After China and Japan, where the IJF Academy recently travelled, it was Italy's turn to welcome the prestigious organisation that for eleven years has allowed coaches from all over the world to perfect their knowledge in teaching judo and delivers internationally recognised diplomas. This was the 123rd practical session that took place from October 7-13 in Ostia, not far from the Italian capital Rome.
IJF Academy experts and Felice Mariani

The instructors present were: Mark Huizinga, Slavisa Bradic, Shinji Hosokawa, Daniela Krukower, Giulia Quintavalle and Chikara Kariya from the Kodokan.

This was in fact the sixth time that the IJF Academy stopped in Ostia for one of its practical sessions. Organised by the Academy, supported by Olympic Solidarity and placed under the auspices of the International Judo Federation, the 2024 edition attracted 42 students from 14 countries.

At the start of the session, the students were welcomed by the President of the Federation, Dominico Falcone, and the Chair of the Centre, Dominic Aloiso.

Olympic champion, Giulia Quintavalle

During the week, Envic Galea, Chair of the IJF Academy, Tibor Kozsla, Education Director, and Giulia Quintavalle, former Olympic champion and IJF Academy expert, met officials at the Italian National Olympic Committee (CONI) and visited the tile in honour of Giulia in the Stadio dei Marmi.

Discussions on IJF Academy science projects also took place with Professor Attilio Sacripanti, while IJF Hall of Fame member Felice Mariani visited the group and met again with Shinji Hosokawa, who he competed with several times during their athletic career. It was also a special moment since Felice Mariani was the coach of Giulia Quintavalle when she won the Olympic gold in Beijing.

This 123rd session was therefore a great success, a success that will lead to others. The center of Ostia that welcomed the students and experts proved to be very convenient, close to the airport and the dates for the next session have already been validated for next year.

See also