| Osaka is moving to Maida Gym on March 1, 2012 |
Tuesday February 28, 2012 will be Osaka's last session at Connaught Leisure Centre.
From Thursday March 1, 2012 we will be at:
Maida Gymnasium
Queens Avenue
Aldershot
Hants
GU11 2BT
30 January 2012
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| 2012 Memberships now due and forms available |
Club membership renewal is due by 31st December 2011. The membership fee for 2012 is unchanged at £18 and the form can be downloaded from the Sessions page of this web site.
10 November 2011
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| Congratulations to Aidan Jones on gaining his Black Belt |
Well done to Aidan Jones who picked up the remaining points he needed for his black belt at the Welsh Open in Cardiff at the weekend, having already completed his theory exam.
29 October 2011
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| Best year yet for Osaka at British Junior Championships |
Osaka came away from the British Junior Championships at iceSheffield at the weekend with a club record 9 national medals, comprising 3 gold, 2 silver and 4 bronze.

On Saturday, the first gold went to Jake Whittaker (Band C U81kg), a silver to Emily Harper (Band C U52kg) and bronzes to Daniel Holt (Band B U34kg), Oliver Harris (Band B U42kg) and James Hendin (Band C U60kg).
On Sunday the medals continued with golds for Shelley Ludford (Band B U52kg) and Austin Jones (Band D U55kg), a silver for Natasha Stevens (Band D U48kg) and a bronze for Martha Gallilee (Band B U52kg).
16 October 2011
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| Aaron McGuire back from injury to take Gold at Salisbury Open |
After 9 months off competitions following a serious injury at the British Championships last October, Aaron McGuire won all of his four fights by ippon at today's Salisbury Open to take Gold at U60kg. Also attending was Harrison brown moving up to U50kg who took a well deserved Bronze.
17 July 2011
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| Successful Red/Yellow Belt Rumble and Barbecue - despite the rain! |
50 players from Osaka attended today's intra-club Red/Yellow Belt Rumble at Connaught Leisure Centre. Well done to all those that attended gaining some valuable experience of competition experience. The rain didn't stop the barbecue!
Madeleine Herbert won the throw of the day trophy.
Photos from the event - click here.
16 July 2011
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| Congratulations to Nathan Ludford on gaining his Black Belt |
Well done to Nathan Ludford on gaining his black belt at the Southern Area grading in Aldermaston on 10th July. Nathan achieved his grade at a single session outright by completing a line-up, having already passed his theory test.
10 July 2011
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| European Cadet Championships GB Selection |
Well done to Natasha Stevens on being selected to represent Great Britain at U48kg at the forthcoming European Cadet Championships to be held in Malta from 24-26th June 2011.
14 May 2011
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| Osaka collect 10 Medals as part of Hampshire Team at Inter-counties |
Many players were selected to represent Hampshire at this year's Southern Area Inter-counties Team Championships, held at the Mountbatten Leisure Centre in Portsmouth. Collecting gold with the Hampshire boys team were Harry Boby, James Fowler, James Hendin, Daniel Holt, Austin Jones and Jake Whittaker. Jessica Carl, Hollie Fowler, Martha Gallilee and Holly Redman took bronze with the Hampshire girls.
8 May 2011
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| Osaka dominant at Hampshire Closed |
Sunday saw Osaka haul 30 medals away from the 2011 Hampshire Closed Championships. In the juniors the club took 10 golds, 7 silvers and 8 bronze medals, then in the seniors a further gold, 2 silvers and 2 bronze medals.
6 March 2011
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| Congratulations to Alex Jones on gaining his 2nd Dan |
Well done to Alex Jones who gained the final points required for his 2nd Dan at High Wycombe on Sunday, having already passed his theory.
14 February 2011
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| Osaka celebrates 30 years with Silver Clubmark |
Sunday's annual Christmas Party was an occasion for many celebrations. The club not only celebrated the year's achievements, it also celebrated its 30th Anniversary, and received the BJA's Club Recognition Scheme Silver Award from former Olympian [Sydney 2000] and BJA Performance Operations Manager, Karen Roberts.
Pictured on the left are the winners of this year's club awards, for details see the Roll of Honour page. In the middle is the club's 30th Anniversary cake and on the right is club founder Richard Dove receiving the BJA's Silver CRS Award from Karen Roberts. Along with the Silver CRS award the club also revalidated its Sport England Clubmark until 2013.
12 December 2010
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| Another Successful Obi Event |
On Sunday 5th December, 49 club members took part in the latest Obi event.
On this occasion many players continued to move up through the Obi belts having attended previous events. Two players reached brown belt, two blue, six green, nine orange, fourteen yellow and the remainder red. All belts were presently by Martha Gallilee, the club's first member to gain an Obi black belt at the previous event.
Alongside the Obi event the club ran a number of Christmas stalls, raising a significant amount for club funds. Thanks to all who helped out and to those who spent their money.
5 December 2010
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| Congratulations to Louise Hindmarsh on gaining her Black Belt |
Well done to Louise Hindmarsh on gaining her black belt, picking up her final points at the Southern Area Trials on 12th September.
23 October 2010
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| Three Golds at British Championships for Osaka |
 | | Osaka players achieved excellent results last week at the British Judo Championships in Sheffield in the face of some strong opposition.
Players had as many as six contests before they finished competing resulting in the club achieving golds medals for James Hendin U50kg band B winning all contests by maximum points, Jessica Carl U52kg band B and Natasha Stevens U48kg band C, who both completely dominated their weight groups. Bronze medals went to Austin Jones and Luke Balfre, both coming back through the repechage after winning some tough contests.
