Women’s -63kg 2005 () is now focussing on gold, The women’s -63kg has two leaders: even if she was never able to win against the Japanese Yoshie UENO, who would Decosse. Rasa SRAKA (SLO), Ye-Sul International Federation love to add an Olympic Medal to her HWANG (KOR), Fei CHEN (CHN) and prize list (her sister, Masae, having won Maria PORTELA (BRA) will be interes- 2 Olympic titles) and the French Gé- ting outsiders. Anett MESZAROS, who is vrise EMANE, already world champion coming back from a long injury period, in two different weight categories (-70 could also be counted among the poten- and -63), who would like to definitively tial medalists, if she has recovered. prove that she is the best. The opposi- tion between the two champions should Women’s -78kg IJF NEWS be the fight of the Games in this cate- The women’s -78kg will be one of the gory. One year ago, Ueno was ‘easily’ strongest category of the tournament as N.13 - July 2012 leading the world ranking list, and was the four leaders of the world ranking list actually the competitor with the most will try to win the gold medal, and each points at the World Ranking List (men of them has the potential to do so. Over , 2012 - PREVIEW and women). As a consequence of her the past two years, the lead of the cate- From July 28th to August 3rd, 2012, the Olympic Games will be held in the British capital, London. During seven regular good results, she was designated gory has changed many times. The whole days, the best judo players in the world, coming from 133 countries, will try to get the most prestigious title of their as the best current female judoka on the story begun when the four competitors occasion of the 60th birthday of the IJF, were still juniors. Two years ago, when sports career. Find hereafter the preview of the Games, category by category. celebrated just before the world cham- Kayla Harrison became world champion pionships in . But Gevrise Emane in , the match was transformed Women’s -48kg already incredible prize list. The judo won the World title, a few days later and into a titanic battle. One year later it fter the Olympic Games, Women’s -52kg world discovered her in 2008, when took the lead of the World Ranking. Last was the turn of Audrey Tcheuméo, from Tomoko Fukumi, who easily won There was not one, nor two, but three she won the Kano Cup. In 2009, when January, Ueno won the World Master in , to win the world title in Paris. Athe 2009 World title in , Japanese athletes who entered the she was still beatable, the French Mor- , retaking the first position, but But in Tokyo, Akari Ogata defeated the seemed to be unbeatable, but slowly Ha- World Ranking list in the top twelve and gan Ribout, sent her back home, with Emane was not present. If Ueno might American, before being defeated by her runa Asami (World Champion in 2010 therefor were qualified for the London her outstanding uchi-mata, during the end her career after London 2012 and in Paris, on the occasion of the Grand and 2011) took the leadership over her Games. But the rule is clear, only one World Championship in Rotterdam. become an international coach, Emane Slam. Since Paris, Harrison has been teammate. For the last two years, it has athlete per country and per weight cate- Then, she had a perfect season in has already announced that she wants to increasing the level of her judo and she been obvious that Haruna Asami would gory can attend the Olympics and it was 2010, concluded with the world title. prepare the 2013 World Championships won all the tournaments she was enga- be the one to go to London, but an in- a difficult choice for Japan to differenti- 2011 was a little bit more complicated in Rio. Just behind the two champions, ged in. Last February, in Paris, Mayra jury at the beginning of the spring sea- ate Misato Nakamura and Yuka Nishida. several athletes have the potential to Aguiar also showed that she was in the son completely changed the prediction, The second one, who is currently the reach a medal, if not THE medal: China position to win the Olympics. She easily and it would finally be Fukumi, currently world number 1, was bronze medallist will be present as well as the Nether- beat Tcheumeo, who was actually co- world number one, who will discover the at the world championship 2007, not lands with a strong team and will ming back from an injury. Just behind British Capital as the biggest favorite of bad for a first attempt at the internatio- send a very good outsider in the name the quartet, JOO Abigel, from , the competition in the women’s -48kg. nal level. One year later, Nakamura also of , even if Yarden or the current Olympic Champion, from But one will also have to count on the obtained the bronze medal, this time it GERBI, believed until the last moment, Beijing, YANG Xiuli (CHN), have also Brazilian , world number was in Beijing, when she was only 19 that she will be the representative of very good chances to step on the po- three, sitting just behind the two Ja- years old, on the occasion of the Olym- her country in London. Munkhzaya dium of the London Games, when Heide panese athletes. Menezes just won the pic Games and that experience might TSEDEVSUREN, from Mongolia, 7th at WOLLERT (GER), Marhinde VERKERK Judo Grand Slam, 2012, defea- have made the difference. Or may be it the World Ranking List, has also a good (NED), Anamari VELENSEK (SLO) will ting the and is the fact that Nakamura almost nerer potential, as well as JOUNG Da-Woon be strong outsiders. With so many fa- the Romanian and Olympic Champion, looses against European fighters, the (KOR) or Claudia MALZAHN (GER). vorites and outsiders, the prediction Alina Dumitru. Earlier this year, she also only one having defeated her being the is almost impossible and the women’s obtained a promising silver medal on the French Gneto, during the Judo Grand Women’s -70kg -78kg will definitely be one of the most Slam, Paris 2011. After Beijing, the two specially when her teammate Aiko Sato In 2012, the favorite of the competition, attractive categories of the Olympic champions won all the world titles, two won the World title in Paris. But again, with no doubt, will be the French, Lucie tournament. for Nakamura and one for Nishida, who Matsumoto was able to take the lea- Decosse. Back in 2008, she was already will probably retire just after the games dership. The level of the category being one of the favorites of the Olympic tour- and become a coach. So, Nakamura will very high, it is kind of difficult to give nament, but she was defeated in the fi- be the ultimate favorite in London, and any prediction. If Matsumuto seems to nal by the Japanese, Ayumi Tanimoto. nobody seems to be really in position to be the big favorite, all the other com- For four years, the French has been the challenge her. But the Olympic Games petitors know that she is perfectible. best competitor of her weight category are different from any other competi- World number 3 from Portugal, Telma and nobody seemed to be able to chal- tions and MUNKHBAATAR Bundmaa Monteiro, if she competes in London lenge her… but last February, Haruka (MGL), World number 2, Erika MI- as she did in Paris, last February, will Tachimoto showed her that everything RANDA (BRA), World Number 4, Soraya be unbeatable. , recently was possible. Decosse loosing an ave- HADDAD (ALG), bronze medallist in crowned at the Pan American continen- rage number of one fight per year, de- occasion of the Judo Grand Slam, Paris Beijing 2008 and winner of the African tal championship and Automne Pavia clared it was the one she had to loose 2012 and a bronze medal at the World Championship this year, as well as KEL- are also awaiting a big day for them. But to remotivate herself in the perspective Masters, in Almaty, last January. MENDI Majlinda (IJF), Natalia KUZIU- the top 14 of the category shows also of the Games. She also declared that The last World Judo Tour competitions TINA (RUS) or Priscilla GNETO (FRA), some other big names who can dream she was not particularly stressed about showed that Van Snick, who has been could be considered having a good po- of a medal: Sabrina FILZMOSER (AUT), London. Of course she wants to add to regularly present on the international tential for a medal. regularly present at the international le- her prize list, the last title she is mis- podiums over the past months and Du- vel, Corina CAPRIORIU (ROU), Ioulietta sing, but defeat is part of sports as well mitru, crowned at the European level in Women’s 57kg BOUKOUVALA, bronze medallist a the as victory, said the French champion. Women’s +78kg 2012, were getting ready and should be The favorite of the women’s -57kg Tokyo World Championship, two years Thus Haruka Tachimoto was preferred to Even with a third position at the World able to, at least, step on the podium in weight category again will be a Japanese ago or Giulia QUINTAVALLE, the cur- Yoriko Kunihara to face Decosse, even Ranking list, Tong Wen (CHN) looks like London. athlete, , who will pro- rent Olympic Champion (Beijing 2008). if Kunihara obtained a bronze medal she will be the one to defeat in London. Urantsetseg MUNKHBAT (MGL), Eva bably put an end to her brilliant career Among the outsiders, at the world championships in 2011. Current Olympic Champion and World CSERNOVICZKI (HUN), WU Shugen in London. As she declared to the maga- (USA), Kifayat GASIMOVA (AZE), Hed- Edith Bosch will definitely be one of Champion, she seems to be unbeatable. (CHN), (ARG) and Lae- zine ‘l’Esprit du Judo’, after the Games, vig KARAKAS (HUN), Irina ZABLUDINA the other favorites of the tournament. Actually, China, with four athletes into titia PAYET (FRA) will be among the she wants to become a judo coach, a (RUS) or Miryam ROPER (GER) are not Having already obtained two Olympic the Olympic quota, has taken the lead of outsiders of the competition. Until the pastry cook or an astronomer. But be- unknown competitors. Medals (silver and bronze), the Dutch the category, even if the Japanese squad last moment, the selection of the French fore that, she would like to add the athlete, who was also world champion in remains a true value. Mika Sugimoto athlete was not sure. Frédérique Jossi- most beautiful has had some diffi- net, the silver medallist of the medal to her culties over the Olympic Games, tried to obtain a new past months and probably last chance to participate to main- in the Olympics, but the young Payet, who defeated her during the last conti- nental cham- pionships, in Chelyabinsk, finally obtai- ned the pre- cious London ticket.

