Stoke judoka Hamish Wheeler had a goal in mind when he headed to the South Island Championships in Canterbury.
He had to win two bouts to reach 100 points and secure a coveted black belt and first dan status.
It meant a busy time for the 46-year-old, competing in seven contests across two weight divisions at the Lincoln Event Centre and winning a gold medal.
“I won the first straightaway in the 40 to 49 veterans U90kg class, and then moved up to the 90kg open ranks to get the second win I needed,” says the Waimea College health and PE teacher, who claimed a second South Island title. “I normally fight in the U81kg class, but because I am happy to eat and enjoy myself, I weighed in at 82kgs.”
Hamish only took up the martial art nine years ago, with the aim of working through the belts to reach black by 50.
Avoiding any major injuries helped, although he does have a knee issue that requires surgery.
His gold medal was one of seven for the Nelson Judo Club.
“The team went amazing and Motueka did well, too. I will keep on going and focus on supporting the club,” declares Hamish, who was back training at the Brightwater Town Hall just days after the champs.
“The Wanderers Sports Club was amazing, the way it helped our club move in here a year ago. We have really good numbers and share the hall with other organisations.”
Taking a quick break from training, Hamish pointed out seven Waimea College students spread around the mats.
“They just enjoy martial arts. Everyone looks after each other.”
The national judo champs will now take a back seat to school for Hamish later this month, as he takes a group of 17 students to Spain for a culture and language trip.
But he does have an international sporting ambition to fulfil.
“When I was a yellow belt, I went over to Japan and did some judo there. I went to the Kodokan, the home of judo, and I was raring to have a go. Now I am a black belt, my challenge is to return and compete on the mat there,” enthuses the judo player.
The club’s other six gold medal winners were: Kaz Corcoran (senior women open), John Maxwell (veteran men U90kgs unopposed), Yen Cheong (senior men U60kgs), Tyler Holmes (cadet men U60kgs), Aria Whitnell (girls U32kg) and George Tian (boys U28kgs).
Meanwhile the Nelson Judo is staging a high performance seminar at its Brightwater base on 19 September.
It will be run by former Oceania and New Zealand champion Emma Rouse and Yui Sakamoto, who has returned from Japan.