The club had 14 players who qualified for the championships through the Southern Area trials in September and younger players fought well, picking up some good experience ready for next year.
Following on from these championships and previous qualifying events the club has had 10 players selected for the pre-cadet, cadet and Junior England squads for 2011 – Jessica Carl, Martha Galillee, Harry Boby, James Hendin, Natasha Stevens, Luke Balfre, Austin Jones, Aidan Jones, Aaron McGuire and Alex Jones. |
10 October 2010
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| Osaka pair storm UK School Games |
 | | It was a very proud moment for Sensei Adrian watching his players perform with such excellence on Friday representing the club, their schools and England at the UK School Games at the Gateshead International Stadium, both taking Gold medals.
Starting with Natasha Stevens, U48kg, invited as England number two, she stamped her mark by beating England’s number one selection for 10, followed by an explosive win over Scotland’s number one throwing her with such ferocity that she retired from the event and finishing off by overcoming her nemesis from Kendal earlier in the year, even after going a yuko down, by throwing for 10.
After which, Aidan Jones, U55kg, who controlled his opponents with awesome grip work. He showed great maturity in the face of frustration due to his strength, control and patience. This enabled an impressive path to the final where he finished off with the fastest throw of the day in just 8 seconds.
"This just shows that all the hard work does pay off!" Sensei Adrian. | Further details including comments from Natasha and Aidan themselves available on the BJA web site - click here. |
3 September 2010
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| Congratulations to Adrian and Sallie on their Marriage |
 | | Congratulations from all at Judo Club Osaka to Adrian and Sallie on their wedding today at the Holiday Inn in Farnborough.
A note from Adrian...
"A big thank you to all those who were able to join us on the day and to everyone at the club for the fantastic holiday that you have given Sallie and I to enjoy with the boys." |
14 August 2010
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| Another successful Grading and Obi event day at Connaught Leisure Centre |
Osaka staged another successful Grading and Obi event on Saturday with 42 players grading and 49 entries for the Obi event.
5 June 2010
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| Big Turnout for First Obi Event of 2010 |
Today 62 players from Osaka got together for the latest intra-club Obi Event at Connaught Leisure Centre. The club ran the event across two mats for the first time to speed things up a little and a good time was had by all.

Everyone earned points towards the next coloured belt for their Obi man and many received that next coloured belt. Congratulations to Martha Galilee who became the first player at the club to receive a black belt for her Obi man.
7 February 2010
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| Thank you to the Cleaning Crew |
The club would like to thank Frances, Paul, Tony, Dom, Jordan, Josh and David for giving up their Saturday afternoon to clean all the mats.
6 February 2010
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| Alex Jones selected to represent England at the 2010 Commonwealth Judo Tournament |
Following his success at the England Selections on 12 December, Alex Jones will be representing England at both Youth and Senior level (U60kg) at the 2010 Commonwealth Championships to be held in Singapore 9-10 January.
17 December 2009
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| Three from Osaka selected to join England Talent Development Squad |
Following their earlier selection to the England Squad and after a fitness assessment session in Sheffield, Aidan Jones, Austin Jones and Natasha Stevens have been selected to join the England Talent Development Squad for 2009/10.
18 November 2009
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| Congratulations to Samantha Smith on gaining her Black Belt |
Sam becomes the 17th Dan grade within the club's 2009 membership, picking up the final points needed at Saturday's Scottish Open in Glasgow.
17 October 2009
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| Osaka take 7 Medals at British Championships (Age Banded Nationals) |
 | |
Twelve players competed and seven came home with medals making it a successful weekend's outing to this year's British Championships in Sheffield for Osaka. Two golds, three silvers and two bronze medals meant Osaka was, once again, the most successful club from the Southern Area.
On Saturday there were golds for Austin Jones U42kg (C band) & Aidan Jones U50kg (C band), and silvers for Natasha Stevens U44kg (C band) & Jake Whittaker U60kg (B band). On Sunday there was a silver for Jessica Carl U48kg (B band) and bronzes for Annie Starkey U63kg (B band) & Samantha Smith U70kg (D band).
As a result of performances in the British Championships, as well as other events throughout the year, 8 players from Osaka have been selected for the 2009/2010 England Squad. Jessica Carl, Annie Starkey & Jake Whittaker have been selected for the Pre-Cadet Squad, Austin Jones, Aidan Jones & Natasha Stevens for the Cadet Squad and Alex Jones & Samanatha Smith for Junior Squad.
|
11 October 2009
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| Congratulations to Leo Burdock on gaining his Black Belt |
Leo becomes the 16th Dan grade within the club's 2009 membership, picking up his final points on Sunday at High Wycombe.
4 October 2009
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| Attention Senior Club Members and Parents of Juniors! POSTPONED |
A mat cleaning session has been arranged for 2-4pm on Saturday 21 November, the day before the next Hampshire training session at Connaught Leisure Centre. We need to get 6 volunteers to help out, all cleaning materials, gloves etc. will be provided.
We do not want those who cleaned the mats back in June volunteering again this time, the club has a lot of seniors and parents, please help us keep the mats clean for you and your children. If you are able to help out, please email clubsecretary@judoclubosaka.org.uk.
Mat cleaning has been POSTPONED following cancellation of Hampshire training the next day. We will be looking for the next suitable date where the mats can be left down overnight.
