RUSSIAN JUDO STAR VISITS CLUB
29 February 2008
Tonbridge Judo Club played host to judo
world champion Vitaly Makarov this week, who stopped off during his tour of the
UK to conduct a special master class and workshop at the Swanmead dojo for
invited players only.
Speaking via an interpreter, the Russian, whose achievements include a silver at
the 2004 Olympic Games and a gold at the 2001 World Championships, demonstrated
his interpretation of classic judo throws. These included Tomoe-nage, or circle
throw, and Uchi-mata or inner thigh throw.
Tonbridge Judo Club coach Chris Bowles described the workshop, which was
attended by around 20 of the club's competitive players, as "inspirational and
an amazing success". He added: "Hopefully it gives the students aspirations
towards achieving a higher level in the sport and they can see what it takes to
be a world champion."
"I was impressed by the fact that Makarov only retired last September but has
made a remarkably smooth transition from being a world class judo player into a
world class coach."
