32 students, including 5 from Hong Kong, the rest from other regions of China, participated in this grand premiere. The session was organised at the Shanghai Chongming Sports Training Base, one of 30 training centres spread across the country.
The activities were organised by Wei Yan, Assistant Secretary of the Chinese Judo Association, assisted by Zhang Guangyue, Olympic referee and Director of the Shanghai Boxing, Taekwondo and Judo Sports Center.
After a first visit held in December 2023, as part of the preparation of a vast plan for the development of judo in China, Jean-Luc Rougé, International Development and Promotion Director, 10th DAN, was again on the trip and participated actively in the practical session and discussions with the federation's officials. He was accompanied by all the members of the IJF Academy including Chair Envic Galea, Education Director Tibor Kozsla, and experts Tina Trstenjak, Giulia Quintavalle, Mark Huizinga and Slavisa Bradic.
Envic Galea said, "We had very interesting discussions with the President of the federation, Mr Chengliang Liu, on how Chinese judo can develop and with Mr Xu Bin, Director of the Shanghai Sports Bureau, on how to promote judo specifically in Shanghai."
Guangyue Zhang, Olympic referee, said, “The unforgettable practical session has concluded successfully. Thanks to each sensei for your guidance. As an IJF referee and one of the first students in China, I feel lucky and proud. I encourage more students to participate in the IJF Academy advanced courses."
During their presence in China, the IJF Academy experts met with Mr Liu Chengliang, President of the Chinese Judo Association, Mr Xu Bin, Director of the Shanghai Sports Bureau, Mr Wang Liqin, Director of the Shanghai Elite Sports Training Administration Centre and Ms Lu Ying, Vice Director of the Shanghai Elite Sports Training Administration Centre.
This first session of the Academy in China will certainly not be the last. The potential for the development of judo in the country is immense. The seeds of judo’s growth in our sport have been planted; all that remains is to make them bear fruit.