News & Events

On October 10, Petar NOVACOVIC, the champion of the Serbian junior judo league (cadet), participated in a training session at the Judo Club hall in Surugadai Campus. At only 16, NOVACOVIC is a Serbian high school champion with an impressive physique of 198 cm and 110 kg, aspiring to participate in the Olympics in the future.

The exchange with the Jodo Club was organized by his personal coach, Boris BEVC. When he was considering dojos in Japan, including Kodokan, that would allow NOVACOVIC to attend for his training, our Judo Club received the request and decided to accept him, seeing this exchange as a good opportunity for the club members to learn about the style and values of foreign athletes.

On this day, NOVACOVIC came to Meiji University to join the Judo Club right after he finished his training at Kodokan. NAKAFUJI Makoto(4th year, School of Law), who partnered with NOVACOVIC in uchikomi training, was surprised by the stylistic differences, but respectfully commented, "Foreign judo players throw their opponents dynamically. I hear that he started doing weight training only a half year ago, but he already has an impressive physique for a 16-year-old. I am confident that he will become a great player in the future."


There were also cultural exchanges as follows. Watching the practice, Coach BEVC asked, "Japanese players do not express their emotions, whether they win or lose. Is it because they are not allowed? Is this a Japanese tradition?" A member of the club replied, "In Japan, we avoid showing much of emotions out of respect for our opponents. We may express our joy and frustration during matches, but we are taught how to behave in a respectful manner."

Comment from NOVACOVIC
I learned a lot of techniques. I was surprised by the clear difference in attitude toward the training compared to Serbia. The entire training is systematized, with very strict discipline. It was a great opportunity to see just how high the level of Japanese judo really is.

Comment of Coach BEVC
I have been a personal trainer for Petar for almost two years. This visit to Japan was definitely a great experience for him. He was able to practice with high-level judo players and learn their training methods and techniques. I hope this experience will deepen his understanding of judo and broaden his horizons.

I would like to thank Coach NAKAHAMA for warmly welcoming us, and the wonderful club members for accepting us as friends. They are like one big family, always giving more than 100% of their effort, even in training. I look forward to seeing many champions emerge from among the club members.


Comment from Coach NAKAHAMA Shingo
Foreign judo players think about winning or losing before anything else. By learning values and styles that are different from those in Japan, the club members can broaden their horizons. It was also a good opportunity for them. I look forward to seeing Petar’s accomplishments in the future.