NORTHERN BUSINESS REVIEW
It
was an action packed week at the 2019 SA Judo Championships hosted by Sedibeng
at the Emerald Casino Resort from the 30th June to the 4th
of July. The National Championships are held annually by Judo SA and
qualified judoka compete in their respective age and weight categories as
representatives of their provinces.
The
martial art known as the “gentle way” in Japanese is currently enjoying massive
growth in South Africa. In addition to the
elite South African jukoda, this year the event included a section for novices.
The country’s premier judo event also attracted athletes from Angola, Botswana,
Congo, Mozambique, Namibia, USA and Zimbabwe with a total of 1400 competitors
competing for top honors during the week long competition where skill, strength
fitness, honour, respect and dignity were put to the test.
The
local Tatami Judo club based in Bryanston, lead by Sensei Basil Smith and representing
the Joburg Judo District, brought home a total of 53 medals from 39 athletes during
the week-long competition: 20 gold, 12 silver and 7 bronze. These medals were
achieved in the individual, team and kata events.
Tatami
judoka attend various schools in the area including; Beaulieu Preparatory,
Bryanston Primary, Bryanston High, German School, St Davids, Cooper College,
Kings, Bryanston Parallel, Dainfern, Parktown Boys, Curro Aurora and Bryneven
Primary.
Outstanding
achievements in winning gold medals and being crowned SA champion for 2019 in
their age and weight categories for advanced Judoka were: Thomas Baumann
(German School), James Hulett (St Davids), Cameron Jardim (Bryneven), Kendra de
Beer (Cooper College), Meegan Zomero (Bryneven) and Reinier Van der Bout.
“The Tatami
Judo athletes shone this year with some fantastic performances and achievements
on the national stage. The techniques
practiced and perfected over years of dedication and training were on display,
which is obviously very rewarding for me as their Sensei. Performing so well
under pressure is also testament to fitness, discipline and fortitude which is
what the sport is all about too.” said Basil Smith
According
to Smith “Judo is an ideal sport for both boys and girls of all ages. It
enhances the body’s core stability and strength. Footwork and co-ordination learned here complement
the training for other sporting activities. In addition to physical fitness,
Judo boosts self-confidence, develops discipline, manners, punctuality,
strength, stamina, perseverance, tenacity, toughness and character – all great
preparation for life’s many challenges.”
Judo
is practiced by more than 20 million individuals. Not only is it the world’s
most popular combat sport, but in terms of sheer numbers, it is the second most
popular of all sports after soccer. In
1964, Judo was the first of the martial arts to be included as a medal sport in
the Olympic Games.
Tatami Judo Club was started by Sensei Basil Smith in 2007 and trains on Monday and Wednesday evenings at Bryanston Primary School. For further information please email tatamijudo1@gmail.com.
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The Northern Business Review is a business community newspaper that provides a platform for businesses to market their products and services, as well as build their brand, but equally important the publication provides information, advice and topics of interest, including business, entrepreneurial, economic reviews and simple ideas to grow your business. The publication has a primary objective to “uniquely” represent businesses to a wide audience across the community as well as provide a media platform of business articles and information that affect, influence and uplift the business environment within our defined geographical and cultural community.