To practice martial arts without physical contact sounds paradoxical. But in times of physical distancing during the Covid-19 pandemic, even that is possible. The Austrian Judo Association has organised a video camp for young athletes which was attended by an Olympic champion.
Around 100 athletes from the U18 and U21 age groups took part in the virtual training on a Saturday. Throughout Austria, they had a chance to “meet” the national and home coaches and were also able to learn from the athletes from the national team. But what does such a unit look like when the opponent is not present? It is about the repeated practice of judo-specific movements. These can be simulated without a partner.
In addition to three challenges in which the young judoka were asked to compete with the professionals, a champions talk was also on the agenda. The Olympic Judo Champion Frank Wieneke answered the youngsters’ questions.
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