3 October 2009
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| A busy weekend with success in Crawley and Worthing |
This weekend saw all twelve Osaka players who entered the Southern Area Trials, held on Saturday at K2, Crawley, qualify to represent the Southern Area at the British Junior Championships next month in Sheffield.
Qualifying in first place: B band - Jake Whittaker U60kg, Jessica Carl U48kg, Annie Starkey U63kg C band: Austin Jones U42kg, Aaron McGuire U50kg, Natasha Stevens U44kg D band: Louise Hindmarsh U57kg, Samantha Smith U70kg.
Also qualifying: B band: James Hendin U42kg C band: Aidan Jones U50kg, Nathan Ludford U55kg D band: Alex Jones U60kg.
On Sunday five players from Osaka went to the Sussex Yellow Belt Rumble in Worthing and all took medals. Golds for Daniel Holt U27kg, Harrison Brown U38kg, Lip Webb U46kg and Martha Galilee U40kg; Silver for Holly Redman fighting up a weight group at U40kg.
13 September 2009
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| Successes at British Closed Special Needs Championships |
Five Osaka players were in Walsall at the weekend attending the British Closed Special Needs Championships, incorporating the first Hearing Impaired National Championships.
In the seniors Joshua Roberts took gold, Daniel Restell silver and Joe Terkaoui bronze and in the juniors, Jerry Lee King took silver and Paris Terrett bronze. Leo Burdock took gold in the senior HI section.
The competition serves as a selection event for a team of 12 seniors and 6 juniors who will represent GB in Holland later this year. The club now expects to have some representation in this team.
27 August 2009
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| Thank you to the Cleaning Crew |
The club would like to thank Carl, John, Lip, Kenny, Dawn, Manny and David for giving up their Saturday afternoon to clean all the mats.
20 June 2009
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| Success in Portsmouth, Belfast and High Wycombe |
On Sunday 17 March the club took 13 players to Portsmouth for the Hampshire Yellow Belt and Under Closed Event. We achieved a fantastic 11 medals comprising 3 Golds, 6 Silver and 2 Bronze! For some of the youngest players it was their very first competitive Judo event. Everyone fought hard and even though they did not all achieve medals they made Osaka immensely proud.
Medals were achieved in the following weight groups as below:
U27kg Bradley Atkins GOLD > In the final fighting
U27kg Daniel Holt SILVER > against each other
U34kg Jack Webb SILVER
U34kg Connell Anderson BRONZE
U46kg Luke Roberts SILVER
U46kg Jack Cox BRONZE
U55kg Michael West GOLD
U28kg Sarah Burdock SILVER
U32kg Holly Redman GOLD
U40kg Martha Galilee SILVER
U48kg Sadie Anderson SILVER
To add to this successful weekend, on Saturday (16th May) in the Northern Ireland Open at Queens University, Belfast, another player from Osaka won a fantastic Silver Medal in the Women's U70kg category. Well done to Samantha Smith who fought brilliantly.
Meanwhile at High Wycombe in the Masters Tournament Fiona Prudence won 2 bronzes in the Women's Open and U78kg categories. It was a busy weekend indeed!
17 May 2009
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| Congratulations to Alex Jones on gaining his Black Belt |
Alex becomes the 15th Dan grade within the club's 2009 membership, following his success at today's grading at High Wycombe.
4 April 2009
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| 19 Medals at Hampshire Trials - Osaka's best year since 2005 |
| Osaka took 8 Gold, 4 Silver and 7 Bronze medals at today's Hampshire Trials at the Mountabatten Leisure Centre in Portsmouth, the club's best year since 2005.
In the juniors Golds went to Morgan Redman U34kg, Austin Jones U38kg, James Hendin U42kg, Aaron McGuire U46kg, Holly Redman U32kg and Natasha Stevens U44kg; Silvers to William Schnabel U42kg, Mason Redman U66kg and Heather Gardner U57kg; Bronzes to Stuart Gardner U38kg, Luke Roberts U42kg, Lip Webb U46kg, Sam Gray U50kg, Martha Galilee U36kg and Corinna Vickers U36kg. Kaylea Jacobs U48kg put up a good effort at only 9 years old, making her one of the youngest in the group, coming away without a medal this time.
In the seniors Golds went to Louise Hindmarsh U57kg and Samantha Smith U70kg; Silver to Leo Burdock U60kg; Bronze to John Webb U66kg. Josh Roberts U66kg was unlucky to finish 5th after a 3-way deadlock resulted in fights having to be re-fought. Chris Fletcher U81kg and Anthony Newman U81kg gave good showings but came away without medals on this occasion.
| The club should now have a strong presence in the Hampshire Team for the Inter-Counties Championship in May.
Following publication of the full results we now know that Osaka topped the medal table with more than twice the total number of medals of the second placed club. |
8 March 2009
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| Important Contest Rule Changes effective 1st January 2009 |
The IJF (International Judo Federation) have just put into effect some important contest rule changes. Most of these are cascading right the way down through National Governing Bodies and local events. The changes will be explained in detail to members during sessions and prior to competitions.
One particular rule that all members, and parents of junior members, need to be aware of even before anyone steps onto a mat is that related to ensuring all players are wearing correctly fitting judogi. There is a device called a "Sokuteiki" ["measuring device" in English] that has been specially designed to check judogi. The club is trying to acquire one of these, but in the mean time here is a link to a document describing how it's used and what the requirements are for a correctly fitting judogi.
How to use a Sokuteiki.