IJF News N.13 - page 1 tain a constant level, but with her two the competition. But with such a level, Men’s -100kg world titles, she will be also one of the nobody is assured to step on the po- Can Takamasa ANAI (JPN) become favorites of the tournament. Bronze me- dium, and surprises can occur. Olympic Champion, after his beautiful dallist in Beijing 2008, and silver medal- World Title, obtained in Tokyo in 2010? list at the Open World Championships in Men’s -81kg Yes, he has definitely the potential, but Rio 2007, Lucija Polavder (SLO), will try, The men’s -81kg is a very interesting Anai is unpredictable and he can win with a small size, to foil the prognostics. and open category, with many athletes or loose by ippon at any time. With no Just behind, the Russian or having the potential to catch the gold real concurrence in Japan, his selection (CUB), KIM Na-Young (KOR), Maria Sue- medal. Of course one will have to keep was obvious, but the predictions are still len ALTHEMAN (BRA), Gulsah KOCA- an eye on the Ja- TURK (TUR) will be the outsiders, when panese fighter, Ta- Anne-Sophie MONDIERE, from France kahiro Nakai, even dreams of a career in a high end. if he was never Men’ -60kg able to won a me- Japan had two athletes qualified for dal on the occasion the Games, and finally it was HIRAOKA of an international Hiroaki who was designated by the All championship. The Japan Judo Federation instead of YAMA- major favorite will MOTO Hirofumi, even if YAMAMOTO had be world number a better ranking in the World Ranking two, KIM Jae-Bum, List. But HIRAOKA has been present already Olympic on almost all the podiums in the inter- silver medallist and national competition he participated in two times world over the last two years. Nevertheless, in champion. But to- London, all eyes will be concentrated on day’s world number Rishod SOBIROV, from Uzbekistan. The one, from Brazil, unquestionable world number one, with Leandro Guilheiro, almost twice the points as the number 2, will definitively have and designated best current judo player something to say in in the world on the occasion of the 60th London to do better birthday of the IJF, last Summer, SO- than his two Olym- BIROV, will be the grand favorite of the pic bronze medals, which represents impossible for the athlete raised to the Olympic tournament. Nevertheless, no- already a high longevity performance. Tenri sauce. The winner of the World thing is written in advance and the the The challenge of is also Judo Masters, Almaty 2012, and of Uzbek defeat on the occasion of the last very interesting. Olympic champion, in the Judo Grand Prix, Düsseldorf Judo Grand slam in Moscow, last May, is Beijing 2008, he wants to conquer a se- 2012, Maxim RAKOV a good sign for his opponents. It must be cond title in a different weight category, (KAZ), could be said that Sobirov was coming back from as he won the title in the men’s -73kg seen as an injury, but for sure, Georgii ZANTA- in China. Last May, MAmmadli declared RAIA (UKR), Arsen GALSTYAN (RUS), that none of his opponents for the Olym- Amiran PAPINASHVILI (GEO), Gwang- pic title, afraid him. Hyeon CHOI (KOR), Ilgar MUSHKIYEV (AZE) or Sofiane MILOUS (FRA) are keen to show that they have also the poten- tial to become Olympic Champions or at least to step on the podium for a so im- portant medal in a sports career.

After his victory on the occasion of the Men’s -66kg Judo Grand Slam, Paris 2012, Ole Bis- the favorite of the competition, specially IMPORTANT INFORMATION In 2009, when be- chof, the current Olympic Champion, since he became world number one in ABOUT THE COACHES UNIFORM come Champion, in Bel- can also dream of a second gold medal, this category. But with only a fifth place During competition - preliminaries grade, nobody knew him, but on that as well as the World Champion from Rot- on the occasion of the last European and finals, coaches can wear their grab the legs of his opponent without special occasion, the Japanese athlete terdam, Ivan NIFONTOV, who will repre- Cup in in June, it looks like no- NOC uniform or the official IJF dress any penalty”. After the draw at the showed to the world his international sent . Alain SCHMITT (FRA), who thing is written in advance. The Olympic code (suit and tie). Same for the draw. Olympics, the IJF Refereeing Commis- potential. Still perfectible, EBINUMA, just won the World Cup in Portugal last bronze medalist and two times World sil- sion will be at your entire disposal to had some difficulties to increase his June, could represent a new generation ver medallist, Henk GROL (NED), wants CROSS GRIP answer your questions or remarks. level until the All Japan Judo cham- of champions even if he is already 28 to show that he can win a major inter- In order to avoid any misinterpretation pionship, that he brilliantly won. Selec- years old. Travis STEVENS (USA) and national event. Russia preferred to send regarding the cross grip and leg grab- JUDOGI TO BE USED DURING ted for the World Championship in Paris, Sergiu TOMA (MDA) are very good outsi- to London its world number 7, Tagir bing, we would like to stress that there THE LONDON OLYMPIC GAMES 2012 in 2011, once again, he demonstrated ders and if it is a good day for the World KHAIBULAEV, instead of its World num- have not been any changes made to Judokas are required to have 4 judogi an outstanding technical level and be- Champion from Cairo 2005, Guillaume ber 4, Sergei SAMOILOVICH. Tuvshin- be applied during the Olympic Games -2 white and 2 blue with them and it came World Champion, replacing Mo- ELMONT, the competition can become bayar NAIDAN, first Mongolian Olympic in London 2012. must be explained why: if one of them rishita Junpei on the world tablets. In even harder for the favorites. Champion in Judo, in Beijing, wants “As long as a contestant makes a bleeds on the judogi, he will get a London, EBINUMA can become one of again to pass the gold medal around cross grip, that means with a grip with spare one but that is without country the greatest competitors in the history of Men’s -90kg his neck and Ariel ZEEVI, would like to two hands, one hand on the opposite flag, name of country or name of judo- his weight category. But the battle will Already Olympic Champion, and two prove to the world that he is still a strong side of the back, shoulder or arm of ka. And in this case, they might have a be rough. Musa MOGUSHKOV, who has times world champion at only 25 years outsider for the title. This is possible the other contestant, he should attack judoka fighting all day long in a judogi been designated by Russia to represent old, is a phenomena and he after Zeevi’s demonstration during the immediately or the referee must pe- without any identification, which is his country, the world champion and can become a real judo legend in Lon- last European Championship in Russia. nalize with SHIDO. In this situation is also bad for the image of the country. Olympic bronze medallist Tsagaanbaatar don if he wins again the ultimate title. Certainties and uncertainties are the key permitted for the other contestant to This measure is not optional • KHASHBAATAR (MGL), the two times Every lights are green for the Greek hero. words of the men’s -100kg category and world silver medallist, Leandro CUNHA He is definitely the man to beat, but ac- it makes the forecast almost impossible. (BRA), the winner of the Judo Grand Prix Rotterdam 2011, Rok DRAKSIC Men’s +100kg (SLO), the silver medallist of the Judo The men’s heavy weight category will be Grand Slam, Paris 2012, CHO Jun-Ho the highlight of the judo show in London. (KOR), beaten in the final by the French is already a legend with his David LAROSE, are also very good outsi- five individual world titles (+ team world ders in the men’s -66kg weight category. champion). But one Olympic title is mis- sing to the French giant. Bronze medallist Men’s -73kg in Beijing at the early age of 19, defeated Once again, this category will be one of by Abdullo Tangriev, Riner did everything the attractions of the Olympic Games. possible to become the strongest man in Last August in Paris, with almost 100 Judo. If he wins the title in London, he competitors, the men’s -73kg tourna- will become the best active judoka. But he ment was a terrific battle for gold. World tually, he is beatable, as it was the case will have to face hundreds of kilograms of number one and two times world cham- two times this year. The second one was opposition. Andreas TOELZER has been pion, WANG Ki-Chun (KOR), who was on the occasion of the last European announcing over the past months, that he expecting a new world title was defea- Championship in Chelyabinsk, where Il- has found the solution to beat Riner. Ra- ted within a few seconds by the French, iadis was leading by waza-ari and yuko, fael SILVA, won the Judo World Masters in , with an aerial uchi-mata. made a mistake at the end of the com- Almaty, but the French was not there. The Since then, WANG has won many gold bat and was finally thrown to the floor for Egyptian, Islam EL SHEHABY, is recove- medals: in the Judo Grand Prix, Abu ippon by a surprising Christophe Lam- ring from a severe injury but he can still Dhabi 2011, the Jeju World Cup, the bert (GER), who obtained his Olympic be at his highest level within a few weeks. Judo Grand Prix Qingdao 2011, the qualification after this fight. But more KIM Sung-Min (KOR), is always a danger, World Judo Masters, Almaty 2012, the interesting was the first loss of this year, as well as Barna BOR (HUN), the already Judo Grand Prix, Düsseldorf 2012 and which happened in Almaty during the mentioned and Open World Champion, the Asian Championship in . world Judo Masters, last Januray. Ma- from Uzbekistan, Abdullo TANGRIEV or But in Paris, the world title went to Na- sashi Nishiyama (JPN) defeated the Oscar BRAYSON (CUB). But there are still kaya Riki (JPN), who will definitely be world number one, only by penalty. But two mysteries in this weight category: the one of the favorites of the Olympic tour- with that victory, Masashi Nishiyama ob- three times world champion from Russia, nament. And what to say about Isaev tained his qualification against the other Alexander Mikhaylin, who has definitely Mansur (RUS), bronze medallist in Al- Nishiyama (Daiki) of the category, who the potential to annoy Riner and his explo- maty, last January, the two times world already lost two time in the final of the sive judo and high grip, and the Japanese, silver medallist, (NED), World Championship, against… Iliadis. Daiki Kamikawa, who is the only one who and Ugo Legrand from France, already Just behind, one will have to carefully defeated Riner since Beijing 2008. It mentioned and recently crowned at the follow Dilshod CHORIEV (UZB), Varlam was on the occasion of the Open World continental level? That they will be very LIPARTELIANI (GEO) or Asley GONZA- Judo Championship, Tokyo 2010. Since good pretenders for an olympic medal as LEZ (CUB), where Brazil, Russia and then, the French has clearly shown to the well. SAINJARGAL Nyam-Ochir (MGL), have also good chances for Japanese and to the world that it was a Navruz JURAKOBILOV (UZB), Dirk VAN a medal. wrong turn in its sports career. But can TICHELT (BEL), will be the outsiders of such an event occur again? •

