It is accepted that to be an elite competitor requires courage, an essential ingredient in any elite sports career but retiring and making decisions to take new paths is equally precarious and demands just as must courage. The judo moral code includes bravery and in this context it is well illustrated.
Tina made the decision to continue her judo career by learning in different fields and contributing her hard-earned experience in new ways, a brave step. “In my judo career, an early milestone was becoming a senior national champion for the first time. The next milestone came when I became a European champion, followed by becoming a world champion and eventually an Olympic champion. After my competitive career, I continued on the tatami in different ways and I passed both the continental and international referee licences. Most recently, I reached another significant milestone by learning and obtaining certificates for all five competition kata.”
Tina’s timeline for completing the 5 competition kata:
November 2022 - Nage-no-kata
June 2023 - Katame-no-kata
November 2023 - Juno-kata
June 2024 - Kodokan goshin-jutsu
November 2024 - Kime-no-kata
“During my elite career I focused on learning the correct Kodokan classified judo techniques, train my favourite techniques in standing and groundwork, to be able to perform them at the Olympic Games, world championships and European championships, winning titles and medals. I mostly focused on winning and good performances.
Before I came to the IJF Academy, I was not confident with my understanding of kata. The Academy, with Olympic and world champions as teachers alongside Kodokan experts, offers me the chance to study all aspects of judo deeply, general ideas and kata in particular. The learning, training and performing of kata brings me a better understanding of judo values while adding knowledge to my general judo education.
Through kata you don't only learn the techniques but also gain an understanding of the principles that are behind each one of them. In order to learn judo, you have to understand it in a wider sense which includes studying both kata and randori. It is necessary to understand that there is a connection and for a complete technical judo education, kata and shiai go together, hand in hand; both are important and necessary.
My view of kata has changed and in this way I can add value to worldwide judo development, demonstrating that an Olympic, world and continental champion is also able to perform all five Kodokan competition kata.”
Just this week, the great Tadahiro Nomura (JPN), 3-time Olympic champion, shared photos of his kata practice, preparation for a demonstration to be given at the Tokyo Grand Slam in just a few days time. He said, “After finishing my life as a competitor, I am delighted that I can continue to work on my judo. I've been practising, feeling my own growth, making new discoveries and learning. I also want to give the best performance I can and again I have some nervousness ahead of the Tokyo Grand Slam.”
While Tadahiro Nomura will be showing the judo world how much he values what he is learning through kata, in his demonstration, Tina also notes, “Taking all aspects of judo into consideration, kata helps me to be able to offer my energy and knowledge to the next generation through worldwide judo events.”
Kodokan Shidoin and IJF Academy expert Mr Kariya Chikara said of Tina’s achievement, “Tina always comes forward voluntarilyto be my partner when I teach for the Academy, very capable as both tori and uke. Such passion must be what drives her. As a former champion, it is great that she continues her studies in the fields of refereeing and kata. She is a role model for the next generation, as sensei.”
Aljaž Sedej, Secretary General of the Slovenian Judo Federation, is also proud of the work Tina is undertaking, “On behalf of the Judo Federation of Slovenia, we would like to congratulate Tina Trstenjak for her outstanding achievements in the world of judo. She is the first Olympic champion to demonstrate all five judo kata, a significant milestone in the sport. Her progress is evident day by day, and we are incredibly proud of her dedication and accomplishments. We are also thrilled that she is collaborating with our federation and helping young athletes achieve their dream of standing on the mat with her.
Judo kata is gaining significant popularity in Slovenia and we are confident that Tina will leave a lasting mark in this area as well. We look forward to seeing her pass on her knowledge and expertise to the younger generation, inspiring and guiding future judo champions.”
Congratulations to Tina Trstenjak, Olympic and world champion, referee supervisor and kata practitioner.