Rodriguez Recounts Experience Competing at European Continental Open

Judo BC’s Ignacio Rodriguez recently competed for Canada at the European Continental Open held in Lisbon, Portugal October 4-5, 2014.

“The tournament was very well organized and a fantastic experience” reports Rodriguez. “Only two Canadian athletes attended, which let us experience some of the work that goes into taking a team to world cup level tournaments. The Competition had many strong competitors from Europe and a team from Japan. In my division, there was the number 2 French competitor as well as a strong Japanese competitor. In my first match I fought a Portuguese fighter. I was able to catch him for Wazari then win with a hold down.”

“In my second match I fought a very experienced Czech fighter. He was a strong fighter, but I was able to at least match him physically; I attacked with Uchimata and almost threw him, unfortunately after we went out of the competition area I did not realize the Hajime call from the referee and he brought me down with a throw for Ippon and I lost the match. In my third match I fought another strong fighter, this time from Portugal, but again got caught.”

Upon reflection of the event, Rodriguez would definitely recommend other Judo BC competitors taking part in this event, “The tournament was strong enough to give a competitor exposure to European judo, while still allowing them to have a chance for a medal.”