IJF News N.13 - page 2 Invited Countries The first Palestinian to take part in the London Games To be qualified for the Games will be a Judoka

The list of the countries eligible for an invitation to participate in the London 2012 Olympic ABU RMILAH Maher was born in East Jerusalem and he will be the first ever Palestinian athlete to be Games has officially been released. Please find hereafter the list of the countries and names ‘qualified’ for the Olympic Games that will be held next summer. of the athletes who will be receiving an invitation. 116 countries have already qualified for the London 2012 Olympic Games, after the Olympic qualification process (direct qualifica- During the qualification process, the 29-year-old athlete obtained 20 precious points, which are synonymous of qualification and therefore tion and/or continental quota), which ended after the last continental championships a few he did not need an invitation. «It is the very first time in the history of our country, that an athlete will go to the Games, thanks to his sports weeks ago. 20 more invitations still had to be attributed. After the meeting of the Tripartite capacities only. He did qualify himself and thus did not need to be invited, as it is the case for all the other Palestinian participants, who Commission, the list was officialy released on June 12th. Due to the important number of will go to London», declared with delight Hani al-Halabi, the Palestinian head of delegation for London 2012. countries already qualified and due to the strict rules of the IOC concerning the invitations, 17 countries received an invitation to participate in the Games. The three remaining invi- With his points, ABU RMILAH Maher will be present in the British capital and will be competing in the men’s -73kg. If he will be the only tations will go back to the International Judo Federation, which will designate the invited athlete from his country to go to London with a direct qualification, furthermore it is the first time in the sports history that a Palestinian will athletes based on the World Ranking List. not need an invitation from the International Olympic Committee to participate in an olympic event. «I feel good and I am really proud to be qualified for the Olympics’, explained the young champion, before adding: «I am so thrilled to go to MONACO - SICCARDI Yann TOGO - DENANYOH Kouami Sacha London. I did something great with my qualification. I know that.» LEBANON - CHAMMAS Caren AFGHANISTAN - FAIZZADA Ajmal BELIZE - SANCHEZ Eddermys ARUBA - MATA Jayme Lee «It is a big step forward for Palestine», explained the IJF President, Mr. Marius Vizer. «Thanks to the World Ranking list and the qualification HONDURAS - GODOY GODOY Kenny Alexander BENIN - GNAHOUI Jacob Nel process that we have implemented since 2007, we have opened the doors to many countries, which couldn’t imagine to participate without RWANDA - SEKAMANA UWASE Fred Yannick PARAGUAY - ACEVEDO Abraham an invitation. Judo is definitely a universal sport», added the IJF President. DJIBOUTI - RAGUIB Sally Faissal Abdourahman MYANMAR - AUNG Aye Aye CAMBODGE - KHOM Ratanakmony LIBERIA - SARYEE Liva In fact, in 2012, 116 countries have qualified for the Games. This is definitely a record. And 20 more judoka, from around the world will also be invited. Africa has 24 countries already qualified, 40, Asia 21, Oceania 10 and Pan America 21. Only 4 countries have GUYANA - LALL Raul BURUNDI - NTAHONVUKIYE Odette qualified their 14 athletes (one per category): Japan, Korea, France and Brazil. Great Britain, as the hosting country, will also have 14 judo AMERICAN SAMOA - LIU Anthony players present during the games •

The IJF attributes the 3 remaining position for the Olympic Games the IJF has attributed the 3 remaining places, which were left after the tripartite commission had attributed 17 invitations for the Olympic Games. The 3 remaining places after the distribution of the Tripartite places returned to the qualification system, as per the Qualification Rules. They were granted to the three best ranked athletes in the WRL, regardless of category or gender. The three athletes qualified according to the above are:

-70 kg BARBIERI, Erica (ITA) -57 kg MELANCON, Joliane (CAN) -52 kg SUNDBERG, Jaana (FIN)

