Sensei Koji Komata – guest from land of rising sun

How can you estimate the preparation and the level of Kazakhstani sportsmen?

I can say that sportsmen are in good physical form. There are talented students who can achieve a lot among them. I recognize the elements of Sambo and Kazaksha kures (Kazakh wrestling) in some of them. The Kazakh judo differs from the Japanese one.

Are the differences great?

Yes, judo in our country is not only a sport, it is an art, psychology, philosophy, etc. it is taught at school as main subjects - mathematics, history. In this regard everyone must muster this type of combating. In your country it started to develop recently and is considered to be a young sport.  

What is the best age for a child to start going in for judo?

It depends on what aims the child and his parents are pursuing. There exist different age categories.

What is the main purpose of your visit to Kazakhstan?

Firstly, it is preparation of your sportsmen for the championship. Secondly, it is to increase the level of the sportsmen, push it closer to the Japanese. And of course, it is the experience exchange.

We noted girls at the tatami. What can you say about women's judo?

It has no long history. Women can exercise for competitions and for themselves as well. Japanese women exercise mostly for themselves, to have good physical form.

What can you wish to our readers?

Judo is more than a sport. Judo is an education. Do judo and enjoy good health!