Samurai (Kidderminster) Judo Club’s Archi Shrimpton and Kin Ryu Judo Club’s Lisa Harrison have obtained their International Judo Federation (IJF) Continental referee qualifications.

Archi and Lisa received their new awards after completing a grueling three day theory and practical assessment at last month’s European Judo Cup held in Belgrade, Serbia. Out of the 25 candidates from across Europe that attended the examination Archi and Lisa received the joint top mark of their class. 

They were selected at last years’ Junior and Senior British Championships as Great Britain’s representatives to take the exam. 

“I’m very pleased and relieved as there was pressure to pass and deliver, I’m excited to be refereeing more in Europe”, said Archi. 

“We both did our own mini tour of Europe refereeing at competitions in Slovakia, Romania, Italy, Lithuania, Germany and Slovenia this year in preparation for the exam, so I’m delighted all the hard work has paid off”, Lisa added. 

The next level is the IJF’s International qualification, the highest refereeing award in the sport, but Archi is staying focused: “That’s a goal but it’s a few years off yet with a lot of work to be done before then”. 

British Judo would like to congratulate Archi and Lisa on this fantastic achievement. 

For more information on refereeing visit www.britishjudo.org.uk/refereeing.