12/10/2026
ARES CHAMPIONSHIP 2026 | SEASON 3 COMPLETE 🖤🤍
Well, Saturday was yet again nothing short of a spectacle.
Westcroft and Rush battled their way through to the final, where we were treated to a 3–3 tie between the two clubs. And so, for the second time in Ares history, the entire tournament came down to a spin of the wheel. With everything on the line, Fiona Chan found the all important yuko to bring the trophy home for Westcroft. What a moment, what a final, and what a way to end the season!
But beyond the results, what stood out once again was the spirit in which the tournament was fought. The camaraderie between clubs, the support from the sidelines, and the smiles, laughter and joy across the venue are what make Ares so special.
As we sit back and reflect on Saturday, we also reflect on how far we have come over the last three years.
Someone reminded us on Saturday that at our very first event, we were using the sound from the TV, which nobody could hear! 😂 Fast forward to this weekend, and we have continued to upgrade and improve the production, the atmosphere and the overall experience for everyone involved. And whilst we are incredibly proud of what Ares has become, we know there is still so much more we can do. Every event teaches us something new, and we are constantly learning, adapting and finding ways to make the next one better.
Saturday brings Season 3 of Ares to a close. Back in May, Camberley retained their Premiership title, and on Saturday, Westcroft claimed the Championship crown. Two brilliant events, eight teams in each division, and countless moments that remind us why we started this in the first place.
To everybody who has played a part in making Ares what it is today, THANK YOU. To the clubs, athletes, coaches, referees, officials, spectators, sponsors, partners, volunteers, helpers, families and everyone who has supported us, believed in us or helped us along the way, we genuinely could not do this without you.
Aaron and I are fully aware that Ares is different. We know it is a little unconventional, perhaps a little crazy at times, and certainly not for everyone. But it is for anyone who has a want to be there and be part of it. And when we look around the venue and see what it is doing for our sport, we cannot help but feel incredibly proud.
The smiles, the joy, the laughter, the friendships and the moments that nobody could ever script say it all for us. We started with an idea, and three years later, we have created something that brings clubs together, gives judoka a platform to perform, and hopefully inspires people to see what else is possible within British judo.
All we have ever wanted is to do something for the greater good of our sport. We don’t claim to have all the answers, and we know we won’t get everything right. But we hope that what we are doing might inspire others to put their own twist on our sport, challenge convention and find new ways to bring people together.
Because community is one of the most powerful things we have. When people come together with a shared passion and a willingness to make something happen, the possibilities are endless.
On a personal level, it is difficult to put into words just how grateful Aaron and I are. There are moments when we stand back and look at what we have managed to produce together, and it genuinely overwhelms us with emotion. Saturday was one of those. What started as a concept between two friends has grown into something that so many people now contribute to, care about and want to be part of.
We know we can keep learning, keep improving and keep pushing the boundaries of what Ares can be. And as long as people want Ares to continue, we will keep showing up, putting the work in and doing everything we can to make it happen.
For now, it is time for a little rest, some reflection, and a chance to appreciate just how far we have come.
But don’t worry… we’ll be back 🖤🤍
Yours in Ares
Joe Chraniuk & Aaron Turner
