Gelsenkirchen, Germany – The JC Koriouchi Gelsenkirchen judo team is navigating a challenging stretch in the 2. Judo-Bundesliga, with recent results prompting reflection and adjustments from both players and coach Shkumbin Dautaj. Following a narrow 6-8 defeat against JTH Oberhausen, Dautaj reportedly needed to clear his head with a five to ten kilometer run, expressing his disbelief in a team chat, a sentiment shared by many within the club.
The loss, while frustrating, came down to razor-thin margins. According to JC-Präsident Erhan Baz, the Gelsenkirchen team was only one second away from potentially altering the outcome of the match. While other matches across the league ended in draws, the JC Koriouchi suffered a defeat that wasn’t necessarily anticipated. Baz attributed the result to both the strength of the Oberhausen team, who “got everything they had available,” and a degree of misfortune for the Gelsenkirchen squad.
Moritz Lindner’s Position Under Scrutiny
A particularly disheartening moment during the match involved Peter Lindenberg in the -90kg weight class. Lindenberg held his opponent in a hold for nine seconds. just one more second and the result could have swung in Gelsenkirchen’s favor. The Oberhausen fighter escaped the hold and secured the win, a moment Baz described as “devastating” for the team.
The -73kg class also proved to be a source of frustration. Moritz Lindner, who had a perfect record in the previous season, appeared to be in control of his bout. However, his opponent countered with the same technique, resulting in a reversal and a loss for Lindner. Remarkably, even the Oberhausen coach acknowledged the element of luck involved in the outcome, according to Baz.
The younger members of the JC Koriouchi, Gregor Lindner (-60kg) and Timon Krakow (-66kg), faced tough competition against the more experienced Wong brothers, ultimately unable to secure victories. Baz conceded that Oberhausen was simply too strong in the lower weight classes.
Despite the setbacks, there were positive performances. Vahe Muradyan (-100kg) continued his strong form, securing a win with a chokehold, mirroring his success in the previous match against PSV Duisburg. While impressive, Muradyan’s victory wasn’t enough to change the overall result. Dautaj adjusted the lineup in the second round to provide more playing time for other team members.
Shkumbin Dautaj’s role with the JC Koriouchi extends beyond coaching; he also competes for the team. According to a report from WAZ, the 50-year-old’s dual role presents a unique challenge, but one he appears to be handling effectively. He’s not only responsible for coaching but also actively participates in matches, adding another layer of complexity to his responsibilities.
Dautaj himself has a notable judo background. JudoInside.com details his career, noting his birthdate as September 27, 1974, making him 51 years old as of March 30, 2026. He has competed internationally for Germany, achieving a second-place finish at the 2002 Leineweber Tournament in Bielefeld and a third-place finish at the 2001 Leineweber Tournament, also in Bielefeld. His competitive history demonstrates a deep understanding of the sport, which he now brings to his coaching role.
In January 2024, Dautaj was appointed as the new coach of the JC Koriouchi Bundesliga team, as announced on their Facebook page. The club expressed their confidence in his abilities and wished him success in his new position.
The JC Koriouchi will look to rebound in their next match, which will be held at their home venue against SSF Bonn on May 9th at 2:30 PM local time (CET). This match presents an opportunity for the team to regain momentum and demonstrate their resilience in front of their home crowd.
For fans eager to follow the JC Koriouchi’s progress, updates and information can be found on their Facebook page and through official league announcements. The team will undoubtedly be aiming to capitalize on home advantage and secure a victory against SSF Bonn.
