„I am so happy about this great international Judo-friendship programme, that goes beyond all borders, despite different mentality and different ways of life“, said Johannes Daxbacher, during his 9th „Judo-trip“ to Ethiopia.
An extensive schedule organized by the Ethiopian coaches and officials, including seminars, competition, belt-examination, coach-training, meetings and exchanges was on the programme during the visit of the German expert.
The high level was on the tatami but also around it, as all the participants had the great honour to welcome the Japanese Ambassador H.E. Daisuke Matsunaga who gave the opening speech and mentioned the importance of Judo values like respect, responsibility and quality.
H.E. Mr. Haptamu Sisay, Ethiopians State Minister for Tourism and Sport joined the ceremony. Officials from German Embassy were also present as well as Ethiopian officials like Mr. Ashenafe from Adama.
The Ethiopian and international Judo-friends handed Johannes Daxbacher a special gift, a red-white belt with „Ethiopia“ and his name in Amharic letters.
“Many international Judoka taught or played Judo in Addis Ababa, the Capital city as well as the political centre of African Union and in other Ethiopian cities and regions, in the last years and helped to grow up Ethiopian judo in the ‘cradle of mankind’. It is a pleasure to name them, because this is the pure demonstration of our international Judo-friendship and worldwide Judo-Famil”, said Daxbacher:
Melanie Stoll (GER), Regina Daxbacher (ITA/GER), Roberto Orlando (ITA), now IJF-coach in South Africa, Fernando Puerto (ESP), Armen Madatyan (ARM), Stephan Fox (BEL), Jean-Yves Barba (FRA), Koji Suzuki (JAP), Yuki Fujinaka (JAP), Joshua Suh (USA)…
During his trip, Mr. Daxbacher promoted three Ethiopians to their next dan level: Wondimu Dessalgn and Yared Negusse to 2nd dan and Tesfaye Ejersa to 1st Dan. Mr. Daxbacher proudly stated that Ethiopia has now 4 dan holders included Hailemariam Amare from Dire Dawa city.
Very fruitful meetings took place with the new Ethiopian State Minister for Sport, Mr. Habtamu, and with the President of the Ethiopian National Olympic Committee, Dr. Ashebir for the further implementation and support of Judo in Ethiopia.
„Judo as a tool for smarter conflict resolution for police forces“ and „Police-Judo competition“ were discussed with Commander Fikru of Ethiopian Federal Police and Deputy Director General Desta from Ethiopia Federal Prison Administration.
Dr. Tsegaye Degineh, actively involved in the development of Judo and sport in Ethiopia, played a major role to enable and coordinate this successful 9th visit to the country.
Further discussions were held with UNHCR and the Secretary General of Sudanese Judo Federation, Mr. Salah Musa Altay, as Mr. Daxbacher paid a short visit in Khartoum, Sudan.
During the meeting many ideas were exchanged for the benefit of Judo in general and especially for Ethiopia and Sudan. „I have seen a great interest and an enormous curiosity of Sudanese Judoka“, appreciated Johannes Daxbacher.