It was a fantastic day for the British Adapted Judo team at the inaugural Open European Judo Championships Intellectual Impairment (IQ of 75 or below) in Venray as they walked away crowned the most successful team of the event. To earn such a title, they won half a dozen medals.
When the topic of Adapted Judo comes up, the British team is at the forefront of the discussion. The reason for this is that while the concept of Adapted Judo is a recent seed that is now germinating across Europe, it has been around in Britain for decades and British Adapted Judo coach, Mr Matthew RUSH, has been working in the field for just as long. When there are questions, many nations turn to them for answers. So time is one aspect, what else is there that makes Britain different?
Matthew: Regular group training sessions at our National Training Centre, conducted alongside the Visually Impaired (VI) players, have significantly contributed to the squad’s growth. These sessions foster teamwork, skill development, and mutual understanding, creating a unified and resilient team dynamic where everyone strives to perform at their maximum potential.
Matthew, or Matt as he is fondly known, began coaching adapted judo 15 years ago when he introduced a special adapted class at his club, Rush Judo, in Berkhamsted, England. In addition to his coaching, he works as an outdoor education teacher at Chiltern Way Academy, a specialist school for autism and learning difficulties, which has greatly influenced and enhanced his approach to coaching adapted athletes. Reflecting on a so far successful week in Venray, Matt shares his thoughts on this exciting new concept, adapted Europeans;
The European Championships have served as an exceptional platform to showcase the players’ talents and hard work, earning them well-deserved recognition on a prestigious stage. This tournament not only highlights their dedication but also provides each player with an invaluable opportunity to strive for greatness and aim to achieve the coveted title of European Champion in their own right. It is an inspiring milestone that underscores the spirit of competition and the pursuit of excellence.
As Venray prepares to host the final edition of the EJU Get Together Tour 2024, we asked Matt to reflect on this year’s events and share his insights;
I am absolutely loving the EJU Get Together Tours. These events are not just about training and competing against players from diverse backgrounds but also about building a sense of unity and connection within the judo community. They provide a unique platform to learn from one another, share experiences and grow together as athletes. Beyond the competition, these tours create opportunities to form long-lasting friendships and foster a spirit of camaraderie that transcends the mat, strengthening the bonds of our collective judo family.
The final edition of the EJU Get Together 2024 will see nearly 200 judoka from 18 nations enjoying their time on the mat and competing to the best of their abilities.
Images: Carlos Ferreira
Author: Szandra Szogedi