Sport
28 February, 2025
Judo club heading to Japan
WITH the sport of judo originating in Japan, being able to compete in the birthplace of your favourite sport would be a dream come true for any young judo prodigy.
Well, for the Coral Coast Judo Club (Mossman) and coach Andy Schmidt, this dream is a reality as they travel to Japan from April 26 – May 9.
Mr Schmidt said the club would be taking over six participants aged from 10-15.
“All participants are national medallists,” he said.
“As of now the participants are doing three judo sessions a week and three conditioning classes in preparation for Japan.
“Everyone is extremely excited about what’s in front of us.
“For this trip were getting guided by our former coach and founder of Coral Coast Judo Club George Brendecke.”
Opportunities like these don’t come around very often so these young Mossman prodigies are soaking in all the atmosphere around what’s in front of them.
Mr Brendecke made the move to Japan in 2022, where he then organised a training camp with a local judo school who travels to Newcastle every second year.
Mr Schmidt said he was hoping Mr Brendecke and his entourage stop in Mossman on their next trip.
“It would be great to start a town friendship between the two schools,” he said.
Even though this Japan trip is already a big deal, the road doesn’t end here for these young athletes.
The individual goal out of this is to have the athletes progress onto the national team, which is held in June. The long-term goal leads onto the 2032 Brisbane Olympics.
“I am hoping long term we build a relationship with the judo school and exchange students on a regular basis,” Mr Schmidt said
Training will continue weekly as the participants eagerly await this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
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