The ADF secured gold in the annual military teams competition of the 2024 Queensland International Open Judo tournament, with individual team members also claiming gold and silver medals in individual events.
Six members of the ADF Combat Sports Association competed in the competition in Brisbane from September 21-22, representing the ADF across all weight categories.
President of the association, Lieutenant Colonel Morgan McCarthy, set the example early in the tournament by claiming gold in the under 81kg veteran men's (M4) division with a decisive seoi nage (shoulder throw) to be awarded an ippon - the judo term for a perfect score that immediately ends the match.
To achieve an ippon, a throw must be performed with speed, balance and power.
While winning some matches, he met defeat during the contest for the Major John Whipp Trophy against ADF veteran Scott Steer.
The trophy is contested annually between teams or individuals representing serving and former ADF members.
"Scott has an extensive history with judo and grappling martial arts," Lieutenant Colonel McCarthy said.
"Although usually competing in a heavier weight category, Scott was able to use tactics and strategy to good effect, waiting until I attacked to catch me and throw me convincingly.
"We had two matches in a row that were hard-fought, but Scott was the better in both."
A first-degree black belt, Lieutenant Colonel McCarthy plans to focus on developing better strategies for handling opponents who are taller and have longer limbs.
Able Seaman Shane Rigby, who won a silver medal in the under 90kg senior men's division, said his best match was against a sergeant from the Brazilian Armed Forces, defeating him with a throw in the final two seconds of regulation time.
"He was quite strong and stocky, but I found I could dominate him with some top-grips and lock him down well," he said.
"He definitely tested me."
Able Seaman Rigby, a third-degree black belt, now wants to work on his left-handed attacks and strength.
"Considering how tall and strong some of these guys are, I'm going to keep hitting the gym, get even stronger and work a bit more on my cardio too," he said.
Other notable performances were Flying Officer Keresi Farouk, who won a silver medal in the +78kg senior women's division, while Private Charles Laidlaw took silver in the under 73kg veterans men's (M5) division.
The association is seeking to boost judo participation as it aims to compete in the broader Oceanic region from next year.
