Johnny Zammit now also international Judo Kata Judge

Johnny Zammit now also international Judo Kata Judge

by di-ve.com

Wednesday, 23 August, 2006 35 'soon to be' Judges came to Malta from 15 European Countries to attend the first ever examination to qualify as European Kata Judges. Franco Capelletti, 8th Dan EJU Education and Coaching Director, was in charge of the Kata Commission under the consultancy of Sensei Shoji Sugiyama European Representative of the Kodokan. The week of activities was based on a two-day explanation of the Kata Judging Handbook with a theoretical examination. The aspiring Judges had to assess five films taken during the last European Championships in London by Chris Busuttil, computer specialist for the Kata Commission. The assessment was made on the official competition form and these forms were later examined by the commission. This test was then followed by a three-day intensive revision of the five Kata under the strict supervision of Sensei Sugiyama. On the last day, all the judges had to demonstrate to the commission their knowledge of every Kata. The commission had a full picture of the judge's proficiency and could thus award the EJU international certificate. Not all the judges passed all the five Kata, but for sure, those that did, really merited the certificate. Amongst these new Kata Judges ranked John Zammit, who now holds not only an International Referee's Licence but also that of EJU Kata Judge. These newly qualified Judges can now officiate in the European Kata Championships, in Torino next October. First EJU Children's Education Training Camp The sport of judo is not only a very popular Olympic sport but has its sources in education. Therefore after many years of studies on how judo should be thought from the very young age of 5 years, the EJU Launched the first European training stage for children between the ages of 9 to 12 and 13 to 14. For this first experiment a group 18 children from Franco Capelletti's club joined 25 children from the Malta Judo Federation clubs in training sessions and educational activities. Naturally as the first stage was in Malta, the main theme was the history of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta. What better host could these young Judoka have more than the Patron of the Malta Judo Foundation Andrew Bertie, the present Grand Master of the Order! On the first day Andrew joined the group of enthusiastic kids on the mat of the Hibernians Judo Club at Kordin to help Franco Capelletti, and Eva Valcarel to give a very interesting introduction to Judo techniques. A day later they stormed fort St. Angelo where Fra John Critien showed his expertise of the Knights' history in Malta, and great patience to explain everything in simple terms. He explained everything so enthusiastically that all the kids were spellbound in awe. During their stay, the children talked of nothing else but the Knights of Malta. The next day they went back to Birgu to follow a treasure hunt trail and collect all the historical answers. They also had the opportunity to tour the fortifications built by the Knights from sea level in a harbour cruise after they had toured Valletta. Every day the Judo Kids also had to opportunity to experience Judo lessons from the Kata Judges experienced in teaching children. Amongst the Kata Judges were instructors from Spain, France, Germany, Sweden and naturally Malta. On Sunday the children reluctantly packed their bags and went back to the rain in Brescia. On their way, Franco Capelletti informed Envic Galea that they were already planning their next visit. This successful seminar placed Malta effectively on the EJU Kata Map and during the directing committee held in Turkey, the Malta Judo Federation has submitted a request to host next year's European Kata championships. This request was favourably received and now formal presentation will be made during the congress in Belgrade in December. The Malta Judo Federation is now busy organising the EJU Organisation, Administration and Medical Seminar which will be also held in Malta at the end of August. The Judo lessons for children aged 6 to 14, will start again on Saturday, 23 September, and those interested to register are to call the MJF on 21 31 99 44 (office hours).

In Pictures: EJU Children's Education Training Camp and European Kata Judges' examination

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