## Young Judo Stars Shine at National championship
The Dominican Republic’s future judo champions were on full display this past Friday at the National Children’s School Judo Championship, hosted by the Dominican Judo Federation (Fedojudo) at the Olympic Center’s national House of Judo.[[1]]
over 220 young athletes from across the nation, representing the North, South, East, and Metropolitan regions, competed fiercely in the U13 and U15 categories for both boys and girls. The event, supported by the ministry of Sports and the National Institute of Physical Education (INEFI), showcased the unbelievable talent and dedication of these budding judokas.
The Southern region emerged victorious, securing the championship title with an impressive 1,100 points. Their dominance was fueled by a remarkable haul of 10 gold, 9 silver, and 10 bronze medals. The Eastern region followed closely behind, claiming second place with 1,069 points and a medal count of 10 gold, 6 silver, and 9 bronze.
The north region secured a respectable third place with 641 points, thanks to 6 gold, 3 silver, and 11 bronze medals. Rounding out the top four was the Metropolitan area, earning 589 points with 5 gold, 8 silver, and 9 bronze medals.
Fedojudo President Gilberto García emphasized the importance of grassroots development in shaping the future of judo in the Dominican Republic. He highlighted that the national championship serves as a crucial platform for nurturing young talent identified through regional qualifiers.
The opening ceremony was graced by distinguished guests, including Dulce María Piña, representing the dominican Olympic Committee, who commended Fedojudo’s commitment to training future judo stars. Dr. Dionisio Guzmán, president of the Dominican Sports hall of Fame, and sensei Juan Chalas also lent their presence to the event, alongside key members of the Fedojudo executive team and representatives from Triathlon and INEFI.
This national championship not only showcased the athletic prowess of these young athletes but also underscored the dedication of coaches, parents, and organizations like Fedojudo in fostering a thriving judo community in the Dominican Republic. [[3]]
From Dojo to dreams: An Interview with Judo Sensei Juan Chalas
The recent national Children’s School Judo Championship in the Dominican republic showcased the future of Dominican martial arts, and we were lucky enough to speak with Sensei juan Chalas, a respected figure in the judo community, about the event and its impact. Sensei Chalas, who was present at the opening ceremony, shared his valuable insights into the future of judo in the country.
[Host]: Sensei Chalas,thank you for joining us today. The National championship was a resounding success.What were your impressions of the young athletes competing?
[Sensei Chalas]: It was truly inspiring to witness the passion and skill displayed by these young judokas. their dedication to the sport was evident in every match. The level of competition was incredibly high, and it’s clear that the future of Dominican judo is luminous.
[Host]: The Southern region dominated the competition, securing a significant lead. What do you think contributed to their success?
[Sensei chalas]: The Southern region has a strong judo tradition, with dedicated coaches and active clubs nurturing young talent. They have undoubtedly put in the hard work and consistently perform at a high level. However, it’s important to remember that every region has its own strengths, and we saw extraordinary performances across the board.
[Host]: Fedojudo President Gilberto García emphasized the importance of grassroots development. Do you agree with this focus?
[Sensei Chalas]: Absolutely. Grassroots development is the foundation of any successful sporting program. It’s crucial to identify and nurture young talent from an early age, providing them with the training, resources, and mentorship they need to excel. Fedojudo’s commitment to grassroots development is commendable and will undoubtedly pay dividends in the future.
[Host]: The championship wasn’t just about medals. It highlighted the dedication of coaches, parents, and organizations like Fedojudo. What role do these supporting players have in a judo athlete’s development?
[Sensei Chalas]: They are indispensable. Coaches provide technical expertise and guidance, nurturing athletes’ skills and nurturing their sportsmanship. Parents offer unwavering support and encouragement, often making tremendous sacrifices to help their children achieve their judo dreams. Organizations like Fedojudo create the structure and framework for the sport to thrive,providing opportunities for competition,training,and community building.It truly takes a village to raise a champion judoka.
[Host]: Looking ahead, what are your hopes for the future of judo in the Dominican republic?
[Sensei Chalas]: My hope is to see judo continue to grow in popularity and recognition. I envision a future where Dominican judokas consistently compete at the highest levels internationally, representing their country with pride and honour. With the ongoing dedication of athletes, coaches, parents, and organizations like Fedojudo, I believe this dream can become a reality.
[Host]: Thank you for sharing your insights,sensei Chalas.
What are your thoughts on the future of judo in the Dominican Republic? Share your comments below and join the conversation!
