Behind the scenes… of a final at the Judo World Championships in Doha

In Doha we arrived at the third day of the world championships in judo and on the tatami of the Ali Bin Hamad Al Attiyah Arena the final of the 73 kg between Manuel Lombardo e Nils Stump. And the point of view that accompanies these world days could not be missing… from behind the scenes

The meeting was going as it should. Stump was dropping and Manuel was growing and this is where the two pitches came out, an almost perfect uranage and the seoinage of the tragedy: clearly wazari if it weren’t for the rule born in the context of the so-called “safe-judo”.

What is it about? The idea of ​​the International Federation is to avoid serious injuries by banning those movements that can put oneself or one’s opponents at risk.

This was the case: the rule prohibits impacting the head directly on the tatami during the execution of a throwing technique: if it happens, even accidentally, disqualification is unavoidable.

The rule today was applied to the letter, game over.

But here my controversy begins, because it is a controversy.

Personally I understand and agree with the concept and the rules created for “safe-judo” but within certain limits.

I find them inevitable and without too many exceptions in the youth classes, on the contrary I believe they are counterproductive, anachronistic, a show-killer for the world of Top Players.

On the other hand, the high level is not for everyone, it is not for children, it is not for amateurs: the high level is for super athletes.

I think that by virtue of this the high-level “safe-judo” shirts are narrow to the point of being castrating, completely unsuitable for athletes with extraordinary skills and preparation, who can make technically and motorically difficult choices that are between the other ones that are worth the ticket price…

because all this is and must also be a great show.

Not like this, not like today and I’m so sorry: for Manuel and for my sport.

>>> PHOTOGALLERY OF THE FINAL 73 KG