Christmas is fast approaching and that means that the annual Kendal Winter Training Camp is almost upon us. Bookings are now open for the annual camp, taking place in Cumbria – the heart of the Lake District, between Friday 27 December and Monday 30 December.

Originally Kendal Camp started as a training event for the North West some 27 years ago and it now attracts national teams from all over the world.

Ideally situated in between the competition calendar, many team GB judoka have used it as a chance to sharpen their skills and focus between the festive period and the new year. Organisers say that it was designed to give participants a competitive edge during the break between tournaments.

And so it will be non-stop action from 11am on the Friday to 1pm on the Monday. Key features are twice-daily randori sessions on the Olympic mats at Kendal Judo Club, log races through the woods and hill running as well as the famous “Barney Rubble”.

Co-organiser Brian Moore says that the camp will be a good test of mental and physical agility. He said that these events have tested many a judoka including former world champion Craig Fallon, Luke Preston, Sophie Cox, Gemma Howell, Sally Conway and Winston Gordon to name but a few.

“Not only does it keep the Christmas pudding off the hips, it is also a chance to keep your mind sharp. You need to be mentally strong to become a top judo player and this camp will give anyone attending a competitive edge,” he said.

“I will never forget the look on Craig Fallon’s face as he grappled with a telegraph pole in the woods, determined not to let it beat him. He did it with his strength and determination, and these qualities helped him to go on and win his world title.”

Up to 60 players will be accommodated at the club’s on-site log cabins or the following:

Best Western, Castle Green, which is 1.1 miles

Travelodge , which is 3.5 miles

Premier Inn, which is 1.3 miles

To book your place go to www.kendaljudoclubentries.co.uk

For details contact Brian Moore on +44 (0)7808002697, brianmoore46@hotmail.co.uk.

Alternatively contact Mike Liptrot on +44 (0)7708968194 or email mike@mikeliptrot.com.

For more information visit www.kendaljudoclub.co.uk

Words by Donna Richardson. Photos by Peter Holme.