the Coaching plan and took Bronze, with his awkward to handle, left-handed knee wheel. A credit to how hard he has trained since joining GMP and still not out of his student officer training.
PS John Jacques a former kyu champion fought hard in the U90 Veterans (Dan grade, black belts). John looked positive in this category full of talent, however injury would cease his progression in the competition, taking the bronze medal, before bowing out.
The final GMP entry was the Team Coach Mark Montrose, competing in the O95kg Masters (Dan Grade, Open weight) category. Mark started slowly, but would use his full repertoire of sweeps, throws, and hold downs to defeat some extremely talented former champions and take the national title. Mark added, “I tried to remain calm and let my Judo flow. It’s great to be back competing in this competition and the result is the icing on the cake as the host. I am so proud of the way the entire squad has trained leading up to this event and the support provided by the team members who were injured and couldn’t fight. It’s all contributed to the fantastic medal result for Team GMP.”
The final result was an outstanding, two gold, two silver and 6 bronze medals.
ACC Chris Sykes said “I have had chance to speak with a few of you today and it’s very clear that not only is Police Judo important for personal fitness and wellbeing. But there is a feeling of great camaraderie amongst you all, which is a vital characteristic in the Police services. This should be encouraged and invested in. I am honoured to be presenting the awards this evening, at such a prestigious event I would like to thank Mark, his team, and the staff of Hough End for hosting such a fantastic event and I hope you have all enjoyed your visit to Manchester.”
Sponsorship of the event by Ultimat Defence’s Alan Carlyle, Darren Stewart and Tony Price, all experienced Judoka, provided the competition area at a heavily discounted price. GMP’s transport Unit provided a vehicle to transport the mats to Hough End in time for the event. The Hideaway Brewing Company on Kansas Avenue, Salford, owned by 1st Dan black belt Judoka Dan Wright, provided bespoke cans of IPA labelled Hansoku Make (Disqualification in Japanese) with the GMP judo event logo, for each competitor as a memento. The College of Policing provided Op modify water bottles, notebooks, pens, and sporks for each competitor. Design and print assisted with the production of the event program. All this collaboration and support led to a fantastic event.
Mark Montrose was given by the British Judo Association the prestigious award of Senior Examiner, by BJA Senior Examiner trainer Patrick Byrne and Chris Hunt Chair of PSUK Judo at the Presentation evening.
Mark would love to see more Police Officers and Police Staff, joining the Judo section and the sports and social for the many benefits on offer. The Judo training is every Monday and Wednesday 5pm till 7pm at the Hough End Centre.
Anyone who wants to learn judo for the many benefits it provides should contact Inspector Montrose via mark.montrose@gmp.police.uk for more details.
To get involved in judo, Brazilian Jui-Jitsu or any other sport at GMP, you need to be a Sports and Social Club member.
You can join by filling in the membership form on the GMP Sports and Social Club website.
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GMP Sports & Social AGM
The AGM took place on the 24th March 2023. You can view the minutes and the finance report below:
AGM Minutes
AGM Finance Report
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Club Events
Paying members of the Sports and Social now get 50% discount on events hosted by the club.
Soul DJ Night 19th May 2023 - Should be £10pp - members price only £5pp
Halloween (kids) 29th October 2023 - £7.50pp - members price only £3.75pp
Soul Federation 17th November 2023 - £20pp - members price only £10pp
ABBA Again 15th December 2023 - £25 - members price only £12.50pp
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Gym Update
You no longer need to book in to use the gym!!
You just need to keep an eye on the CO2 Monitor. If it goes amber, you must make sure all doors and windows are open. If it goes red you must leave the gym.
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Brand New Sports Club in the Sports and Social
Brazilian Ju Jitzu is now available to join for Sports and Social members. Click Here to find out more.
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Tennis Competition
GMP are organising the regional qualifying event which is being held on Friday the 27th May 2022 from 9am at -
Eagley LTC
Dunscar Bridge
Blackburn Road
Bolton
BL7 9PQ
Entrants need to contact Ashley Matthias BEFORE the event on either 07810856673 or Ashley.matthias@nwrocu.police.uk
We are not charging any GMP officers for the event and will be self-funded. All entrants MUST be members of the GMP Sports and Social Club
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GMP Sports and Social AGM
The AGM took place on the 15th March. You can view the minutes and the finance report below:
AGM Minutes
AGM Finance Report
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BRAND NEW S&S CLUB AVAILABLE
Meet the Equestrian team - you can find out more information HERE
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GMP SOFT BALL TEAM
THE ENFORCERS
Recruiting New Players
(Of any level - mixed female and male teams)
What is SoftBall?
A slower version of baseball - the ball is bigger, pitched under arm allowing a much faster and flowing game of high runs.
A team is made up of 5 men and 5 women.
It is largely a social game played in a friendly spirit. Post-game debriefs are normally carried out at a nearby pub!
Standards of fitness vary dramatically amongst players. The minimum requirement is that you can run 21 yards without stopping! If you hit a home run, it involves running a total of 84 yards and this accolade is normally a good incentive for running that distance!
Beginners are welcome and equipment and coaching will be provided.
Anyone that is interested can contact Mike Davies, PIP 1 Trainer at Sedgley on 07890 392 771 and further information will be provided.
http://manchester-softball.co.uk/