National Open Senior Championship Turns Ibadan To Nigeria’s Judo Capital

IKPO IGBINOBA 

Nigeria’s biggest city, Ibadan has added a new feather to its cap since Wednesday. 

The Oyo State capital and capital of old Western Region in the First Republic has become the judo capital of Nigeria as it plays host to a national judo championship with a difference.

All hail Oshodi Judo Foundation who is powering the National Senior Open Judo Championship, sanctioned and made mandatory by the Nigeria Judo Federation.

The championship is taking place in the iconic Obafemi Awolowo Stadium(formerly Liberty Stadium).

Ibadan will maintain the enviable status of judo capital of Nigeria until Sunday when the curtain drops on the judo Championship.

The week long activity kicked off with a refresher course for coaches, referees and elite athletes.

The two-day course which commenced on Wednesday attracted participants from far and near.

One powerful statement was made by the huge and enthusiastic attendance and that is there’s hunger for knowledge amongst stakeholders.

Ibadan offered that platform as three top grade coaches were on hand to provide the knowledge. 

Coaches Edokpolor Ihaza, Bashir Musa and Dickson Egbowon were the resource persons for the refresher course.

The two-day course addressed several aspects of coaching the oriental sport with emphasis on kata.

Ihaza told judoblitzng.com that the teaching of kata was very important because it was the soul of judo and other martial arts.

Already christened the Revival of Judo, the Ibadan Judo festival(refresher course and championship) will feature judokas from all the states of the federation, the military and the para military.