Kirchheim, Germany – , marked a successful start to the competitive season for the TSGV Albershausen Judo club, as Hektor Schäfer and Bruno Barz secured silver and bronze medals respectively at the South Württemberg Individual Championship U11 in Kirchheim.
Both young athletes demonstrated impressive skill and determination, qualifying them for the upcoming Württemberg individual championship in March. The performance highlights the growing strength of the Judo program at TSGV Albershausen, a club steeped in tradition since its founding in 1896.
Hektor Schäfer, after initially needing a bout to find his rhythm, dominated his subsequent matches, ultimately achieving a silver medal in his weight class. Bruno Barz faced a particularly competitive field but still managed to secure a commendable bronze medal, marking his first official Judo competition.
The club acknowledged the dedication of their trainer, Niklas Kopp, for his support during the competition. Kopp’s guidance was instrumental in preparing the athletes for the challenges they faced in Kirchheim.
This latest success builds on a strong run of form for TSGV Albershausen’s Judo department. In , Bruno Barz and Hektor Schäfer both earned silver medals at the Steppi Pokal U9/U11 tournament in Steinheim. That event was particularly notable as it represented Bruno Barz’s first official Judo competition.
The club also saw success in the Bezirksliga, competing as guest fighters against Frisch Auf Göppingen in Biberach on . Niklas Kopp, Felix Rost, and Jan Betz all contributed to the team’s performance, with Jan Betz, recently turning 16, securing two victories in his debut in the Männerliga (men’s league). Felix Rost also delivered strong performances, achieving two Ippon wins.
However, the competition wasn’t without its setbacks. Niklas Kopp sustained an arm injury during a match, and the team ultimately didn’t reach the podium. Despite this, the club emphasized the valuable experience gained by their young Judokas.
Further bolstering the club’s achievements, Anna Schäfer secured a bronze medal at the Baden-Württemberg Individual Championships U13 on . Flin Enders also achieved a notable result, finishing fifth in the final tournament of the U13 age group.
TSGV Albershausen’s Judo department offers training sessions for various age groups. Mondays feature sessions for younger participants from to , a performance group from to , and sessions for U15, U17, and U20 age groups from to . Thursdays include trial courses and group sessions, also catering to different skill levels and age groups.
The club also hosted a Nikolausmarkt (St. Nicholas Market) in Albershausen on , further demonstrating its integration within the local community.
The Judo department is led by Karin Hoffmann and her coaching team, and operates under the umbrella of the larger TSGV Albershausen 1896 e.V. Organization. The department requires an annual membership fee, details of which are available on their website.
With a clear focus on developing young talent and fostering a strong sense of community, TSGV Albershausen’s Judo department appears well-positioned for continued success in the upcoming season, culminating in the Württemberg individual championship in March.
