Early Summer Chicago was filled with JUDO.
ALL EXCITEMENT, ALL FUN
To all that supported this event I have sent a personal notice, but on June 5th, the Inaugural GKJN Cup has ended in success. This event was co-hosted together with The 25th Tohkon Classis (on June 4th) and had 520 participants. With the parents, coaches the total attendees were around 800!! A very heated up Judo event took place in this early summer in Chicago.
This article is about the “behind-the-scenes” to include preparation of 300 lunches – “The making of the GKJN Cup”
1. The Night Before (June 3rd)
At 17:30 on June 3rd, I am at the Rosemont Dome, the event site. The dome is larger than I imagined. Enough for 2 softball fields. Something never found in Japan.
A lot of labor (as much as my practice) was required to setup the mats, main
This is only half of the dome
Our site is on the other side of the bleachers
tables, podiums, lounges for staff and referees. Everything is hand made!!
When I was an athlete I only concentrated on the match itself, but now I understood and felt grateful to the efforts that needs to be put in by the people that prepare this.
Initial phase of mat placement
In a few hours…WOW!!
The Podium wall is also filled with sponsors. Who’s gonna stand here tomorrow???
The sponsor plaques as though this is an international competition. Thank you to all the sponsors!!
2. Day 1 The 25th Tohkon Classic (June 4th)
320 Judokas ranging from ages 5 to 70 separated into 76 categories, with and addition of the Kata Competition, a total of 456 matches took place on this one day. Once person can enter upto 2 categories which are separated by gender, age, etc. The positives about the US Style is by the abundance of categories, the chances of winning a medal are much higher. (But the stress on the coaches are higher too…)
My duty for Day 1 is to excite the kids at the opening ceremony and work as a presenter at the Medal Ceremony. Also imagination for Day 2 – the GKJN Cup.
Opening Ceremony for Day 1
Everyone’s a bit nervous
When introduced at the opening ceremony, the cheers from the kids were unexpectedly loud which made me smile.
Good Fighting Spirit !!Good job!!!
Beautiful Mixed KATA!!
International Competition???
Adults are also serious. Efforts move hearts.
Medal Ceremony – Opponent on the mat are friends when it’s over. Congratulations!!
