The Judo & Fun Camp, currently underway in Cologne, is shaping up to be a groundbreaking event, setting the stage for what could become a blueprint for non-competitive judo events across Europe. This weekend, judoka from the following countries arrived to Germany: Portugal, Brazil, Iceland, Estonia, Syria, Georgia and Italy. This camp holds special significance, as it marks the opening of the European Week of Judo Values 2024 (EWJV), a week-long celebration of judo’s core principles that will be observed in numerous countries from September 23rd to 30th. The EWJV coincides with the European Week of Sport (EWO), further promoting physical activity and healthy living across the continent.
The first day of the camp saw an inspiring session led by Alexander GABLER, a prominent member of the German National Judo Team. Gabler captivated the participants by teaching his favorite technique, morote-seoi-nage, which left the young judoka energised and eager to learn more. The excitement continued when Loretta Theis, a dedicated employee of the German Judo Federation, achieved her yellow belt graduation in front of officials Marcel BUSCH and Olympic medalist Nuno DELGADO. Adding a touch of fun, Theis’s partner for the test was Yoko, the beloved mascot of German Judo youth.
Nuno Delgado, a revered figure in international judo, took the stage for the second session of the day, focusing on ne-waza. His teaching emphasised the importance of fundamental rules, ensuring that the young judoka could grasp the essential elements of groundwork while having fun in a non-competitive environment.
After an intense day on the tatami, the fun continued off the mats. The participants ventured into the heart of Cologne, guided by the Actionbound app, which led them through a series of tasks to explore the city. The day was capped off with a team barbecue, allowing everyone to relax and bond after a day filled with judo and adventure.
The Judo & Fun Camp continues today, providing participants with a unique opportunity to celebrate the values of judo, respect, discipline, and friendship, outside of the competitive arena. As part of the larger European Week of Judo Values, this camp is a testament to how judo can bring people together, inspire learning, and create lasting memories, all while promoting physical and mental well-being.
Author: Szandra Szogedi