~My Partner wins Silver at the World Veterans Championship (Poland)~
What do you imagine when you hear the word “JUDO?” Olympic medalists? The cold tatami? Or the beautiful Womens Judokas?..lol
There maybe many ways that people look at JUDO but I believe that most people have an image that this is “A sport played by special people” This figure is shown in the decrease of Judo Population in Japan. In the 17 years from 2004 to 2021, the Judo Population decreased from 200,000 to 120,000. As for grade school children, the count decreased from 47,000 to 25,000 – roughly half…
On the other hand, the No. 1 Judo Population is in Brazil with 2,000,000 followed by France at 560,000. As for the United States, it’s only 20,000.
However, the biggest difference I felt between US and Japan is that most people here enjoy Judo as “Lifelong Sport where everyone is enjoying”
There are many people how believe that Japan is “Priority is to Win” “Too restrictive” but I believe is shouldn’t be so. I believe it is should be more geared towards “Enjoy your growth while training your body and soul” That is the reason where many people start JUDO after they’re totally grown up or even after retirement. Gender, Age, Experience, none of that matters. This topic is a research item which I together with GKJN will continue to study.
Today I want to talk about the world’s best stage where anyone can test their strength.
From Sep 8th to the 11th, World Veterans Championship (fka World Masters Judo) took place in Krakow, Poland.
My partner Doug Tono, the owner of Tohkon Judo Academy participated in this event in the 66kg/ Age 60~64 Class!!
1. What is “World Veterans Championship?”
This is a global event where Judo Lovers from around the world ages 30 and up can participate. Inaugural event took place in 1999 under the name of “World Masters Judo Championship” currently renamed to the “World Veterans Championship” and is an official annual event for the International Judo Federation (IJF) held around the world every year. In 2003, this event took place in Japan where 1,000 athletes gathered from around the world!! It’s sad that Japan has not been its site since…
2. Tournament Overview
The participation guideline is
- You must be 30 years or older
- Brown Belt (1st Grade) or higher
If you meet these criteria, then anyone can participate. However, if you were part of any National Team and had participated in any International Matches in the past year, you are not eligible to participate. Thus, I am eligible!! (Anyone can fight for your own country, isn’t that great???)
(1) Classes and Age Grades
They are the same as any International Match
Weight Class
Men: 60kg, 66kg, 73kg, 81kg, 90kg, 100kg, 100+kg
Women: 48kg, 52kg, 57kg, 63kg, 70kg, 78kg, 78+kg
Age Grade (Same for both genders)
30~34, 35~39, 40~44, 45~49, 50~54, 55~59, 60~64, 65~69, 70+
*Shime Waza prohibited above age 60
(2) Match Duration
Age Grades 30~59: 3 minutes with an Unlimited Golden Score Time
Age Grades 60 and above: 2.5 minutes with 1 min Golden Score Time.
*Consideration to the elderly is wonderful!!
3. Summary
I did know about this event, but never had seen it before. Although via TV, my first impression was “WOW” I only thought about winning when I competed, but these veterans, although they’re really serious, they wanted to enjoy and challenge, but mostly they showed respect to the opponent. This was a big eye-opener for me where I really thought that in need to think about how should be Judo a lifelong sport.
I also watched Doug at proximity when losing weight prior to the championship – but regardless of age, enjoying training (rigorously) was exciting. When I believe that all the participants are doing the same in their own country, I can only show respect.
Challenging yourself while enjoying – Lifelong Judo is very interesting. I need to start thinking how to promote the fun of Judo in this fashion as well.
FYI – Doug Tono entered in the Age Group 60~64 in the 66kg class and won the Silver Medal!!! BANZAI!! We’re gonna have a big party when he returns!!
Great Job Doug!! I am proud of you!!!
〜Photo Gallery〜
Semifinals
IPPON with Doug’s favorite TOMOE NAGE. Beautiful!!
Event Site, Referees, Live Video – Everything is the same as a normal International Match.
Live worldwide broadcast was available!!
Finals
In the Golden Score Time. Both didn’t give up until the end.
(Doug on the Right) A round of applause for a great fight!!
Everyone congratulated each other at the ceremony. Age, Nationality, none of that matters. They’re all rivals and great friends. Once a year match, and a lifelong friendship through this lifelong sport. How beautiful!!