16 January 2009
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| Sam Smith makes GB Junior Squad |
Well done to Samantha Smith who now joins the GB Junior Squad following her success in picking up a bronze medal at the British U20 Trials in Sheffield.
10 January 2009
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| Hampshire Training at Osaka on Sunday 25th January 2009 |
The Hampshire Junior Squad training session for boys and girls will be held in the main sports hall at Connaught Leisure Centre on Sunday 25th January 2009 from 10:00 am-12:00 noon. The sessions is open to all Hampshire registered juniors and will be taken by Hampshire Junior Squad coach Danny Murphy. We hope to see a good turn-out. The mat fee will be £2.
7 January 2009
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| Congratulations to Charlie Chapman on achieving his Black Belt |
Well done to Charlie Chapman on picking up the final competitive points needed for his 1st Dan at the Budokwai Grading today, having already completed his theory. Charlie becomes the 15th Dan grade within the club's 2008 membership.
30 November 2008
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| Aldershot and Hawley get together for first club Obi Tournament |
Forty two players from Judo Club Osaka (Aldershot) and Judo Club Osaka Hawley got together today for the first full club "Obi Tournament". Players were given an Obi man and had three scoring fights to collect points towards coloured belts for their Obi man figure. Everyone got enough points to leave with their Obi man wearing a red belt. Holly Redman and Alex Stratton's Obi men left with yellow belts since they both won all their fights by ippon.
The club's founder, Richard Dove, presented each player with their Obi man.
16 November 2008
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| 6 Osaka Players make England Squad for 2008-9 |
Following their performances at various competetions during the year including the recent Nationals, six Osaka players have been selected to be part of the 2008-9 England Squad. Well done to Aidan Jones, Alex Jones, Austin Jones, Aaron McGuire, Samantha Smith and Natasha Stevens.
26 October 2008
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| Congratulations to Tristan Greaves on achieving his Black Belt |
Well done to Tristan Greaves on picking up the final competitive points needed for his 1st Dan at the Hampshire Grading today, having already completed his theory. Tristan becomes the 14th Dan grade within the club's 2008 membership.
12 October 2008
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| 5 Medals for Osaka at British Championships (Age Banded Nationals) |
3 Golds, 1 Silver and a Bronze - that was the medal tally for Osaka at this weekend's British Championships in Sheffield.
On Saturday Austin Jones took gold at U34kg (Band B) and Aidan Jones gold at U38kg (Band C). Aaron McGuire came close to a medal losing a tight bronze medal fight at U42kg (Band C).
On Sunday, competing in the largest weight group of the weekend, Ben Stevens and Leo Burdock put in two worthy performances at U66kg (Band D). Samantha Smith at U70kg (Band D) earned a well fought bronze and Alex Jones just missed out in the final of the U55kg (Band D) to bring back a silver. The weekend was finished off by Natasha Stevens taking gold at U40kg (Band B) with the fastest win in any of the weekend's finals - throwing for ippon in just 4 seconds.
After totting up all the weekend's results, Osaka has emerged as the number 2 club nationally in the medal table.
On the previous weekend Morgan Redman at U30kg and James Hendin at U38kg gained valuable experience in the 2008 British Championships for 10 & 11 year olds in Walsall.
12 October 2008
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| Congratulations to Anthony Jones and Ben Stevens on achieving their Black Belts |
At today's Dan Grading at the Budokwai in London, Anthony Jones and Ben Stevens both achieved their Black Belts. Having passed their Dan grade theory exam last week at Amersham, this week they were looking for points to complete the competitive element. Anthony got the final points that he needed and Ben took his black belt outright with a line up.
27 July 2008
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| NE Hants SSP Coach of the Year Award for Adrian Dove |
Adrian Dove was presented with the "Coach of the Year" award by the NE Hampshire Schools Sports Partnership in a ceremony last Thursday at the Princes Hall in Aldershot. Osaka's Josh Roberts picked up most improved sportsman requiring additional assistance.
On seeing Adrian presented with his award back at the club, one of the parents later wrote by e-mail:
"I just wanted to say that the award that Sensei Adrian won for his coaching is thoroughly deserved. I think that all of his team are brilliant, but he has a very special gift when working with children. I work with children myself and know how difficult it is to capture their attention and get the best out of them at all times. I watch all of those children in his class - whatever their level glow with pride and try their hardest for him. His encouragement to all is fab, even when telling them how not to do something. I am sure that his judo ability is brilliant, but his way with his members is worth just as much."
21 July 2008
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| Osaka Trio spend week at International Training Camp in Belgium |
Three players from Osaka, Leo Burdock, Aaron McGuire and Natasha Stevens spent the whole of last week at the 5 day Cedric Taymans International Training Course in Jodoigne, Belgium.
The course was attended by over 200 judokas, mostly from Belgium, but also from England, Luxembourg, Cyprus and Qatar. The early morning runs were a particular hit with everyone!
19 July 2008
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| Osaka and Samuel Cody go to Scotland and take 13 Medals at British Closed Special Needs Championships |
Osaka, in conjunction with Samuel Cody School in Farnborough, took 13 players today to this year's British Closed Special Needs Championships at the Inverclyde National Sports Centre, Largs near Edinburgh, Scotland. The medal haul included 2 gold, 2 silver and 9 bronzes.
From Osaka, Matthew Saywood and Anthony Newman took gold, Daniel Restell and Josh Roberts silver and Daniel Restell (yes, a second medal), Joe Terkaoui and Paris Terrett bronze.
