Wednesday 16 December 2020
Reflecting on Two Important Moments at Big Judo
Tuesday 8 December 2020
Big Judo Youngsters Growing Up
Tuesday 1 December 2020
Women in Judo - The Next Step?
Nellie with Noah a Junior Men's -81kg champ and silver medalist in the Men's - 81 kg. This year Noah won the Men's - 90kgs at the Auckland Open. |
Recently, Judo celebrated the 40th anniversary of women being able to compete at the World Championships,
This event is cause for celebration and reflection.
We now see women athletes competing regularly and we have women coaches on the mat. But before we 'pat ourselves on the back' it is important that we don't think the fight for equity is over.
The key questions now are about women and their involvement in elite coaching.
Admittedly there are women that run 'womens' teams but do we have any elite female coaches running squads or with responsibility for mixed national teams or tours?
I honestly don't know but one of my proudest achievements at Big Judo is recognisng that Nellie (my sister) is actually a better competitive coach and letting her lead our competitive programme. Big Judo is produces some good male competitors under Nellie's watch.
More importantly we are gaining a generation of young men maturing that are used to seeing a woman in a pre-eminent position. Not a 'womens' coach but a competition coach.
Nellie is pretty exceptional but possibly her work at Big Judo is pointing towards a future in which female coaches are fully accepted and recognised by being selected to lead mixed teams, squads and tours rather than women just coaching women.
It is a big step and there will be lots of people out there who will roll out the 'tired old lines' about women's Judo not being as competitive and women not being able to coach 'mens' Judo.
But my experience is that Nellie seems to be doing OK so maybe it is time to encourage more female coaches to step into leadership positions.
Saturday 7 November 2020
Big Judo Getting Back to Work After Second Lockdown
Since New Zealand's second COVID 19 'lock down' Big Judo has been concentrating on building up numbers and getting the team back on deck. It looks like we are starting to get some traction.
Today, Noah Wallis won the Junior Men's and Senior Men's Under 90kg divisions at the Auckland Champs. Although our focus at the moment is getting numbers on the mat and providing good basic training we are very proud of Noah.
Noah is an awesome young man. Not only has he maintained his fitness and competitive spirit he also gives back helping out with the kids and being a real stalwart of Big Judo. Well done Noah.
The Saturday kids class was nice and big and we have good selection of new and returning players. Even without some of our regulars we still got a good turnout. Its also great to see the Dads and Cadets in the background helping with the class. We work hard to provide an inclusive training environment and encourage our young people to be more than just competitors.
Sunday 2 August 2020
Big Judo Remembering Rick with a Tough Training
Thursday 25 June 2020
Big Judo Adults Back Training
Sandringham is also up and running. We have so many talented young people in the 15-16 year old age group that the future is looking really good.
Jordan is in NZ and making noises about coming back. With Nellie's coaching and him and Noah these youngsters will be getting an awesome training experience.
Get ready kids 21 July is the first Tuesday night back!!!
Friday 27 March 2020
Thursday 26 March 2020
Saturday 14 March 2020
Another Big Week at Big Judo
We had a nice turn out. Including Noah who is back from Australia at the moment. |
Learn by doing! |
Saturday 22 February 2020
Big Week at Big Judo
Scott learning about being Yoshis demo partner. I remember being in the same position myself about 30 years ago! |
Sunday 9 February 2020
Big Judo Saturday Session
Saturday 1 February 2020
Big Judo Starts 2020
Nellie keeping a close eye of the seniors while they do ne waza (ground fighting) |