letes were present in Algiers, reached represented for most athletes, who ne- The Doors of the Highest Judo Level its cruising speed, and for the members, ver or rarely before had left their homes, If you ask the ‘coach’, as everyone calls A High Performance Perfume Sidi Fredj has become a second home. but also the general lack of high level Gabriel here, how many medals his ath- African IJF Olympic Training Center judo experience for most of the judoka. letes could get in London, the answer A Real Challenge is straightforward: «It will be hard, even Nestled in the heart of the forest as possible. The general opinion is that This taste of challenge and the need to «During the first weeks we had only six though I know that some athletes from of the small city of Sidi Fredj, a everything has not been easy and that the ‘roll up your sleeves’ is widely shared. countries present. But it was a start. So the center have great potential and are challenge was very tough, as is was hi- Gabriel Sapta does not say the contra- every day, several times a week, tireless- now able to give stiff competition to few hundred meters from the ry. At the request of the IJF President, ly, I called the federation presidents to the world’s best, as it was the case for Mediterranean seashore, the ghlighted by the center’s director, Karim Noui: «It was difficult and complicated at Marius Vizer, the sporting director has explain to them the interest that they had ‘Dédé’ (Dieudonné DOLASSEM, -90 kg, small holiday resort, which was the very beginning, because we did not been present on the shores of the Medi- in sending their best judoka to the cen- Cameroon) at the World Championships chosen to host the IJF Olympic know really where we were putting our terranean Sea, just 40 km from Algiers, ter. I called again and again, to convince in Paris last year, where he won several training center, over the past feet, but the unwavering support of the since the beginning of the adventure, as many countries as possible so that rounds before being defeated due to a months, has taken on a high IJF has been a great help. The financial and he can be considered as the pillar of they would make the necessary efforts small error. But there is still work to do, performance perfume. Here one and logistical support provided by the Al- the center and its orchestra conductor. to support the center. And it worked! 26 technical work of course but also phy- can train hard and with fervor. gerian Government and by the Algerian Initially assisted by Dani Gheorghe, who countries in Africa have finally responded sical work and mental preparation. We Bodies and minds are strained. Judo Federation, headed by Dr. Ali Bend- accompanied him throughout the begin- to the call. This is good. We can do better still have a few weeks in front of us.» jemaa, also allowed us to offer the best ning of the whole story (Dani is now in in the future, but I’m happy because this But the atmosphere is relaxed. is an important first step for the develop- Dieudonné does not say the contrary. He It can be easily noticed that the service possible to all countries» South Africa), Gabriel Sapta could talk for hours about the life of the center. ment of judo throughout the continent,» also points out that here, he has been Olympic qualifications are over For two years he has put his life on hold recalls Gabriel, before adding, «we have learning to fight in the positive sense. and that there is no more pres- Unwavering Commitment of Algeria Gradually, the center which is funded in Belgium, leaving behind his wife and really started from scratch in the first He has been learning to build his judo, sure to get results and points… by the IJF and the Algerian govern- children, and he has been living through weeks. Athletes arrived here, often after to attack, to take risks and to impose his at least until July and August. ment (full board accommodation of the all the stages of development: the arri- lengthy air travel from home. They were rhythm. He gained confidence in him- athletes, medical expenses, visa fees, val in a country where the tradition of uprooted, cut from their origins and they self, and is no longer afraid of his oppo- ll the athletes that are still present airfare for the participation in interna- judo is well established, but for which did not know what training to qualify for nents, regardless of their origin. Now he in May 2012 are now getting ready tional competitions, some travels from the challenge of managing a continental the Olympics meant. With all the staff, believes that he is ready for great per- Afor the Olympics and are taking the country of origin of the athletes, center was great, the choice of the loca- we started to teach them judo from the formance. To demonstrate that? His re- real pleasure in being together, sweating bonuses ...), with the strong support tion (three options were initially selec- very beginning and today I am proud of cent silver medal on the occasion of the together, living together, with one single from the Algerian Judo Federation and ted), the arrival of the first judoka in Au- the work that has been done.» Senior African Championships in Agadir. goal: to get to the British capital as fit various national federations whose ath- gust 2010, the cultural shock that this

IJF News N.13 - page 3 day you already know that you will suf- of the young champions. When it came London, the coach has confirmed that fer on the mat or on the beach during a to the site selection for establishing the he will be present on the banks of the physical preparation session,» adds the center, the location nearby the coast de- Thames in July and August. When the group of girls. Then in the evening, after finitely played in favor of Sidi Fredj. This athletes learned it, they exploded with a long day of sweat and body aches, big is a real treasure. «Other places might joy. chocolate cakes appear on the table and have offered more infrastructures, but everybody celebrates with Basile, eve- to go running in the forest, or making From the Idea to the Reality rybody laughs until they have stomach good physical training sessions along Two years of adventure are now being aches. Carine, Antonia and Audrey the seashore has no price,» says Gabriel completed. What was just an idea and spent part of their afternoon free time Sapta. a desire, expressed by the International making a typical African meal. They Judo Federation (i.e. to develop a pre- took the opportunity to remember all Located a bit outside of Algiers, the paration center for African Olympic ath- these months that just passed. Forward- center is ideally placed to effectively or- letes on the African continent), through looking, all three girls being qualified for ganize the preparation of the athletes. hard work and investment, has become the Games, they still have their minds That’s why, a few weeks ago, the Geor- a reality. Work is still necessary, ad- full of images. Everything has not always gian team, led by Peter Seisenbacher, justments must be made, but «We had been rosy, «When we arrived, everything came here to face the African elite who to create a group, a group of athletes, was different: places, time, people, atti- are no longer ashamed of their level. which had to qualify for the Games. tudes, training. But today we are really This is now done,» said the President, happy to have lived this extraordinary «In the future, we should open the ac- Marius Vizer, before adding: «but what It is obvious that the group of judoka, to athletes whose lives in their home adventure». cess to the center even more to other we also wanted to offer was technical which has gathered at the center, has country or in their social environment and teaching knowledge changed its state of mind. The doors of are not always idyllic. The day ends in the to as many countries as the highest Judo level are finally opened coach’s pavilion for a possible, because to- to the entire continent. For several ge- A Second Father good party and great morrow these African nerations, the best results were mainly Carine, from Chad, who has qualified for atmosphere. Fati- athletes, who will parti- obtained by judoka from northern Afri- the Olympics, understands that: «The gue seems forgotten, cipate in London or who can countries (Egypt, Tunisia, Morocco, coach has become our second daddy. homesickness had di- have passed through Algeria ...) that have a long tradition He makes us suffer, that’s for sure, yet sappeared, the volume the center, will return to of judo competition. But now everyone it is useful, even necessary, because we of the music gets cran- their home country and agrees in saying that the installation of can get nothing without working hard. ked up a notch and eve- in turn will be able to the center here greatly contributed to But beyond suffering, beyond the diffi- ryone enjoys the African transmit what they have improve the level in Africa while crea- culties, he is always present for us. He rhythms. 11 p.m.: eve- learned. Gabriel Sapta, ting a very good emulation for Algerian listens, is caring, considerate, so hu- ryone in bed. «We are with his knowledge of judo. man!» not here to have fun,» Africa and of High Per- says Gabriel Sapta while formance Training, has Exchanges with the Algerian national The true friendship relationships laughing, before adding done an exemplary job. team take place regularly and many between the members of the group, over more seriously: «I treat It is also important to future national champions are part of the months, have clearly become strong. them as true professio- mention the support of the group managed by Gabriel Sapta. Here, one does not show or proclaim his/ nals and they must un- the Algerian Judo Fede- The young Nachida Zellouf is a perfect her nationality, but everybody shares: the derstand that there is a ration and the Algerian example. At 20 years old, she has her moments of pain and suffering as well time for everything: for government, without whole future ahead of her. 7th place as the moments of joy and happiness. work and for relaxation.» which nothing would have been pos- at the World Junior Championships in Basile, from Chad, is not qualified for Jokingly, all those who came to Sidi delegations from around the world.» sible. Thank you to all of them.» 2009 in Paris, she went on to win the the Games - in addition, he is suffering Fredj christened the place ‘Guantanamo This seems to be a real demand from continental junior title in 2010 and from a knee problem. It is tough for him. Fredj.’ To illustrate that, Dédé specifies: everybody. The conditions to facilitate In Sidi Fredj, athletes are not really wor- also won the senior Arab cham- «It is in pain that we can pro- exchanges are reunited and will be even ried about their distant future. They are pionship in 2011. Perfectly in- gress, at the end it makes us feel better with some adjustments. currently focused on the Olympics. Yet tegrated within the group, she good but we need decompression many of them face the question of what continues to hone her arms and times, it’s important.» As the weather is getting warmer these will happen after. «What will I do? How dreams of a continental title days on the coast of Algeria, the training to use everything I have learned here? before setting her hopes even The Opening to the Rest of the World sessions keep going. «Oh, it was diffi- Can I transmit it and how?...» These are higher. Ziad Maafi, her club coach The next morning, the little party cult at first,» recalls Dieudonné, «it was some of the issues. Some have also pro- who also assists Gabriel Sapta on of the past day is long gone, and so cold.» Basil confirms: «In my house fessional plans and they would like to a daily basis in all administrative everybody is again looking forward in Chad, we have temperatures like 35, build their future based on the contacts matters, is adamant: «This young to London. Like every day for the 40 or even 50 degrees year round, and that they have made during their stay in lady has true potential and what last two years, muscle toning here it was Siberia!» Algeria, to try to bring a dream to life, to she has been learning here while starts at 8:00 a.m. sharp. Every transform an idea or a passion into an in contact with the other Afri- day, another judoka is appointed «When we arrived, the roof had col- activity that would allow them to live and can nations, will help her in her to wake-up all his/her teammates. lapsed in the dojo and we had to redo to help their families to live. The chal- sporting career but also in her Abs, buttocks, triceps, pushups... everything. Unfortunately, there are still lenges are still numerous, but when you professional life. She is currently as an appetizer for breakfast. the pillars in the middle of the tatami see those that have been fulfilled over studying to become a coach, she Then, based on the training pro- but we are able to train properly no- the last two years, on the south coast is as motivated as ever and in ad- gram, the training will continue netheless,» explains the coach. Today’s of the Mediterranean Sea, everything is dition, the good results that she on the beach, at the gym or in the dojo. program will be two hours of standing possible. Without a doubt, among the has gained, thanks to the center, have Yet he is still present, smiling, his tall judo: «We are still working really hard sixty judoka from 26 countries who have already helped her to progress socially. silhouette walking throughout the cen- Before arriving at the center, many ju- for a while, before focusing on quality come to the center, many of them will Through her efforts, she is now able to ter and making himself available as a doka did not even know what a beach before the Games. Athletes will partici- have a role to play in the future • help her family. This is really great to training partner. So when it comes to was, such as the Zambian athletes for pate in two tournaments, one in Spain observe.» celebrating his birthday: «We’re gonna example. They are still not sure that they and the other in Romania. Then gradual- set this place on fire!» says the whole like it today: «It’s hard to work on the ly the center will be emptied of its occu- It is also one of the keys to success of group. «It’s important to have a little fun sand, it hurts all over, but it’s still nice pants as we will approach the Games.» the Algiers’ center: giving a new horizon anyway, to relax, because the following to train in this environment,» say most Long undecided about his presence in

