For many in Europe and around the world, younger judoka are still unable to train and compete, however in both Spain and Russia, they have managed to organise in such a way that the Schools League is able to continue.
All exercises have been put together to develop the necessary fundamental skills that are needed for judo such as balance, speed, strength, coordination and more specific skills such as working with a partner and basic techniques.
The Russian National Schools League took place on the 30th May in the city of Sergiev Posad, in the Moscow area. The teams represented 12 schools from different regions of Russia, welcoming 100 school children who competed in three age groups (G1 – 7-8 yrs, G2 – 9-10 yrs, G3 – 11-12 yrs) and in four activities:
- A1 – Theoretical part
- A2 – Physical part
- A3 – Break falls and Technical part
- A4 – Opposition Game
Each team gained points in each activity, with the winner selected based on the number of points collected in all 4 disciplines.
Before the Official opening of the National Schools League the warm up for all participants was held by World and European Champion Kamal Khan-Magomedov and World Champion among police Sergey Samoilovich. During the official opening the following distinguished guests arrived:
Mr Alan Abaev, Chairman of National School Sport Federation. He conveyed the greetings from Mr Laurent Petrynka, ISF President.
Mr Kirill Denisov, Sport Director of Russian Judo Federation. He read the welcome address on behalf of Mr Vasily Anisimov, RUS JF President.
Mr Sergey Soloveychik, EJU President. He explained that earlier in May the National Schools League of Spain took place and that the EJU is hopeful to host the European Finals of the JSL in the near future.
Here are the results for JSL Russian Final:
G1
1st place – Secondary school №19, Penza
2nd place – Secondary school №15, Sergiev Posad
3rd place – Secondary school №8, Peresvet
G2
1st place – Secondary school №8, Peresvet
2nd place – Secondary school №116, Chelyabinsk
3rd place – Secondary school №15, Sergiev Posad
G3
1st place – Secondary school №77, Penza
2nd place – Secondary school №2, Kostomuksha (Karelia)
3rd place – Secondary school №19, Penza
Author: Thea Cowen