Technical Analysis, Day 2: Expertise Comes in Many Forms

“In every event I’m looking for the moments that will make the footage interesting. We want close-ups and different angles as much as possible, to be eye-catching. However, there is a risk with that, that when the big attack comes you miss the fine points of the technique. I’m always aiming to read the judo as best I can, to find the right time for close-ups and also the wider shots, to be able to see the beauty of the technique in full.

I have to know the judo of each judoka really well, the techniques they are likely to use and the direction they are likely to travel in and that will change my direction for the coverage. For example, Muki (ISR) often attacks from having two sleeves and attacks underneath his opponent so as soon as he’s on the second sleeve I’m giving the next direction for the angle and placing of a shot. As a TV Director in this environment, knowing the athletes’ tokui-waza is paramount.

With Clarisse today, we knew she would come in from off the grip or clamp her usual high left hand and so with 8 cameras aimed at the judo itself and all focussed on different elements I would ask some to keep to full body but others to focus on either feet or upper body. With Clarisse we usually start at the feet and then we can follow the technique and it’s conclusion with the downward direction, to get the landing. Upper body camera operators have to be prepared to follow the action. We have to catch the landing otherwise we can’t use the shots. It’s so exciting in this sport and we have very well prepared teams of cameramen and women, but we never know what is actually coming.

Thinking more specifically, I’ve been impressed by Muki (ISR), having not seen him on his best form for a while. Seeing some of the old Muki on home ground, with the crowd really lifting him, is a pleasure. That crowd support is the catalyst for adrenaline-fuelled performances and of course creates opportunities for great TV. Seeing Muki fight today was reminiscent of his massive throws here 4 years ago, one of which became ‘Throw of the Year’ at the first ever IJF Judo Awards. The crowd has an impact and Muki is the best example of it today.

Levin (ISR) also began the day with some outstanding judo and loved playing to the crowd. He couldn’t last the day but he has shown what he is capable of.

Fazliu (KOS) has managed her day so well, a possible watershed moment. In the last few events she’s had a few decent wins but today she’s really starting to show consistency and look like a contender. The bronze medal at -63kg is a just reward for the work that is undoubtedly being done. Her coach in the chair today, world and Olympic champion Majlinda Kelmendi really understands what is required and that is clearly being transmitted to the next group of the Kosovan elite.

Beauchemin-Pinard reaching the final today, having dropped under the Kosovan with a seoi-otoshi, was caught very nicely, especially because we know this is her normal modus operandi. She is proof of the value of a work ethic and again also supports the legitimacy and accuracy of the ranking list. She was the number 1 seed and finished the day on the top of the podium.

Estrada’s (CUB) ashi-waza was a joy to watch against Ham (GBR) in the third round. This kind of technical precision, which only arrives when an athlete has an acute awareness of timing and space, is so refreshing and also exciting. It brings a strong reaction from the spectators and a positive energy to the whole arena.”

We all understand the need for coaches and athletes to have a deep understanding of technical and tactical judo but Jack Willingham’s perspective highlights the need for all members of the IJF team to have that expertise. The broadcast teams are no exception and Jack’s knowledge is part of what enables us to enjoy the ever-evolving professionalism of the online coverage.

The final day of #JudoTelAviv brings the heavyweights to the tatami and surely some more volume from the Israeli crowd, not only in support of their own but in support of all good judo.