IJF News N.13 - page 4 this card. I will do it myself for the next after these changes, I won the Masters. robot. Olympics, and I will cry myself when I become champion...” This shows his IJF: Without going too deep into the IJF: I know it is kind of a stupid ques- Interview desire! technical aspects because I don’t want tion, because now, your next step, your to give away your secrets whatsoever, next goal is the Olympic Games but do with Elnur Mammadli EM: And that I am a gentleman! but can you explain to us, a little bit, you already have a slight idea of what how you made that change when you you will do after the Olympics? IJF: And the girl, what is she doing now? learned about it? and his Coach EM: Of course, first of all, I will have a EM: She also fought in the European Coach: After the Olympic Games, Elnur rest in Antalya, Paris, Germany… If you few days prior to the Judo Grand Championships, but she is not a compe- had a leg injury and had an operation invite me, I will come to visit you. I have Prix, 2012, the IJF media IJF: Can you explain to us how you dis- titor anymore. in Germany. His next competition was been in so many places for competitions Ateam had the chance and great covered judo, who showed you judo, etc. in Tunis. At that time, it was very diffi- that I forget where I have been. honor to meet and follow the Olympic The very beginnings of Elnur Mammadli IJF: So we already talked about how the cult for him to come back from an injury Champion from Beijing 2008, Elnur in judo... and then the IJF changed the technical IJF: Now it’s kind of open. If you want to MAMMADLI. Gold medal in the -73 kg Olympic title completely changed your life, for sure. Can you explain to us, a rules, but he adapted. Immediately af- say something, just feel free to do so… weight category, Elnur will compete in Coach: His elder brother was doing judo. ter, he became very comfortable with the under 81 kg in London. In a few weeks little be more, what exactly changed in Once, he came home from a competi- new techniques. As you saw in Beijing, EM: At the World Championships in Pa- time, the Azerbaijan hero will try to col- your life? tion with a third place. And when he his technical aspects are very high level. ris, all of the population comes to the lect a second gold medal at the Olym- got home, everybody looked at him like He is a bit shy about himself, but he is EM: I got married after, and now I have tournament. My idea is that in France, pics, which would represent a premiere a hero. At that time, he thought, “Why a son. I became more responsible, be- very talented… he has a lot of technical after football, judo has the second place. for his country. In the meantime, he is not me?” After that, his brother helped cause I have to pay attention to what all variance. In the view of Azerbaijan national sports, getting ready for the big rendezvous and him to come to this way. Elnur saw how of Azerbaijan thinks of me. Before I was judo has become very popular, thanks to is training with his personal coach, in his brother became a champion with his just an ordinary guy. Since the indepen- IJF: Can you explain to us, what your pro- sportsmen like me and others, Olympic Ismayilli, at one of the Olympic training 3rd place, how he became a hero in the dence of Azerbaijan, I am the first to win gram will be for the next 3 months, until and European champions. My desire is centers of the country. family, and so then he would follow him. a gold medal in judo. It was a very un- the Olympics? for people to come to the competitions believable thing for me for our national in Azerbaijan like in Paris. In Azerbaijan, IJF: Within the Judo family, we all know IJF: At what age did you begin? EM: For 10 days I am training here in Is- the President is the head of the Olympic Elnur Mammadli. The judo world knows President to come to the stadium when I won and give me my medal. That made mayilli, after I will go to a training camp Committee. He shows personal interest, you, but they don’t know you personally, EM: Nine years old. in Antalya, Turkey and then to Barcelona and so sport is increasing in Azerbaijan, and most people outside the judo world it two times better for me. for an International training camp too. day by day. Maybe in other countries, don’t know you. What we want is to Coach: When he came to judo, all the Then I will go to Moscow for the Grand there is not the direct and special inte- present our heroes, and you are one of IJF: What are your challenges for the up- trainers and coaches immediately saw coming Olympic Games? Prix. And of course I will be in Baku for rest of the Head of State. If I become an them. We are not here to tell any ‘se- that he had talent. the song contest, Eurovision! Olympic champion again, I will be part crets’ but to paint a portrait of you, and of history because there is no sportsman EM: As you know, judo is such a game your preparation for the Olympic Games. in Azerbaijan who has two Olympic gold IJF: At the very beginning, when you that you never know what will happen. IJF: It’s important! We simply want to present “Who is El- medals. After changing the rules in judo, were nine years old, your dream was But of course I will go for gold. A lot nur?” it became much more active, much more already to become a champion? of times, a European Champion, a World EM: Behind the curtain, I will show our flag. interesting. It’s very difficult, but the Yashar ALLAHVERDIYEV (coach): Be- Champion, even an Olympic Champion EM: Of course, at nine years old, the beauty is in the difficulty. fore Elnur Mammadli, in Azerbaijan, comes to the Olympic tournament and peak of my desire was to become the IJF: Are you looking at the results of in sports complexes, there wasn’t any loses to a much weaker representative. Olympic champion. other champions in your weight catego- Coach: At the Olympic Games it’s impos- interest in judo. All the stadiums and It’s normal. My challenge is to fight for ry? Their matches, what they are doing? sible to say who will certainly win. It’s clubs were closed to judo because no victory again. Coach: I’d like to tell you a little story. Watching videos…? Of course, you know a beautiful event, but you have to be a one came. But after the Olympic cham- bit lucky. In fact, you stole my idea! I wanted to IJF: Can you tell us a bit about the you are third in the WRL, there is num- pionship, it was a big huge waterfall-like come to that step, to talk to you about change in your weight category? That’s ber one and number two in your weight effect at the places of judo. It is with these words that the discussion this subject. one first challenge, isn’t it? The second category, but there are 15-20 people While explaining Elnur’s start in judo, who will meet at the Olympics. with Elnur MAMMADLI and his coach Elnur MAMMADLI: It’s not the main thing challenge is also the change in the judo his coach, who had just finished his din- came to an end. For several hours, the to become the Olympic champion… techniques — direct leg grabs are now ner put his hand around Elnur’s shoul- EM: The first, Leandro GUILHEIRO, champion returned to his training and What is different from the Olympic forbidden. Can you comment about der. With a big laugh and very relaxed, the Brazilian, I fought with him. I ne- concentration. During the next three champion is in all Azerbaijan, people those changes for you? the champion told him: ver fought with the Korean, KIM, the months, his life will be fully dedicated saw me as an ordinary guy who didn’t to the ultimate goal of winning a second EM: For me, the change in weight is not second. Of course I watch them, and I do anything and suddenly I became a Olympic title, which in itself represents EM: Don’t put your chicken hands on my a problem because all athletes can di- know that they also watch me. Of course very famous person, a hero in the entire an outstanding achievement. When you shoulder — it makes me nervous !! rectly change their weight. It’s normal. it’s normal that I watch them and pay nation, not just in judo and judo life, know that he has changed his weight Often when they changed their weight, attention to their results. but also in all of Azerbaijan. Maybe you class and that during the Olympiad, new Coach: In each Olympic games, there is they immediately lost. But thank god remember, when there was the closing rules have been implemented at the in- a young boy and a girl from each country this situation is not for me, I am again IJF: Other athletes are focusing on video, ceremony in Beijing, there were 3 pic- ternational level, new rules that could who are not sportsmen, who have spe- in this arena, this tatami. In the World analyzing all the fights, the details, and tures representing the competition: one have severely disrupted his judo, the cial places. In the Athens games, Elnur Ranking List, I am third – even if I chan- so on… Is that a kind of training that of them was a photo of Michael Phelps, challenge becomes even greater. Howe- was one of them. He just went to the ged my weight. I became the European you are doing also? Or are you watching the American swimmer, the second was ver, a big smile across his face and good Olympic Games to represent Azerbai- Champion two times, I won the Masters, just to know? Usain Bolt, from Jamaica, and the third humor seem to inhabit the champion. jan. He was 16 years old. The Olympic in my new weight category! So no matter was me. These 3 photos showed that in Permanently attentive and thoughtful… committee gave cards to these young which competition I went to, minimum EM: For me, it’s not the main thing. All the Beijing Games, we were the most fa- he offered us his precious time and sha- people to attend the Opening Ceremo- I got third place. The change in weight the main things happen on the tatami. mous athletes. red a little of his life. Motivated more ny, but they only gave just one card to was a challenge, but for me it’s not so than ever, ready for the challenge and each country. They made a draw and much a problem. IJF: How do you feel today? Just a simple Coach: Let them be afraid of him! He never bitter, actually quite the contrary, gave the card to Elnur Mammadli, but question. just watches and that’s all. He doesn’t today he considers that International Elnur gave the card to the girl and said, IJF: And concerning the technical make analysis, or focus on them. Of Judo is going in the right direction and “The next Olympic Games, I will come EM: It’s not an ordinary day, it is inte- changes? That’s a big change for you… course it’s normal that other athletes although it is harder than yesterday, it myself. I don’t need a card, I will walk resting because you are here! If you are focusing on the other fights, but for makes it even more beautiful. Thank you in the parade, I will fight myself and I weren’t, it would be an ordinary work- EM: Of course leg grab techniques were example, maybe suddenly on the tatami to Elnur MAMMADLI. He is not only a will become the champion. I don’t need out day, and after I would go to sleep! my royal techniques, my favorite tech- Elnur will change his tactic. We are just champion, he is an incredible human this card. I am not going to the Olym- Thanks to you, I’m sitting here — it is niques, but I have other movements! It focusing on ourselves. You can’t learn being • pic Games with this card. I have to earn very interesting and very fun. was very difficult, but as you know, even everything from videos. Elnur is not a

