With the IJF World Judo Tour officially in motion, the Paris Grand Slam over, the gruelling training and preparation continues. The French are hosting not only those who competed in the Accor ‘Bercy’ Arena, but so many more have descended on the capital city of Paris.
Red and gold back patches could be seen on the first men’s session, but for these seasoned athletes, this is just another camp. What is interesting to see are the few young faces we know from the cadet scene who are having their first ever experience.
Jakub KUROWSKI of Poland is one of those. A month ago he arrived on the Mittersill OTC, taking five trains to get there and rub shoulders with some of the greatest athletes on the World Tour, taking each randori as a step toward his dream. In 2024 he really made a name for himself, taking the Cadet European Championship silver, Cadet World bronze and at home in Poland, took himself to the U23 European final in the -60kg category.
It’s hard work here because there are so many good people, with world and Olympic medals, but I think it’s important to be here, to prepare and to get good results.
There’s a big difference between the cadet camps and the OTCs and ITCs, they’re much stronger, and after that session I can say I am tired! I just came from a camp in Poland, so I will take some rest tonight and be back 100%.
This is one of the greatest opportunities for the up and coming athletes to go toe to toe with the big names and Kurowski was not shying away,
Today I fought with Giorgi SARDALASHVILI, the World Champion, I think you feel the difference in the level is in the heart. These guys are stars and they have already achieved a lot in judo, they have great experience. But now I must go and get this experience so I can fight again with him.
Judoka
Author: Thea Cowen