Congratulations to all of the Portage Judo Club athletes who competed at the 2026 Canadian Open Judo Nationals in Calgary. This was a very high-level national competition, and every athlete represented Portage Judo Club, Manitoba, and their sensei’s with pride.

Austyn Jenner earned an outstanding silver medal in U16 Female -70 kg, placing 2nd in a division of 3 athletes.

Tennyson Verwey competed in two very strong divisions. In U21 Male -90 kg, he placed 13th in a division of 13 athletes. He then stepped up into the Senior Male -90 kg division, where he had an excellent result, placing 5th in a division of 20 athletes.

Tristan Jenner also competed in two high-level divisions. In U18 Male -73 kg, he placed 13th in a large division of 26 athletes. He also competed in Senior Male -73 kg, placing 25th in a very competitive division of 33 athletes.
Eric Jenner competed in Veteran Male M2-M3 -90 kg, placing 4th in a division of 4 athletes.

I competed in two categories as well. In Newaza Female 63 kg, I placed 5th in a division of 12 athletes. I also competed in Senior Female -57 kg, placing 13th in a division of 17 athletes.
Congratulations to Austyn, Tennyson, Tristan, and Eric. Competing at Nationals takes courage, discipline, preparation, and heart. These athletes stepped onto the mat against some of the best judoka in Canada and represented Portage Judo Club and Manitoba with pride. As their sensei, I am incredibly proud of each of and every one of you!
– Written by Kimberly Kornelsen as their fellow competitor and sensei