Newsfrom Japan
sports education international exchange
Members of a judo club in Odesa, Ukraine, who have temporarily evacuated from the ravages of war following the invasion of Russia, and members of a judo club at a private high school and junior high school in Yokohama. Their circumstances are completely different, but when they stand on the tatami mats, they have the same feelings of “I want to improve” and “I want to become stronger.” Under the guidance of Yasuo Inoue, the former coach of the Japanese men’s judo team, and Ryunosuke Haga, a bronze medalist at the Rio de Janeiro Olympics, they both worked up a sweat.
On August 24, Ukraine’s Independence Day, Ukrainian judo boys and girls and judo club members interacted in practice at Asano Private Junior and Senior High School in Yokohama. Yasuo Inoue, a gold medalist at the Sydney Olympics and former coach of the Japanese men’s judo team, and Ryunosuke Haga, a bronze medalist at the Rio de Janeiro Olympics, acted as instructors.
Twelve children aged 10 to 16 who belong to a judo club in Odesa, Ukraine, and two coaches participated in the training. On the Japanese side, members of the judo clubs of Keio Gijuku High School and Zushi Kaisei High School joined the team, in addition to Asano Junior and Senior High School. After warming up with basic practice to match Mr. Inoue’s shout, Haga demonstrated his specialty, “Uchimata”. After giving detailed explanations on points such as how to move the arms, how to move the legs, and how to direct the gaze, Ukrainian children and Japanese high school students actually teamed up and performed tricks.
Haga teaches the tricks of uchimata.Mr. Inoue is watching from behind
Desperately trying to learn how to enter Ouchigari, taught by Mr. Inoue
In the free practice “Randori”, Ukrainian children boldly challenged Mr. Inoue and Mr. Haga. Yuri (age 16), who partnered with Haga, said, “My level was too low against a highly skilled athlete, but he gave me practical guidance while taking it easy. It will be a good stimulus for my future judo life. I got it,” he said with a booming voice.
Yuri bravely challenged the bronze medalist
Mr. Inoue, whose one was stolen by an elementary school student
Yokohama and Odesa have a sister city relationship, and have been interacting remotely even during the corona crisis. Earlier this year, the Odesa side requested to accept the judo club, and the financial support from the Nippon Foundation made it possible for him to come to Japan. Director Inoue, who is an ambassador for the foundation’s “HEROs” project, which promotes social contribution activities by athletes, cooperated in the guidance.
With students from Yokohama City who participated in a judo class
Photo: Nippon.com Editorial Department
Banner: Members of the Ukrainian judo club and Yasuo Inoue
The Nippon Foundation
judo
International exchange
Ukraine
Yokohama City
medalist
Yasuo Inoue
