As day one begins to take shape, the unique format of the Japanese event sparks anticipation; 7 categories per day, not the usual four or five, and the heavyweight men appear straight away, alongside the lightweight women. It’s a feast for the eyes of all judo fans, a different kind of energy.
In the warm-up room, concentration and excitement, combined with some nerves of course, take centre stage. World champions and Olympic medallists prepare to be hunted by the rest, to be tested and pushed to prove their accolades. No-one arrives here unprepared; there is no room for error and so the great champions have to be at their best to hold on to their crowns.
Warming up is largely calm, routine, measured; and then, in what seems like no time at all, that clock has ticked down to zero and it’s go-time! The competitors are making their way to judogi control and the Park24 Group Tokyo Grand Slam is here. Let’s go!
