British Judoka Prepare for Paks, Taipei, and Craig Fallon Cup Action

This weekend, six British judoka will head to Hungary to compete at the Paks Junior European Cup, while a five-strong contingent from Camberley Judo Club will travel to Taiwan for the Taipei Asian Open. Meanwhile, on home soil, the Craig Fallon Cup will take place, honouring one of Britain’s judo greats.

Paks Junior European Cup

Kicking off in Paks, Joshua Chrisp (Blyth Juno Michi) will be Great Britain’s sole representative in the -66kg category, as he enters his fourth Junior European Cup of the year. In the -73kg category, Ben Moore (Bradley Stoke) will take to the tatami aiming to make his mark on the international stage.

In the -81kg division, Bredakwai Judo Academy duo Jamie Death and Isaac Hope will represent GB. Death is targeting his first-ever top-seven finish at a Junior European Cup, while Hope will be seeking a top-seven result in the -81kg category for the first time, having previously achieved that milestone in the -73kg division last year.

Kenady Raine (Tees Valley Judo) returns to the Junior European Cup circuit in the -57kg category, marking her second appearance of the 2025 season as she looks to build on her previous performance.

Rounding out the British team, reigning Junior British Champion Esmee Holgate (Bredakwai Judo) will compete in the -70kg category. This will be her first European event in almost two years, and she’ll be eager to make a strong return.

Paks Junior European Cup

Out in Taiwan, all GB representatives competing hail from Camberley Judo Club.

In the -66kg category, Finlay Allan returns to action following a strong run this year, which includes a bronze medal at the Dubrovnik Senior European Cup and a silver in Riga. All eyes will be on him to see what he can produce on the Asian stage.

In the -73kg category, Cameron Charles will be aiming for his first piece of international silverware in 2025. He’ll be joined by clubmate Harry Le Mare, who is also targeting his first international medal of the year.

Rory Tyrrell, competing in the -81kg division, has already notched two seventh-place finishes at European events this season. He’ll be looking to convert that consistency into a podium finish in Taipei.

Rounding out the team, Cameron Reid-Thomas will compete in the -90kg category, aiming to help Camberley Judo Club make a strong impression at the event.

Craig Fallon Cup 2025

On Saturday 12th July, the judo community will come together for the 2025 Craig Fallon Cup, an event dedicated to honouring the legacy of one of Great Britain’s most celebrated judoka. Craig sadly lost his battle with depression in July 2019, and the event now also plays an important role in raising awareness of mental health.

Fallon was a World and European Champion, and only the third British male judoka in history to win a world title. He remains an inspirational figure in the sport, not only for his achievements on the mat but also for the enduring impact he left on those who knew him.

This year’s competition has attracted over 200 entries, highlighting the growing stature of the event and reflecting the tireless efforts of organisers committed to preserving and celebrating Craig’s legacy.

This is a charitable event and will be held at the University of Wolverhampton’s Walsall Campus, with action set to begin at 10am.

Spectators are encouraged to attend, with entry priced at just £3 per person. Children under the age of 8 can attend free of charge. Whether you’re supporting a competitor or simply a fan of the sport, it promises to be a meaningful and inspiring day.

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