We are only through the first two months of the year, but the Judo Federation has continued with its incessant efforts in both sport and administration.
Dragon and Espoir Shiai tournament
More than 100 young judoka, between the age of four and 14 were on the mat this weekend at St Aloysius, playing and competing in a ranking tournament. The very young judoka, under the age of 10, demonstrated their skills to their parents and public, while the 10 and 11-year-olds had their first competitions.
The Espoir – 12 to 14-year-olds – had more challenging competitions. This tournament was the first tournament for the young judoka to be held using the new rules for judo, introduced to make the discipline more spectacular.
New rules for Judo
The International Judo Federation and the European Judo Union have introduced new rules including no attacking below the belt, thus making the sport more effective and resulting in more Ippon (full points). The Malta Judo Federation has invited one of the top referees in the world of judo, Maestro Massimo Sulli, to update the Maltese referees and the athletes. Sulli has an extensive CV both as an athlete and a referee: first at the 1991 Mediterranean Games and the 1986 World Military Games; third at the 1991 Paris International Tournament (one of the top tournaments in the international circuit); fifth at the 1982 European junior championships, the 1988 European Championships, and the 1991 world championships; and ninth at the 1992 Olympic Games. He was called by the International Judo Federation to referee at world championships, world masters and several other top tournaments.
The Malta Judo Federation refereeing director John Zammit held a short update course before Maestro Sulli conducted the seminar about the new rules. A small tournament was held in conjunction with this seminar, so that the athletes could test the new rules in action.
Technical course
In preparation for the hosting of the 2011 European Cadet Championships, and also to follow the new rules introduced in Judo, the Malta Judo Federation is currently focusing on building awareness on the importance of basic techniques of judo. Alex Bezzina, sports director of the Malta Judo Federation, and John Zammit held a two-day course for the Maltese coaches, during which the grading techniques were explained in detail.
Sport commitments
This month, our young Judoka, Jeremy Saywell and Isaac Bezzina will represent Malta at the 12° Trofeo Judo Umbria Italy and at the International Training Camp in Bremen Germany. The Malta Judo Federation is also gearing up for its annual Malta International Judo Open due to be held on 10 and 11 April at the St Aloysius Sports Complex.