Since the end of last year there have been discussions among IJF/AJJF, Kodokan and All Japan Masters Judo Association on how best we can serve world-wide judoka as it is OPEN. As in the previous years, we look forward to meeting senior Ojisan/Obasan athletes (judoka) from various countries. Just as other Grand Masters Judo, there`ll be individual/team competitions and kata. For team competition, we hope to have one competitor in each age bracket: 30-40-50-60-70. Sometimes it`s difficult to recruit those in the higher age categories, and this is why I`m happy as more people come and talk to me around this time, asking to represent the highest age category in their team!!
For Kata maniac, we are providing an opportunity to see All Japan Kata Championships on Sep 23 to select also those who participate in World Kata in Kyoto the following month. Due to shortage of well-qualified kata judges, a system has been implemented to foster potential kata judges and I expect there`ll be newly appointed judges at work.
And I can assure you that as long as a majority of judoka, practising, enjoying and sharing goodness of judo at a grass-root level we continue to stay far above "their ignoble strife" and do a small best to enhance Kano`s ideal.
For Kata maniac, we are providing an opportunity to see All Japan Kata Championships on Sep 23 to select also those who participate in World Kata in Kyoto the following month. Due to shortage of well-qualified kata judges, a system has been implemented to foster potential kata judges and I expect there`ll be newly appointed judges at work.
And I can assure you that as long as a majority of judoka, practising, enjoying and sharing goodness of judo at a grass-root level we continue to stay far above "their ignoble strife" and do a small best to enhance Kano`s ideal.