IJF News N.13N.12 - page 5 go to the National Stadium to prac- passed away in his homeland. talked about talents on display, lost tice with more advanced judoka.” “It was one of the toughest days in out in the preliminary rounds. My Olympic Dream “I knew by then that there was a big my life but at that moment training With his Olympic bid under threat difference between us and the rich become my mission, my journey to and the pressure growing, the defiant countries in the world. For us life is success and I passed out into the Team Bath fighter battled back in the about survival, we haven’t got what field army.” repechage to the reach the bronze Emmanuel Nartey they have but we have the desire and medal contest where he narrowly the heart to fight, we were taught to With his emotions still raw but the lost out to finish in the all-important frican judoka Emmanuel Nar- “I’d get up at 5:30am in the morning give our best in everything until the fire inside him still burning, Emma- fifth-place and qualify for the Olym- tey will fulfil a lifelong dream at the age of 9. My mother would be end, we were taught to believe, we nuel’s judo talents were spotted by pic Games. A this summer when he com- in the kitchen cooking breakfast for will make it even if in reality there his Commanding Officer who took petes at his first Olympic Games in us and then I’d walk three miles to seems to be no hope.” him to Team Bath’s High Performance “For my family, it was a sense of great In 2002, at the tender age of 18, Em- Judo Centre. joy and emotion, they couldn’t believe London and becomes the first Gha- school and three miles back in 40 de- grees heat.” manuel decided to make a life-chan- it, they couldn’t believe that I had se- naian to represent his country in ging decision and moved to England “My Commanding Officer, Alex Leslie, cured my place as an Olympian. The judo at the greatest show on earth. “I’d stay on school campus and play to pursue his Olympic dream and to read my record and found out that I most important thing to come out of football with my friends for an hour join the British Army. competed in Manchester 2002 Com- my qualification for youngsters in Nartey, 29, who has lived in En- before I returned home. I have always monwealth Games, so he did research Ghana is that I have given them hope gland since 2002, secured direct had the heart and desire to play foot- about judo clubs in South West area. and something to aspire to. Now they qualification to the Games after fi- ball and was the class captain and was Life is all about One day I went to work and he told me know and believe with hard work and nishing in fifth-place at the African selected for my school football team to change to civil uniform and took dedication that the Olympic dream is Championships in April. The -73kg for the inter-school championship. working hard and me along to Bath. possible and they are all proud of me standout trains out of the highly-suc- “I started judo as a habit and there- at home. I thank everyone for their cessful Team Bath High Performance fore developed a love for the sport. “When I saw Tom Reed and British support and prayers; I know the pride Centre alongside British internatio- After returning home from school and the determination internationals there I firmly belie- I feel is mutual and they share my nals such as British Open silver me- doing my homework I’d have lunch ved more than ever that my Olympic journey as a team.” dallist Tom Reed and Junior World and then walk another seven miles to to be successful dream could become reality.” bronze medallist Ben Fletcher having training and back. “Life is all about working hard and been granted leave from British Army “I lived in Manchester for one year, Emmanuel embarked on the IJF World the determination to be successful. where he’s served since 2003. But “At that age I was very determined where I worked as a cleaner in both Circuit and with every tournament Over here in Britain life is different the world number 32, who has won to be successfully in every activity.” a pub and BBC (British Broadcasting closed the gap between himself and but where I am from life is always medals on four continents, has had While his mother brought up eight Corporation) offices in Manchester. I the world’s elite. As his talent soared, about fighting and working hard, the a tumultuous road to London, beset children and his father worked at the remember those times: I always took the Ghanaian started to achieve suc- determination to achieve something with hardship, tragedy and great sa- Bank of Ghana, Emmanuel started his my judogi to work, left early for trai- cess domestically and internationally in life.” crifice which has made him one of the road to London at Prison Judo Club ning and then come back later in the with medals at the British Open and strongest and most grounded judoka in Accra and quickly developed a rou- night to finish my work. You know GB World Cup before going on to win We can all learn something from in the sport. As one of eight children tine. what makes Olympians different from his first IJF World Cup gold medal in Emmanuel Nartey – whatever your in his hometown of Accra, the Gha- other athletes is we have the confi- Apia, Samoa in 2009. The highly-re- circumstances, a sheer desire to naian capital, Emmanuel would en- “I would train three times a week in dence and believe in our dreams and garded judoka has now graced medal improve your life can overcome any dure a daily ritual which would equip the old hall which belonged to the pri- we never shut the door on our dreams. rostrum’s the world around including circumstances and pave the way to him with a single mindedness and re- son training school. We had one mat For me, life is always one way traffic in Morocco, Algeria, Hungary, Wales, realise your dreams. solve which would serve him well in area which was supplied by the Ja- not going back, it’s all about fighting England, Senegal, Germany, Aus- one of the world’s toughest sports. panese government. I remember there and moving forward.” tralia, Venezuela and Mauritius. His By Mark Pickering was a big leakage in the room of the Olympic quest come down to the Afri- British Judo Media Officer “I remember my journey like it was building so when it rained, sometimes In February 2003, Emmanuel elected can Championships, the continent’s yesterday,” said the 2nd Dan, who we couldn’t train and we’d have to put to join the British Army and began showpiece event, where he was requi- become the country’s first ever World the mats away because the rain would training the following month. Howe- red to finish in fifth-place or above Championship representative in 2005 have destroyed them. ver, having emerged from rigorous to seal direct qualification.In a sport where he defeated HaikalSouth ZakariaKorea’s -Jae- Minister“We of lovedSports it there though, the trai- testing to proudly become a British where victory and defeat can be de- Bum Kim, a future two-time world ning was very hard and being a child soldier his life was turned upside cided in a fraction of a second and champion and Beijing Olympic silver training with adults was tough but we down. Four days after celebrating upsets are a very familiar occurrence, medallist. loved it. As I progressed I started to his 19th birthday Emmanuel’s father Emmanuel, who was one of the most