12 July 2008
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| Congratulations to Darren Dugan on achieving his Black Belt |
At today's Hampshire grading Darren became the tenth Dan grade amongst the club's current membership, well done to Darren.
15 June 2008
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| New Class Structure & Session Times with effect from Monday 28th April 2008 |
The structure and times of sessions are changing from Monday 28th April 2008, please see our Sessions page for more details.
27 April 2008
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| Osaka take 7 medals in 1st East of Scotland Special Needs Championships |
Together with Samuel Cody School, Osaka took 5 players north of the border this weekend to the 1st East of Scotland Special Needs Championships, held at the National Judo Academy, Edinburgh International Climbing Arena, Ratho, Edinburgh.
Joshua Roberts took a gold at U66kg (level 1) and Joe Taylor a silver at the same weight. At U81kg (level 4) Joe Terkaoui fighting above his normal U60kg took a bronze with Daniel Restell taking the silver. Anthony Newman at U81kg (level 2) also took a silver.
Finally, Daniel Restell and Anthony Newman both took bronze medals in the open weight category.
26 April 2008
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| Another Osaka Player selected for England Judo WCSP |
Well done to Aaron McGuire selected today to become part of the England Judo World Class Start Programme (WCSP) squad. Aaron's selection comes as a result of his performances at the Welsh Open, Midlands and North West Age Bands.
10 April 2008
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| No Club Sessions on Bank Holidays |
A reminder for all members and visitors. The club continues to operate during all school holidays, however we do not run sessions on any Bank Holiday since Connaught Leisure Centre is closed.
21 March 2008
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| Hawley Satellite Club Opens |
Thursday 13th March was the opening night for our new satellite club, to be known as Judo Club Osaka Hawley. The first night saw 18 on the mat. The club operates on Thursday evenings at Farnborough Grange Nursery &
Infant Community School & EYC, Moor Road, Farnborough, Hants GU14 8HW. More information is available via http://hawley.judoclubosaka.org.uk
13 March 2008
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| Judo Club Osaka take 14 medals in Hampshire Trials |
23 players from Judo Club Osaka took part in the 2008 Hampshire Closed Trials held at the Mountbatten Leisure Centre in Portsmouth on Sunday 9th March, resulting in 14 medals for club. In the juniors, gold medals went to Morgan Redman (U30kg), Aaron McGuire (U42kg), Mason Redman (U55kg) and Natasha Stevens (U36kg), silver medals to Jack Webb (U30kg), Chris Mepham (U50kg) and Philip Backhurst (U66kg) and bronze medals to Stuart Gardner (U34kg), Nathan Hills (O73kg), Holly Redman (U28kg), Tiffany Brown (U44kg) and Heather Gardner (U52kg). Barry Gardner (U66kg) and Scott Davidson (U100kg) brought away gold medals in the seniors. Excellent performances as well from the following, for some their first outing, missing out on medals on this occasion: Bradley Aris, Sam Gray, James Hendin, Jordan Hockley, Michael Martin, Lucca Massari, Theerayut Phansomeri, Hamish Radford Ross, Joshua Roberts. The club expects to see many of the above getting medals as the year goes on.
Amongst the medallists, the club should now see several picked for the Hampshire team to compete against teams from Surrey, Sussex and Kent at the Southern Area Inter-counties Team Championships on May 11th in Worthing.
9 March 2008
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| First Medals of the Year taken at Cardiff |
Osaka's first outing of the year was to the Welsh Open at the Welsh Institute of Sport in Cardiff. Aaron McGuire (U38kg) and Natasha Stevens (U36kg) both swept through their Band B weight groups to take Gold with three and five straight wins respectively. Ben Stevens (U60kg) in Band D recovered well from a first fight loss to the eventual silver medallist to take a bronze with three subsequent wins. The day saw a welcome return to competitions for Ali Wills, former Osaka player, now back as a support coach matside for Aaron and Natasha today.
12 January 2008
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| Three Osaka Players selected for England Judo WCSP |
Following performances over the last year, three Osaka players have been selected to participate in the England Judo World Class Start Programme (WCSP). Well done to Natasha Stevens (B band), Charlotte Williams (D band) and Lisa Stevens (TASS).
22 November 2007
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| Osaka achieves Clubmark |
Tonight the club was presented with the Sport England Clubmark by Matt Divall, 3rd Dan (British Judo Association World Class Start Programme Coach). Osaka is only the second judo club in Hampshire to achieve Clubmark and only the ninth club in any sport within the Borough of Rushmoor.
The club has demonstrated to both the BJA and Sport England that its practices comply with the required minimum operating standards in regard to:
Coaches and volunteers (incl. sports equity and ethics)
Duty of care and child protection
Club management
The playing programme
The management committee of Judo Club Osaka would like to thank everyone for their co-operation over the last few months as the club has tweaked a few of its processes and procedures. A particular thanks also to Karen French, BJA Regional Development Officer, for her help and guidance throughout the Clubmark accreditation process. Revalidation is required every two years and we will need everyone's continued help.
12 November 2007
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| Success at Hampshire Split Grade Open - 6 Gold, 1 Silver, 4 Bronze and a Cheese Board! |
A good day out for Osaka at the Hampshire Split Grade Open at the Mountbatten Leisure Centre in Portsmouth. Golds for Mason Redman (Orange-Green U50kg), Ryan Parkinson (Red-Yellow U27kg), James Hendin (Red-Yellow U34kg), Natasha Stevens (Orange-Green U36kg), Tiffany Brown (Red-Yellow U44kg) and Ben Stevens (Men's 1st Kyu+ U60kg),
Silver for Bradley Aris (Red-Yellow U55kg) and Bronze for Philip Backhurst (Orange-Green U66kg), Holly Redman (Red-Yellow U28kg), Zoe Frissen (Red-Yellow U32kg) and Kirstie Valler (Red-Yellow U32kg).
