My Thoughts 1

Don Werner EM2002-5Judo has come a long way since I became involved around 1956, I think very much for the better. Judo is much more for real nowadays. Strength is not frowned upon now so Judoka have become very powerful, fit and skilful athletes. The constantly changing styles keep competitors and coaches on their toes.

As a coach I find the difference in style and approach to fighting, between Clubs, Countries and Continents fascinating. The judo scene is a very complex, exciting and interesting arena, so it is difficult for me to understand why Television Companies do not make the most of it.

I have been lucky enough to be able to travel with my Judoka around the World. However, for those not in the position to travel, the video has opened up great opportunities. Fighting Films have a pretty comprehensive coverage, which will satisfy most requirements. A great improvement to the books I used to plod through.

The lack of children practicing in British clubs concerns me because so many tournaments are being cancelled due to poor entries. This year I have had six junior entries sent back, cancelled due to lack of numbers, and another one because they did not want us. Senior events have also been cancelled and this will get worse, if we do not push in numbers at the bottom end, and try to keep a lot of them.

The main problem, all the top coaches know this, is that we are the only association who do not allow children to fight before they are eight years old. The other Judo Associations in Britain and Europe all have contests for children from about five years onwards.

Years ago, at Pinewood, I used to run three hundred judoka of all ages, give or take a few. Now I run about one hundred and the decline dates directly from when this age limit was introduced.

The problem is that talented children are usually good at a number of sports, so they will leave to play one where they can try out their training. A quarter of the Pinewood membership is under eight years old; most of the talented ones will follow this pattern.

I have tried long and hard to get through to the powers that be with out success, writing many letters without response. I am told the reason we start so late compared with other Associations, is because of stress etc. I do not see why buying a B.J.A. licence should cause such stress when all the other Associations seem to operate quite happily. Well, perhaps it is understandable.

I believe the grade is set too high for the youngest age group, in the Junior National Championships. Children are being pushed up just so they can go to the Palace, not because they are worth the grade. It was interesting when I put forward the proposition that this age band should be for yellow belts and above, at the 1999 A.G.M. This would mean the unsuccessful ones could, at least, go back to their Mini Mon events where they could enjoy some success. The Coaches who run the most successful junior clubs all voted for my suggestion. The board of Directors spoke against the motion, which proves they are out of touch with this area of the Sport. Many others coaches followed them and that surprised me because it seems to me they should be encouraging the less able children. Thereby giving them a better sense of well-being and success.

Children need to progress slowly through the ranks gaining experience in areas, in which, they can occasionally succeed. I believe success breeds success and failure breeds failure. It is also a good idea to make sure they remember that the only time success comes before work, is in the dictionary.

Repetition is the mother of Skill and for this reason I believe that time spent at each level, gains valuable experience and produces a greater depth of skill.

These are surely enough thoughts for one day, so I would like to wish everyone success with their Squads at the Crystal Palace this year.

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