Judo Nunavut competitors earn 15 medals at Edmonton meet

Judo Nunavut athletes returned to Iqaluit Monday with some extra carry-on luggage after competing in the Edmonton International Tournament, an annual Judo Canada-sanctioned event held over the weekend.

The 16 athletes returned with 15 medals, including seven golds, earned in competition against athletes from across Canada.

Daniel Smook and Henri Lagacé demonstrate some of the kata moves that earned them medals in Edmonton. (Photo by Daron Letts)

“Sometimes the athletes surprise themselves with what they can do,” said Michael Smook, head coach. “Just by stepping onto that mat, they’ve already won.”

Some of the youngest athletes earned medals by demonstrating the katas, a series of choreographed movements that mimic the actions used in a judo fighting competition.

“It’s a demonstration of judo’s core mechanics,” said Henri Lagacé, 12, who won two bronze medals. “It is the essence of judo.”

Fellow athlete Daniel Smook, 11, who has been training with Judo Nunavut for six years, earned gold.

“I just love the sport and learning self defence,” he said, adding he won two out of four fighting competitions as well.

Both students help mentor and coach younger students in the organization’s under-seven cohort.

Judo Nunavut’s eldest student to compete, Julian Gissing, 17, won silver in the under-21 advanced category.

The coaches were back hosting practice at Aqsarniit Middle School the night after their return. Plans are already afoot for the next southern tournament, the 2025 Open Nationals Judo Championships from May 15 to 18 in Calgary, said coach Matilda Pinksen.

Miki-jaq Bracken earned gold in the under-14 novice category at the Edmonton International Tournament. (Photo courtesy of Matilda Pinksen)

Judo Nunavut is preparing to send seven athletes to the Canada Winter Games in Quebec in February 2027, which will be the sport’s largest representation from Nunavut to date, she said.

Judo Nunavut was established 21 years ago and includes 157 registered members from age four to students in their forties.

Their judo training season ends in May.