To complete the day, Kim Frissen won a cheese board in the raffle!
28 October 2007
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| Bronze Medal for Natasha Stevens at National Age Banded Championships |
Osaka fielded 4 players at this year's National Age Banded Championships at iceSheffield in what turned out to be a tough competition. On Saturday 13th October in the Boys B Band U38kg Aaron McGuire fought hard, winning 4 fights gaining a fifth place. Charlotte Williams in the Girls D Band U44kg was unsuccessful this time. On Sunday 14th October, Ben Stevens in the Boys D Band U60kg found himself in a huge group of 28 and after winning the first fight by ippon he was knocked out in the quarter finals. Natasha Stevens in the Girls B Band U32kg lost the semi-final by the narrowest score but went on to pick up a Bronze medal.
14 October 2007
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| Former Osaka member Gary "The Smiler" Turner on Sky TV Saturday 22nd September |
"Judo changed my life!" - Gary's words and it all started at Judo Club Osaka back in the early 1980's. Since then Gary has gone on Ju-jitsu, Lau Gar Kung Fu, Kickboxing, Sport Ju-jitsu, Thai Boxing, Boxing and is a 10x World Champion K1 Kickboxer.
See Gary live on Sky Sports 3 (and Sky Sports 2 HD) in Cage Rage #23 from 9-11 pm on Saturday 22nd September 2007.
21 September 2007
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| Strong Osaka presence as Rushmoor win Judo section of Hampshire and IOW Games |
The judo section of the Hampshire & IOW Games, held at Fox Gym, Aldershot, started with Osaka's Adrian Dove taking the warm up for all competitors from across the county; 12 Osaka players then took part in the Rushmoor team. For the girls, Kristie Valler took silver & Tiffany Brown, Savanah Kent and Holly Redman bronze. For the boys, James Hendin & Jack Webb took Gold, Jake Hutchinson, Hamish Radford Ross, Morgan Redman & William Schnabel silver and Bradley Aris & Mason Redman bronze.
Holly Redman accepted the overall winner's trophy on behalf of the victorious Rushmoor team from tournament "VIP" Lisa Stevens (Osaka) invited by the games' organisers to present the medals.
24 June 2007
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| Success at Hampshire Yellow Belt & Under Closed for Osaka |
Medals for all four competitors from Osaka at the Hampshire Yellow Belt & Under Competition held at the Mountbatten Centre in Portsmouth today. Good performances from Morgan Redman (U27kg) and Mason Redman (U46kg) who both took gold. In their first competition, William Schnabel (U38kg) and Kristie Valler (U32kg) also fought very well to take silver and bronze respectively; Kristie started judo just 2 months ago!
20 May 2007
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| Two Osaka Girls selected for National Teams Championships |
Charlotte Williams (U44kg) and Natasha Stevens (U32kg) have been selected to represent the Southern Area in this year's National Teams Championships. This will take place on Saturday 16th June 2007 at K2, Crawley, West Sussex.
13 May 2007
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| Southern Area Inter-Counties Team Championship |
Four Osaka members were picked to represent Hampshire at this year's Southern Area Inter-Counties Team Championship. Natasha Stevens (U32kg) and Charlotte Williams (U40kg) were part of the Girls Team that took Gold, Aaron McGuire (U38kg) took Bronze with the Boys Team and Lisa Stevens (U48kg) Silver with the Women's Team.
13 May 2007
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| Osaka players selected for more international duty |
Jade Tweedie and Lisa Stevens were this week called up for international duty with the World Class Start Squads. Jade (U40kg) will travel with the "B" band girls to Lommel in Belgium and Lisa (U48kg) to the International A Tournament for the Under 20's in Venray, Holland.
8 March 2007
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| Congratulations to Adrian Dove and Lisa Stevens on achieving their Black Belts |
Adrian Dove and Lisa Stevens both got their 1st Dan Black Belt at Sunday's grading at the Worthing Leisure Centre in Sussex. Both had to contend with much heavier opponents. Osaka now has seven dan grades.
4 March 2007
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| BJA World Class Start Programme 2006/7 |
Today five members of Osaka received news of selection onto the BJA World Class Start Programme for 2006/7. Well done to Shannon Barrow, Stephanie Inkpen, Lisa Stevens, Jade Tweedie and Charlotte Williams.
26 October 2006
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| Where are they now? |
The following photographs came to light recently from the early days of Judo Club Osaka back in 1983. Club founder Richard Dove can be seen kneeling in the middle of the first photo and his son Adrian is two places to his right. See yourself? Let us know where you are now by e-mail to: postmaster@judoclubosaka.co.uk.

24 October 2006
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| Success for Osaka at British Closed Special Needs Championships |
Well done to Josh Stocker who took part in the British Closed Special Needs Championships in Walsall and gain a well earned silver medal.
27 August 2006
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| Double Gold for Lisa Stevens at Commonwealth Championships |
Lisa Stevens took gold at U44kg in both the youth and senior sections of the Commonwealth Judo Championships held in the City of Derry, Northern Ireland over the weekend of 16-18 June 2006. This was part of a very successful outing for the England Team.
