Ippon Judo, Jujitsu and Karate struck gold four times in Waynesville N.C on Saturday, Oct. 1.

Aaron Ringel, 12, a seventh grader at Flat Rock Middle School in Tyrone, won not only his division in 11-12 middle weight but also went up in age and fought in the 13-14 division going undefeated in both divisions, winning two gold medals. Ringel, who has been doing Judo for three years, has always done well but coach Dave Wojcik can’t remember a time he has fought so well.

Ringel’s teammate, Derek Wojcik, 13, an eighth grader at Flat Rock, also won double gold going 5-0 winning both his divisions. Wojcik also won the “Most Outstanding Competitor” in the Junior ranks, meaning the referees thought he had the most skills, wins, and best attitude of all the competitors under the age of 17.

Cody Wojcik, 11, took a silver medal in the 11-12-division going 2-1. Coach Wojcik thought it was a good showing considering Cody turned 11 on Sept. 27, meaning that he was giving up almost two years on most competitors.

Alan Ringel, 42, took second place in the masters division. Alan, a green belt, beat a black belt on his way to a second place finish. Ippon’s junior competitors ended the day at 11-1, an outstanding record by anyone’s standards.

Ippon Judo, Jujitsu and Karate hosted its 6th semi annual tournament Oct. 8 at the Kedron Field House and Aquatic Center in Peachtree City Georgia. At least 15 teams were represented from Georgia, North Carolina, Tennessee and Mississippi. Ippon managed a second place finish as a team but had many first place finishers. Derek Wojcik had the most impressive showing with winning not only his 13-14 division but a 15-16 yr old division as well as taking first in the Adult division. Yes, the 13 year old beat a 22 year old from the University of Tennessee as well as others in the adult division. Wojcik has been doing Judo since age 3 and is nationally ranked, most competitors only do their age and weight but Wojcik goes up in age and weight in every tournament.

Wojcik’s brother, Cody, took a Silver and Bronze in the 11-12, and 13-14 divisions losing two of his matches only to his teammate. Aaron Ringel won both his divisions going undefeated in the 11-12 and 13-14 division. Other placers for Ippon was Mark Dies, second place, Alan Ringel, third and Breanna Wojcik, fourth. Ippon’s coach Sensei Dave Wojcik is very proud of his fighters.

“We don’t have many but they win at a 80 percent clip.” Wojcik credits his fighter’s success to hard training and only training no more than 10 at a time.
Ippon Judo, Jujitsu and Karate is located in Tyrone. Anyone interested in classes can call 770 486-5363

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