“Judo should be a lifelong experience and as we are already active with the youngest ones through the Judo in Schools programme, we also have to focus on the veteran judokas”, said Denis Weisser, Chair of the Veterans Commission and host of the meeting.

Johannes Daxbacher, member of the IJF Military and Police Commission, reported on various activities of his club for veteran judokas; some experienced, active competitors, some re-starters and even beginners. According to Daxbacher, “the key is the trainer and then it is up to the group. Everything is possible. The programme runs very successfully.”

Teodor A. Pop of the IJF Presidential Office added, “the veterans’ community is eager to enhance the attractiveness of veteran judo and welcomes all judokas to join the community by sharing and promoting the judo values that have accompanied them through the years, on and off the tatami.”

With Denis, Johannes and Teodor all living in the south of Germany meeting and planning can be efficient and productive. They are determined to put forward a proposal to be generally applicable, by pulling together experiences from their judo lives and adding ideas from members of different IJF Commissions. “We will continue, with the next meeting already planned fir the end of August,” concluded Denis Weisser. “I am looking forward to it, with hope.”

By Denis Weisser

See also