18 June 2006
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| 7 Osaka Girls collect Gold as Hampshire Girls win 2006 Southern Area Inter-Counties |
Hampshire started strongly with a 9-1 win over Sussex, followed by a 7-3 win against Surrey.
As in 2005, it came down to a head to head with Kent for gold with Hampshire reversing last year's score to win 6-5.
Natasha Stevens U28kg, Jade Tweedie U36kg, Charlotte Williams U40kg and Rachael Inkpen U52kg won all their contests.
Together with solid performances from Jessica Black U40kg, Sian Laing U40kg and Thalia Laing U63kg this was a good day for both Osaka and Hampshire Girls.
Ben Stevens U50kg scored a draw and two good ippon wins as Hampshire Boys took silver following a 9-1 over Susssex, a 7-2 win over Surrey and finally losing to Kent 8-2.
Rachel Inkpen U52kg joined her sister Stephanie Inkpen U57kg as the Hampshire women took silver and Paul Black O100kg took bronze with the Hampshire men.
7 May 2006
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| Osaka Girls selected for International duty |
Charlotte Williams (U40kg) has been selected to represent Great Britain at the European Cadet Championships in Miskoic, Hungary on 24th June. Lisa Stevens (U44kg) has been selected for the England Team at both Junior and Senior level for the Commonwealth Judo Championships to be held in Londonderry, Northern Ireland on 17th and 18th June. The club wishes both girls the best of luck!
1 May 2006
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| 6 Osaka Girls feature in Hampshire Team for the 2006 Southern Area Inter-Counties |
For the second year in a row Osaka's girls make up more that half of the Hampshire County Girls Team named for the Inter-Counties Championship against Kent, Surrey and Sussex due to take place on May 7th.
Named in the team were: Natasha Stevens U28kg, Jade Tweedie U36kg, Charlotte Williams U40kg, Shannon Barrow U44kg, Rachael Inkpen U52kg and Thalia Laing U63kg.
In addition Louise Hindmarsh U36kg, Sian Laing U40kg, Jessica Black U44kg, Rebecca Stevens U48kg and Charlotte Black U63kg were name as reserves. Overall this means Osaka currently have 11 out of the named squad of 17.
Aaron McGuire U34kg and Ben Stevens U50kg have been named as reserves for the Hampshire Boys Team.
Lisa Stevens U48kg takes a place in the Hampshire Womens Team.
30 March 2006
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| Richard Dove appears on BBC Southern Counties Radio 'Breakfast Show' |
Judo Club Osaka's founder, Richard Dove, appeared on BBC SCR's 'Breakfast Show' today to talk about the club and the prospects for its members. Richard talked about how he took up judo whilst posted with the navy in the 1950s to the city of Osaka in Japan.
1 March 2006
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| Osaka recognised alongside big clubs by WCSP Manager in BJA 'matside' magazine |
"It has been noted that approximately 70 players from the 220 nominated on the WCSP [World Class Start Programme] derive from clubs, which regularly produce large numbers of squad players (such as Wolverhampton, Pinewood, JSC, Moberley, Halesowen, Willesden, Osaka, etc)."
taken from 'WORLD CLASS START NEWS' by Rowena Birch - WCSP Manager and Coach, pp26-27 'matside' magazine, January 2006.
1 January 2006
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| Nationals ('A' Band) |
Two more medals for Osaka at the 'A' Band National Championships (10-11 year olds) in Sheffield on Sunday 27th November. Natasha Stevens took silver at U28k and Jessica Black bronze at U40k. Scott Dunbar and Aaron McGuire both fought well to finish 5th at U30k and U34k respectively.
27 November 2005
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| BJA World Class Start Programme 2005/6 |
Following the completion of this year's qualification events with the Nationals, 6 members of the club have been selected for the 2005-6 BJA World Class Start Programme.
Well done to: Lisa Stevens, Danielle Riley, Rachael Inkpen, Charlotte Williams, Shannon Barrow & Alex Stocker
20 October 2005
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| Nationals |
Osaka Judo Club players came away with two gold medals at the recent National Championships in Sheffield, the club also took a number of other placings. The Age-Banded event saw Lisa Stevens (16) win the U44k title to continue her dominance of that weight group. Rachel Inkpen (13) also won gold in a tough U48k group. Shannon Barrow (12) showed great composure to take silver in the U40k category whilst bronzes went to Jade Tweedie (U36k) and Charlotte Williams (U40k). Danielle Riley won bronze in the U52s. Credible fifth places went to Stephanie Inkpen (U52k) and Alex Stocker (U46k).
The competition was the final identification event to help select the British World-Class Start (Cadet) Squad for next year. Earlier results saw Natasha Stevens (U28k) take gold in Birmingham and Louise Hindmarsh (U36k) take gold in Edinburgh. With the total medal haul into double figures, Osaka has once again shown it is one of the top clubs in the county.
1 October 2005
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| Yet more medals for Osaka |
Osaka judo club players were busy adding to their medal tally last weekend in Portsmouth and St Helens. The club took five gold medals at the Hampshire Junior Open, a competition with over 200 entrants. Natasha Stevens led the way with gold at U28k with Aaron McGuire then showing great technique to take the U30k category. Charlotte Williams dominated the U36k group to take gold while Alex Stocker's controlled attacks were far too strong for his opponents. Thalia Laing's quality leg sweeps saw her dominate the U57k group to take the club's fifth gold.