IJF News N.13 - page 6 the IJF, under the leadership of its participants of the seminar, where the UNOSDP also provides guidance President, Mr. Marius L. Vizer, has through theoretical and practical and assistance to those who current- Judo for Peace Seminar been conducting JFP activities: «Be- approaches, they could discover the ly engage or would like to engage in cause it’s part of our philosophy and essence of the international commu- harnessing the potential of sport as because judo is education. The ethic nity’s stability, but beyond that, they a force for good. Objectives that are Drammen, Norway aspect of our sport is the most impor- learned how to promote the human totally in accordance with the ones of tant legacy that Jigoro Kano brought rights policy in their daily judo coach the Judo for Peace Commission. rom June 15th to 18th, 2012, pated in the 1992 Olympic Games to the world. In judo we are deve- life. Practical Applications in Barcelona. He is a six times Na- the third Judo for Peace Se- loping self confidence, whereas often During the second day of the semi- As a judo seminar cannot take place tional Champion in Norway, and is a F minar was held in the city of our society develops selfishness.» nar, the United Nation system was without a real judo session, the parti- medalist in the World and European Drammen, in the south of Norway. How to Promote Human Rights described in detail, giving some use- cipants, who were all black belts judo Championships for Veterans. Traavik This location was not chosen at ran- During the three days of the seminar, ful information that the participants teachers, gathered together on the ta- has served as a diplomat in Abidjan, dom, as the University of Drammen participants could discover how Judo will be able to use to develop their tami of one of the judo clubs of the Geneva, and Kabul. He has recently for Peace really has become a pro- own projects. The free time between Drammen region. It was a good occa- proposes a Masters Degree in Hu- been appointed as Norway’s Ambas- gram for peace, reconciliation, social the different working sessions was sion to reinforce even more the links man Rights and Multiculturalism, a sador to Indonesia) went to Afghanis- engagement and the creation of a just utilized to reinforce the connexions between all the project holders and to subject which completely fits with tan as a diplomat,» explained Mrs. society, and one key element to mea- between the representatives of the discuss about the values of judo. Just the Judo for Peace philosophy. But THIBLIN, before adding, «the Afghan sure the level of different continents and the Judo for before the end of the seminar, several Drammen is also the hometown of people needed everything and espe- Peace commission. projects were also presented and dis- cially the women. When later on we the Judo for Peace Director, Jan Eirik To Teinforce the Cooperation Between cussed, such as an interesting project went to Kabul, you can imagine that SCHIOTZ, who organized everything UNOSDP and IJF in Mauritania led by Francisco Oliven- everything looked so different to welcome the delegates from four On the third day, the Head of Of- za. Valery MANIRAKIZA, President of compared to Norway, but we continents (Africa, Asia, Europe and fice of the United Nations Of- Judo Burundi, had the opportunity had a common language with Pan America). During three days of fice on Sports Development to describe the whole process which the local community and and Peace, Mr. Paul Han- led to the Turikumwe project, which hard work, the participants could that language was judo.» sen, passed on an impor- is in the heart of the Judo for Peace learn more about human rights po- When the Norwegian tant message to the par- Commission. Manoj Bahadur JC, from licy and how to adapt it to judo va- Judo Federation first ticipants. During more Nepal, also presented the great pro- lues, and they had the opportunity to started to go to Afgha- than one hour, he ex- ject that he has initiated among or- exchange their ideas and field expe- nistan, there was no- plained the working phanages in his home country. Last thing but a few goat riences for the benefit of everyone. of the UNOSDP and but not least, Johannes DAXBACHER skins on the floor to the pleasure that Mr. (GER) was able to present his tremen- practice judo and During the opening ceremony of the Lemke (the Special dous work in Ethiopia to launch judo, only adults were in- seminar, the representative of the city Advisor of the UN but also he also explained the good volved. Step by step, of Drammen underlined the multicul- Secretary General on relations that the Judo for Peace com- orphans and street tural dimension of the region, which Sports, Development mission now has with the Police and children could come counts 65,000 inhabitants among and Peace) had to Army Commission, which was created to the judo clinics. which 140 countries are represented. work with the IJF and last February on the occasion of the Their first reaction was But the 200 year-old-city also has a with the Judo for Peace Judo Grand Slam, Paris 2012, Mr. to fight in a negative long history with judo. Many clubs Commission: «Your orga- DAXBACHER being one of the kingpin way, but through judo, are present in the area and in 2008, nization through the fan- of the Police and Army Commission. they learned how to behave Drammen was the first city ever to tastic tool that represents The concluding words were presented and slowly but surely, the organize a World Cup in Norwegian judo, is very efficient in the by Jan Eirik SCHIOTZ, the JFP Direc- connexion was made between territory. field. That is really important. tor: «Within a few years, the Judo for the Norwegian delegates and the After the welcoming speech of Mr. We have never been disappointed Peace commission has become very Afghan people. The women gained SCHIOTZ, who briefly presented the and we are looking forward to reinfor- important. We are on very good terms self confidence: «we spent a lot of heavy program of the three-day se- cing our cooperation.» One example with many international organizations time discussing with our hosts and minar, the first keynote speaker to j u s t i c e in a so- of that is the participation of the IJF and our work is shown as an example. specially with the women, who are the take the floor was the President of ciety is to look at human rights. This to the second Youth Leadership Trai- The judo world can really be proud of bravest I know. Today there are more the Norwegian Judo Federation, Vi- was underlined during the first day ning camp, which was held in Ger- that. But to be proud is not enough, than 3,000 judoka in the country. beke THIBLIN, who explained how of the seminar with the great help of many, after the Doha workshop last we must keep going, working like Unfortunately, the security situation she has been involved in the ‘Judo for the leaders of the Masters Degree in January. we are, and we must rely on what is does not allow us to go back for the Fred’ (Judo for Peace in Norwegian) Human Rights and Multiculturalism going on in the field. Results, that is moment, but we hope that sooner or activities in Afghanistan for the past of the Drammen University, Lillian Mr. Paul Hansen explained how the key word. What do we do? How? later, we’ll be able to send our teams 10 years. Through a vibrant presen- HJORTH and Lars Petter SOLTVEDT. through conferences, reports, official When? Why? Those are some of the to Kabul again,» concluded Vibeke tation, she perfectly introduced the «Before 1948, human rights were not resolutions, media outreach, public questions that we must always have THIBLIN. subject of the seminar: how can judo universal. They became universal on relations and networking, the UNOS- in mind. As we are judo people, we be helpful in societies that have gone December 10th, 1948,» explained DP can assist the Special Adviser in are happy because this seminar was a «In Afghanistan, judo was the per- through terrible dramas? Lillian HJORTH, before adding, «to- raising awareness about the use of real success. Nevertheless, next year, fect tool for reconstructing the way day, we may say that we are all dif- physical activity, sport and play as we will improve, modify, adapt, be- of thinking and that is exactly what Reconstructing the Way of Thinking ferent but all equal, and I have seen powerful tools in the advancement of cause life is a challenge, and through we are trying to do with the Judo for «Everything started when Stig TRAA- that judo is a fantastic tool to achieve development and peace objectives, in- judo we have learned to overcome the Peace commission,» emphasized Jan VIK (Ambassador Stig Traavik is a that goal.» cluding the Millennium Development challenges» • Eirik Shiotz. The JFP Director then diplomat, and former National team Different lectures were given to the Goals (MDGs). He then detailed how member from Norway. He partici- explained to all the participants why

