Kinderwater gearing up for national Judo championship

Because of her age, she has been forced to move up from competing in U18 all the way to the U21 division. She also has rarely had a chance to compete because of public health restrictions.

“It’s been a lot of focusing on staying mentally in the training attitude, especially when were training on our own and Judo was completely shut down,” she said. “I was just trying to train in my basement alone, which is hard for Judo because you need partners to fight with.”

With restrictions loosened or lifted in most places across Canada, Kinderwater has been able to pick up where she left off.

Earlier this year, Kinderwater competed in the Quebec Open Senior Women’s -63kg event. She secured the sixth spot and came in fifth overall at the tournament. Due to this event being a point event for the Elite8, the U21 division (Sydney’s division) and the Senior Women’s division were combined.

Her performance at the tournament in Quebec caught the eye of some at Judo Canada.

Which led to Judo Canada inviting her to a special camp in Lethbridge in early December with 2020 Olympic bronze medalists Catherine Beauchemin-Pinard and Jessica Klimkait.

She tells EverythingGP since the Judo schedule got up and running again, it’s been an interesting transition.

“We went down to Lethbridge for a winter camp and it was special because our two Olympians were there,” Kinderwater explained. “I got to train with them and fight them a couple of times, which is insane. It was a really good opportunity.”

Over the course of the camp, Kinderwater tells EverythingGP she got to spar with some of the Olympians and adds she felt like did pretty well.

“I fought Klimkat on the ground and they definitely didn’t go full force because they are Olympians. I got her in the hold-down, but she probably let me,” Kinderwater joked. “But they are so strong and smart at Judo, it’s just amazing to watch them work.”

Over the Christmas break, Kinderwater will continue to train and get ready for nationals.

She says she is excited about competing close to home.

“My goal is to obviously win, but also to focus on keeping a clear head, shaping my Judo and seeing where I am at strength-wise. It’s only our second tournament back. I am just excited, it is a great tournament.”

The Edmonton tournament will see Kinderwater fight the top eight Judo athletes from Canada in the -63kg division. The tournament will be held January 13-15

With tournaments back up and running, the City of Grande Prairie helped Kinderwater so she can afford to travel while keeping up with academics.

City council approved Pursuit of Excellence Come Fly With Me Funding and Perky McCullough Scholarship to Sydney Kinderwater in the amounts of $1,192.50 and $2,500.00.

She says the funding from the city is a big help in allowing her to compete at such a high level.

“It’s such a great help for me and my family, especially the last year before COVID, we got to travel a bit and I couldn’t have done it (without that funding). I think there will be travel opportunities to Europe, the United States and Ireland. Even with this Quebec trip, it’s helped a lot.”

Sydney trains out of the GP Martial Arts Club, her sensei is Carlos Grisales.

by Shane Clausing

Kinderwater gearing up for national Judo championship

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