Silver medals were won by Hannah Williams (U36k), Marissa Laing (U40k) and Ben Stevens (U42k). Sisters Paige (U28k) and Jade (U36k) Tweedie won bronze medals as did Sian Laing (U40k) and Georgia McCarthy, competing at U48k for the first time. Philip Backhouse managed 5th place in a tough U46k group.
The previous day in St Helens, five girls from Osaka represented the Southern Area in the National Teams Final, the biggest junior team event of the year. Jade Tweedie (U36k), Shannon Barrow (U40k), Lisa Stevens (U44k), Rachel Inkpen (U48k) and Steph Inkpen (U57k) all fought well to help the team to a bronze medal. No other club from the area had more female players in the team than Osaka.
1 July 2005
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| Kent success for Osaka players |
Players from Aldershot-based Osaka judo club were again successful at the weekend, this time at the annual Kent Junior International Championships at Crystal Palace. The event, with over 700 entrants, is one of the toughest competitions of the season with medals always hard to come by.
Danielle Riley led the way winning the U52k gold in the blue/brown-belt section, the clubs other medals came in the orange/green belt category. Natasha Stevens took the U28k silver, Aaron McGuire won the U30k silver to add to his recent bronze medal in the Devizes Open, whilst Charlotte Williams' quality defence was behind her silver success. Alex Stocker's attacking skills were rewarded with the U42k silver, whilst Rebecca Stevens added a silver to her recent Devizes bronze after some dominating performances. Thalia Laing's leg-sweeps saw her through to win the U57k bronze.
Other recent medallists include Rachel Inkpen who took the U48k bronze in Devizes, Shannon Barrow who won the U40k bronze in the recent BJC Welsh Open, Connor Barrow who also took bronze in Wales and Danielle Riley's U52k gold, also in Cardiff.
With the Hampshire Open in Portsmouth coming up, the club hopes to continue adding medals to their total.
1 June 2005
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| Hampshire Championships |
Osaka Judo Club dominated the recent Hampshire Championships in Portsmouth, winning more junior medals than any other club. Such was the quality of the club's players, many had to contest medal places with team mates. Seven players won gold with Natasha Stevens leading the way for the girls in the U28k category. Louise Hindmarsh followed suit in the U32s as did Shannon Barrow in a tough U40k section. Rebecca Stevens and Rachel Inkpen took golds in the U44 and U48k respectively and Danielle Riley easily took the county title in the U52k section. Aaron McGuire won the U30s gold for the boys.
Silver medals were won by Scott Dunbar (U30k), Sian Laing (U36k), Jessica Black (U40k), Alex Stocker (U42k), Luke Dunbar (U46k) and Thalia Laing (U57k), whilst bronzes went to Paige Tweedie (U28k), Lucy Woodhead & Jade Tweedie (both U36k), Marissa Laing (U40k), Ben Stevens (U42k) and Laura Jarvis (U57k).
In the senior U57k section, Stephanie Inkpen won gold with Lisa Riley taking bronze. In an extremely tough U73k section, Tom Jarvis won bronze, gaining a shoulder injury in the process.
With tougher more important competitions coming up, the club's medal tally for 2005 is now at 63 and counting.
1 April 2005
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| Osaka's medal haul |
Players from Aldershot judo club Osaka, took the club's medal total for the year to 39 after a tough London Open at the weekend. After competing in Cardiff, Stoke and St. Helens, the club's juniors were keen to impress at their own end of the country. Natasha Stevens (10) led the way with her first gold of the year, dominating her opponents in the U28k group. British cadet Danielle Riley's experience gained her a second gold of the year in the U52k category. With top players in attendance, victories were hard to come by, Shannon Barrow and Sian Laing (both 11) took bronzes in a particularly rough U36k group. Marissa Laing (11) and Alex Stocker managed 5th places.
Eight of the club's leading juniors took on an international field in the Welsh Open earlier in the year with Louise Hindmarsh (12/U32k) winning silver with displays of controlled aggression. Marissa and Alex again finished 5th in their groups. In the Salisbury Open, Stephanie Inkpen easily won gold whilst Laura Jarvis took silver in the U52s. On the same day Natasha and Shannon won silver in the Sussex 'minimon' in Worthing, Jade Tweedie (11/U32k), Sian and Charlotte Black (U48k) won bronzes. Marissa and Scott Dunbar managed 5th places.
In last month's Midland U20 (Age-banded) Open in Stoke, both Louise and Shannon won silver medals whilst Natasha, Jade and Aaron McGuire claimed bronzes. Ben Stevens narrowly missed out on a bronze after some fine technical displays in the U38k group. At the Bristol Classic, Louise won her first gold of the year whilst Natasha, Shannon and Stephanie all took silvers. Jade, Rebecca Stevens (14/U44k) and Rachael Inkpen (14/U48k) all won deserved bronzes. At the Millennium Championships in Docklands, Danielle and Georgia McCarthy (12/U43k) proved far too talented for the opposition, taking golds in large groups. Twins Sian (U34k) and Marissa (U37k) both won silvers along with Connor Barrow (7/U27k) whilst Alex (U42k) won bronze.
Alex Stocker showed a high level of technical expertise to take the U42k silver the following week in St Helens at the North West Junior Open.
At senior level, British cadet Lisa Stevens (16) won gold in Stoke with typically dominating performances.
No other club in Hampshire have been as successful as Osaka's juniors over the last year. With more major competitions coming up, the club hopes for further success and always welcomes new players.
1 March 2005
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