IJF News N.12N.13 - page 7 Calendar 2012 World Ranking List 67th CISM General Assembly and Congress July 2012 The following athletes are the current Participation in the 67th CISM General Assembly and Congress Between 13-15 May 2012, Col. Stefan MARGINEAN, Director of the Military and 28-31 Olympic Games GBR London World Number 1 judoka in their weight category (updated July 2012). Police Commission was assigned to participate in the 67th CISM General Assembly and Congress held in Kampala/Uganda, answering an invitation from CISM Presi- August 2012 Women dent, Col. Hammad KALKABA, due to his large experience in CISM field. 01-03 Olympic Games GBR London For this event, Col. Stefan MARGINEAN represented the IJF President, Mr. Marius -48 kg JPN Asami Haruna VIZER. -52 kg JPN Nishida Yuka September 2012 During the congress, Col. Stefan MARGINEAN presented in front of the participa- -57 kg JPN Matsumoto Kaori 08-09 World Cup MGL Unlaanbatar ting delegations from 87 countries the Memorandum of Understanding, that was si- -63 kg JPN Ueno Yoshie 15-16 World Cup KAZ Almaty gned between the president of the International Judo Federation and the president -70 kg FRA Decosse Lucie 22-23 Kata World Championship ITA Pordenone of the International Military Sport Council on February 2012 in Paris, highlighting -78 kg CHN World Cup UZB Tashkent the importance of this document for the two organizations and the benefits resulting +78 kg JPN Qin Qian 29-30 World Cup ITA Rome from the collaboration between them on international level. At the end of his intervention, Col. Stefan MARGINEAN offered to CISM President, October 2012 Men Col. Hammad KALKABA, the «Honorary black belt» on behalf of IJF President, Mr. 06-07 World Cup TUR -60 kg UZB Sobirov Rishod Marius VIZER • BLR -66 kg RUS Khashbaatar 11-13 Judo Grand Prix UAE Tsagaanbaatar 27-28 Team World Championship BRA Salvador de Bahia -73 kg JPN Wang Ki-Chun Kenny Rinquest and Daan Le Grange 30-31 World Champ. Veterans BRA Salvador de Bahia -81 kg KOR Kim Jae-Bum -90 kg JPN Iliadis Ilias have passed away -100 kg JPN Maxim Rakov November 2012 +100 kg FRA Riner Teddy It is with a great sadness, that the IJF has learned that Kenny Rinquest, Judo South 01-04 World Champ. Veterans BRA Salvador de Bahia Africa Development Director, and Daan Le Grange have recently passed away. 16-17 World Cup WSM Apia 24-25 Judo Grand Prix CHN Qingdao Kenny has been involved with for many decades and since his 30 Judo Grand Slam JPN Tokyo retirement, last year, he has been leading the development projects that were initiated by Judo South Africa under the leadership of Temba Hlasho, and by the International Judo Federation, after Mr. Vizer’s visit to the Township of Macassar, during the World Junior December 2012 Championship, last November. 01-02 Judo Grand Slam JPN Tokyo After this unforgettable visit, Mr. Vizer decided to launch a pilot project all over South Africa and sent tatami and judogi. Kenny 06-07 World Cup M+W KOR Jeju Rinquest, who was following up the whole project was currently conducting a survey to identify the areas with the biggest needs. Mr. Rinquest truly believed in the power and the values of judo, specially within the disadvantaged areas. He has been dedicating his entire life to promote peace and reconciliation through simple but so effective actions. As Temba Hlasho declared: «We are all very sad and shocked. We will miss Kenny so much. In his memory, we will keep going and continue what he has been doing during his entire life.» For many years, Kenny was also in charge of university judo in his country, he participated in many summer and organized several student exchanges. Daan Le Grange, the Vice-President of Judo South Africa, who passed away during the Judo South Africa Open Championship, was also very involved in the development of Judo In the south part of the african continent. As a police officer, he was very much involved in using judo as a development tool, specially with the women, who are sexually abused. For the past few years, he was also actively follwing his son, D.J., who the day before his father passed away, won the SA Championship. D.J. had made a promise to Daan, to be present at the Rio Olympic Games, in 2016. That is all what the judo family can wish to him. The IJF presents its sincere condolences to both families and to the entire Judo South Africa’s family. A Successful Olympic Solidarity Course held in Vientiane 15 men and 5 women were in attendance recently to a technical course for coaches in LAO. A level one coaching course which took place from 7th – 16th May 2012 was conducted by Simon MAZULLO, an IJF expert from GBR. The coaching activity comprised two sessions per day. It combined both theoretical and practical aspects for coaching judo. Many important topics were covered by the expert: - Coaching duties and responsibilities - Good judo practice and IJF Coaches’ Regulations - Teaching methods - Coaching methods and theory - Anatomy and physiology - Teaching points for producing the best judo skills - Coaching styles - Beginners syllabus - Running a Class Mr MAZZULO reported that many athletes who attended the training session had no coaching experience before the course and hence more time was spent on the basic skills required for coaching judo. An evaluation was carried out ongoing during the course. When any request was necessary to improve, the expert immediately relayed back to the participant to seek im- provement. The facility for running the course and teaching judo was excellent. The expert was very thankful to the National Olympic Committee and National Judo Federation of Lao for providing all the equipment that was necessary to run the course. The participants who showed considerable interest and dedication during the technical course conveyed enjoyed the company of the IJF expert who demonstrated great skills for passing his messages. At the closing ceremony all the coaches received a participation certificate. Judo Demonstration at the Sportaccord Convention The annual General Assembly and Convention of SportAccord which took place in Quebec City, last week, just before the Judo Grand Slam, Moscow 2012, was a good occasion for a popular judo promotion, in front of all the International Sports Federations. Organized by the Judo Club ‘Dojo de Beauport’, which has been bringing forth many champions over the last decades, the judo demonstrations were attended by a numerous and enthusiastic public and by special guests. Among them were the IJF President, Mr. Marius L. Vizer, Mr. Lasana Palenfo, President of the African Judo Union, Mr. Raffaele Chiulli, President of the Powerboating International Union, Mr. Andrzej Sadej, Sports Director of , Mr. Daniel Tabouret, Technical Director of the Dojo de Beauport, all the members of the Judo Club and many others. A first demonstration involved the judo beginners (5 to 8 years old). The session was led by Mrs. Diane Amyot (4th dan black belt), Technical Director of the ‘Dojo de Baie St-Paul’, Ca- nadian Champion, silver medallist at the Pan American Championship, and former member of the Judo Canada national team. Then Miss Catherine Roberge took the floor with the 9 to 10 year-old young judoka. 4th dan, Catherine Roberge is a Canadian Champion. She took part at the Olympic Games in 2004, in Athens. Member of the National Canadian Team, she participated in many IJF World Judo Tour events since 2007, and obtained a brilliant silver medal on the occasion of the Paris Tournament, in 2003, as well as a gold medal at the Games of the French Speaking Countries, in Beirut, in 2009. During the demonstration, she was assisted with Serge Sanfaçon, coach of the Dojo de Beauport. The third demonstration involved the cadets, juniors and senior competitors. This judo demonstration was led by Catherine’s brother, Patrick Roberge, 5th dan. Patrick participated in the Olympics in Barcelona 1992. He is currently the coach of the regional development center in Beauport and of the high level center of the Quebec region. Patrick Roberge was a silver medallist of the World University Championship, in 1998, Prague. The last demonstration was a nage-no-kata demonstration proposed by Daniel Garneau and Serge Sanfaçon. Throughout the different demonstrations, the public had the opportunity to discover the different aspects of judo from the judo for children activities to the high level, via the traditional form of our sport, and that was greatly appreciated.

Vladimir Putin visits the «Academy of Judo» The President of Russia, a Honorary President of the International Judo Federation and the , Mr. had visited the newest base of judo teams of Russia - «Academy of Judo», which was opened in Zvenigorod, Moscow region. The President of Russia, a Honorary President of the International Judo Fede- ration and the European Judo Union, Mr. Vladimir Putin had visited the newest base of judo teams of Russia - «Academy of Judo», which was opened in Zvenigorod, Moscow region. The meeting was attended by the President of the International Judo Federation Mr. Marius Vizer, the President of the European Judo Union Mr. Sergey Soloveychik, the President of the Russian Judo Federation Mr. Vasily Anisimov, the President of the National Veteran Judo Union of Russia Mr. Pavel Balsky, the Vice- Presidents of Russian Judo Federation Mr. Boris Rotenberg and Mr. Michail Cherkasov, First Vice-President of the National Veteran Judo Union of Russia Mr. Vladimir Gazizov, the Vice-Presidents of the National Veteran Judo Union of Russia Mr. Yuri Bukin and Mr. Evgeny Krovopuskov, the Sports Director of the National Veteran Judo Union of Russia Ms. Oksana Tsiryulnikova, the Mayor of Zvenigorod Mr. Leonid Stavitsky and the president of the Scientific and Production Association «Cosmos» Mr. Andrei Chernyak. The model of the «Academy» with regard to the further development of the complex had been demonstrated to Mr. Vladimir Putin. Now the «Academy of Judo» includes a building area of 15,170 square meters. Here are the auditorium for 2,500 people with the sports arena size 60x48 meters, a training room which is able to fit five tatamis, gym, locker rooms for 400 persons, rooms for athletes, coaches, referees, press, honored guests, a conference hall for 200 people , the newest medical center and a cafe-bar. The President toured the facility and the main competition arena, where the training of judokas was carried out - the members of the male and female national teams of Russia. Mr. Putin has left his autograph on wall panel of «the Academy», and also spoke with athletes in an informal setting over a cup of tea. Mr. President wished to the Russian team to win the medals of the tournament «Grand Slam», which will be held in May 26 and 27 in the «Academy of Judo», and victories at the Olympic Games in London.

IJF Lausanne Office IJF President’s Office Maison du Sport International HUN 1051 , Av. de Rhodanie 54, CH-1007 Lausanne Jozsef Attila str. 1 [email protected] [email protected]

IJF News N.13 - page 8