Allegheny Youth Development

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AYD judo scores big in Ohio

Three AYD judo athletes combined to win five medals and the Outstanding Technique trophy at the Akiya Memorial Judo Tournament May 14 in Cleveland.

Eric Thorne, a sophomore at Allderdice High School, won gold medals in both the Junior Boy's and Senior Men's divisions. He amassed a 6-1 record for the day, winning all six victories with ippon, or major-point, throws. Tournament officials awarded Eric the Outstanding Technique trophy for his competition in the Senior Men's division.

Ishmale Fletcher, a sophomore at Oliver High School, won his first-ever gold medal in the Junior Boy's heavyweight division, even after giving up nearly 30 pounds to his final-round opponent. He also won a silver medal in the Boy's light-heavyweight division.

Donnie Ray Black, also an Oliver High School sophomore, battled back from a first-round loss to go undefeated in two subsequent matches and finish with a bronze medal in the Senior Men's 198-lbs.-and-under division.

AYD judo members are next scheduled to compete at the Ameri-Kan Judo Tournament in Lima, Ohio, May 19, and at the Am-Can International Judo Challenge in Amherst, N.Y., May 26 and 27.

[Eric Throws.jpg]: Eric Thorne throws for a decisive ippon score in the Senior Men's Division.

[Ishmale throws.jpg]: Ishmale Fletcher drops his opponent with an osoto gari throw to win the Junior Boy's heavyweight division.

[Donnie grips.jpg]: Donnie Ray Black grips up in his final-round match.

[Eric chokes.jpg]: Eric Thorne locks in a kataha jime choke maneuver.

  

AYD is a partner in South Hills Judo Club's "Degrees to Diplomas" program, a pilot project whose goal is to improve reading, writing and math abilities for middle and high school participants. In addition to judo instruction, participants receive tutoring and homework assistance, as well as nutritious, home-cooked dinners.

 

Since January, approximately two-thirds of the Degrees to Diplomas participants have improved their public school grades.

 

Judo is a Japanese martial art that emphasizes use of an opponent's own force and momentum to throw or subdue him. Matches are won by throws, pinfalls and, in the older divisions, chokeholds and arm joint locks. Judo means "gentle way" in Japanese, and demands great discipline, courage, athleticism and courtesy among its students.

 

For more information about AYD's judo program, contact Brian Foltz at brfoltz@ayd.org or by calling (412) 322-5040.
 
 

 
       


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