JUDO ace James Warren has been travelling Europe adding more experience to his name as he prepares for a trip to Japan.

The Great Britain squad member, of Loughton, is planning his second trip to the Tokai University in Tokyo where he will be trained under the auspices of world master Yamashita.

Warren, who is trained by former British judo legend Neil Adams, came third at a tournament in Bonn, Germany, where he was beaten by the eventual winner Kesherahvilly, a Russian fighting for the Swiss team.

He beat a clutch of top players to reach the bronze medal position and threw one of the contenders for ippon, judo's version of a knockout, after just 20 seconds.

Warren travels to Japan later this month and will return to face a tough test in the first of a series of England A tournaments that will determine who will travel in the Britishh squad to the Olympic Games in Sydney, Australia in 2000.

"I have as good a chance as anyone in the squad," Warren said. "Obviously, all the experience I am building up now and the trips to Japan are going to help me technically and they will also boost my confidence."

Warren also fought for a Belgian club recently, again in Europe. One German team that had their eye on him have also invited him to fight for them.

But all the travelling and training does not come cheap. Despite receiving terrific support from his local authority, Epping Forest District Council, Warren could still use some more sponsorship.

If you or your business would like to be associated with one of the country's top young judo talents, call James Warren on 0181 502 2990.

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