Although US Judo is still in its development phase, there are 3 major Championship Events. In Japan, this would be the Kodokan Cup, All Japan Weight Categorized National Judo Championship, and the All Japan Judo Championship (The Empress Cup for Women) In the US, this would be the National Senior Championship, US Open and the Presidents Cup. The last event for the Calendar year sithe Presidents Cup typically held in late November.
This would be equivalent to the Emperor’s Cup or Empress’ Cup but there are no Emperors in the United States, thus this name. Although we’re still in the pandemic, this event took place. Vaccination was a pre-requisite for participation, but the 3 day event took place from November 19th to 21st in Dallas Texas.
My role was the coach of US Judo, but I’m still not there yet. It’s my first event, and moreso I’m still training English. My mission was to experience the event and it’s atmosphere, and work as a second for the 3 kids participating from Tohkon Judo Academy. FYI, this was a debut for me as a second even including my career in Japan.
Everything started from Weighing on Friday the 19th, the pre-tournament “Dallas Open” on Saturday, and the main event, the President’s Cup on Sunday. The total participants were a whopping 800!! Judoka’s around the US gathered for this exciting event. This article talks about the difference in the Judo tournaments in the US vs Japan, what I felt, also as a second debut.
〜Difference in Judo Championship Events~
[No. 1: Anybody can Participate!!]
The age bracket starts from as young as 5 year-olds and goes all the way up to 60. Yes, athletes that participate in International Tournaments play at the same location. This maybe due to the low number of Judo population, but having all 800 people in a single location is a site you will not see even in Japan. The scale of this event as well as the “Open Style” tournament is unseen, and I feel the freedom and liberty of the United States.
[No. 2: So many categories]
Dallas Open held on Saturday had 2 categories for 5~6 year-olds, 3 for 7~8 year-olds, with so many detailed categories the total count was 92 for ages 5~18. And, every single participant needed to go through weigh-in. Even kids? This is unthinkable in Japan. Finding the right opponent alone was a struggle.
[No. 3; You can lose more than once]
If the total participants for a category is 5 or less, it would be round robin style. If more than 5, it will be a tournament style. However, there is a consolation system. In Japan, if you lose once, you’re gone, so to me, this was a surprise. 8 year-old Joey unfortunately lost on the 2nd round, but then he won 3 in a row in the consolation tournament and won the Bronze Medal!! Great Job Joey!!!
This was a great American Sprit Event where regardless of age or ability, kid or adult, a beginner or a world class athlete, sharing the same atmosphere was great. Having many categories so to increase medal winners, getting a second chance even if you lose once is an effort for all participants to have a good experience, not just winning but enjoying the event.
The planned GKJN Cup for June of 2022, I would like to bring both the good portions of US and Japan in to this event. I want all participants to feel Happy.
This style if top class
〜Debut as a Second〜
What did I feel with my debut as a second? Nervous Breakdown. Everything was new to me which was different when I was competing. Of course I was not sure if my English was getting through too. However, all 3 participants tried hard to listen to my advice, did their best to win where I wanted to give everything I’ve got to assist them. A great 2 day experience.
I found opportunities for improvement which can only found through matches, which brought me to understand what I need to do to make them stronger. My target is the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics – a Judo Medalist from the United States – is one of my objectives as a US Judo Youth Development Coach and my dream.
My challenge has just started!!
Sharing the pre-match tension
Great Guys from Tohkon Judo Academy
