Last Sunday, I went to the Nihon Budokan to watch a judo tournament. It was a special tournament because instead of the normal weight categories, there were none. It was kind of like an open category where anyone who wishes to participate (regardless of their weight) can fight. But for this tournament, you had to be selected, meaning you probably had to have a certain amount of points or produced certain results at other tournaments in order to take part in this one. Only men were allowed to participate (two weeks ago, the women had their own tournament) and most of them were over 100kg. So when one of them was thrown, it was quite spectacular.
The tournament site in itself is spectacular. Most places in Japan are pretty cramped but when it comes to judo tournaments, they have the infrastructure. Here's a panoramic picture taken with my camera:
In between the matches (there was only one fighting mat area), I either studied or braided the girls' hair. They seem to be quite amazed with my ability to french braid.
Changing the subject a bit, but still related to judo, the Olympics. With the Olympics approaching quickly, Japan is now deciding who they will be sending to represent their country. There are two girls from Tokai (two sisters, Haruka and Megumi Tachimoto) who have a good chance of going. There are also two or three boys from the men's team who have a good shot as well. It's interesting to compare Canada and Japan when it comes to judo. In Canada, we're lucky if someone even qualifies themselves to go to the Olympics. But in Japan, it's not the question of whether or not someone is qualified, but rather which one of their qualified athletes they decide to send. Because in each weight division, there are at least 2, 3 or more athletes that are qualified to go. In the next month, based on past and upcoming tournament results, the Olympic team will be decided. In addition, some Japanese athletes are better against other Japanese athletes, and some Japanese athletes fare better against foreigners. The latter tend to be preferred because the chosen athlete will be facing athletes from other countries.
I'm really looking forward to the Olympics this time, for a couple of reasons. 1) Judo is part of the summer Olympics 2) Compared to before, I know now many of the big names in judo, especially in my division, having either fought with them or watched them fight at tournaments 3) Athletes from Tokai will probably be fighting 4) I love watching sports, especially witnessing the winning athlete's or team's emotions as they have the best race of their life or accomplish their lifelong goal; it's just so inspiring.
There are now only 86 days left! Anybody else looking forward to the Olympics?
3 comments:
ME!
My friend went to watch the tourney too!! If i knew u were going i was going to tell him to meet u there :P
Is the last comment from you, Airton?
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