Helene WEINMANN was rather a handful little girl with plenty of energy which made her mom, Birgit WEINMANN looking for a sporting activity where Helene can output her high energy and learn some discipline. That is how the Weinmann family got into judo, initially. Helene started judo around the age of 7 and for the time-being mom was carrying out her parental duties, ensuring Helene gets to and from judo training. Until one day… when another member of their club thought about trying out judo and so Birgit joined the notion and followed her daughter’s footsteps.
The start of their judo career, for both, was in the Shiai sector. Helene competed whilst Birgit took the recreational route. In 2016, mom fell in love with Kata and two years later she gained her 1st Dan. In 2022, she moved a grade above. Meanwhile, in 2015, a shoulder injury put Helene off of her competitive dreams, but the love of judo never faded. Their first Kata encounter was in 2018 when Helene officially joined the Kata world. At this point, they were practicing separately.
It wasn’t long before the world gone into pandemic mode and due to limitations at the time, they formed a pair and practiced together, thinking once the restrictions are lifted, Birgit can continue to practice with her regular training partner. Six months into lockdown, they both knew that they would want to continue together. At last, there is a sweet story with a positive outcome of the latest epidemic.
Mom and daughter made their first attendance as a pair in May 2022. Today, their European Judo Championships Kata debut was marked in the calendar. Birgit and Helene delivered a routine which their described as the best performance of their life. The pair competed in the Ju No Kata group and although they missed out on the finals, they both were incredibly proud and satisfy with their input.
Birgit: I am very happy to be here. It is a lot of fun to present our Kata, I truly enjoy it. I am so overwhelmed and grateful to do this together.
Helene: It is very special and an honour to share this experience with mom. To do this together its unusual and I know I haven’t been an easy child for mom, but I am glad we can do this together. We work great together, and I really enjoy it.
The German duet will take a short break from training as Helene is due to complete her final exams at university. However, they are not done yet and shall return to share more exciting memories.
Author: Szandra Szogedi