## A new Era for Judo: Rule Changes Debut at Vienna Championships
The judo world is gearing up for an exciting new chapter as the International Judo Federation (IJF) implements significant rule changes. These modifications will be first showcased at the upcoming Vienna Championships, marking a pivotal moment in the sportS evolution.The conventional Olympic Training Camp (OTC) in Mittersill concluded successfully, with over 848 judoka from 40 nations participating in intense training sessions. Head Coach Yvonne Snir-Bönisch praised the event, highlighting the exceptional quality and quantity of participants. The Austrian national team showcased their prowess against top-tier training partners, leaving the coaching staff optimistic about the upcoming season.
While the Austrian team will not debut under the new rules in Paris, they will make their competitive debut at the second Grand Slam tournament in Baku in mid-February. Eleven Austrian judoka are expected to compete, including notable athletes like Jacqueline Springer, Laura Callinger, Magamed Borchashvilli, Bernd Fasching, Movli borchashvilli, and Stephan hegyi. Notably, six of these athletes hail from Viennese clubs, demonstrating the city’s strong judo presence.
The Vienna Championships, taking place at the Lieblgasse sports hall due to renovations at the Kurt Kucera Hall, will be the first domestic tournament to implement the new IJF rules. These include the reintroduction of the Yuko ranking system. The tournament will feature competitions for veterans on Saturday and various youth categories (U10, U12, U14, and U16) on Sunday.
For those eager to delve into the specifics of the new regulations,detailed information can be found on the judo Austria website[[here](https://www.judoaustria.at/download-file?id=14177) and on BudoWiki[[here](http://budo.awardspace.info/pmwiki.php?n=IJF.Annex012024).
The judo community eagerly anticipates the impact of these rule changes and the exciting competitions that lie ahead.
Judo’s Evolution: A Conversation with Olympic Medalist Yvonne Snir-Bönisch
The Judo world is buzzing with anticipation as the International Judo Federation (IJF) ushers in a new era with significant rule modifications. Thes changes will debut at the upcoming Vienna Championships, promising a thrilling spectacle for fans and athletes alike. To delve deeper into the implications of these rule shifts, we sat down with Yvonne Snir-Bönisch, Head Coach of the Austrian national Judo team and a decorated Olympian, to gain her viewpoint.
Moderator: Yvonne, thank you for joining us. The recent Olympic Training Camp in Mittersill seemed like a resounding success, with a record number of judoka participating. Can you tell us about the atmosphere and the impact of these intense training sessions on the Austrian team?
Yvonne Snir-Bönisch:
It was truly inspiring to see so many athletes from around the world converging in Mittersill. The atmosphere was electric with a shared passion for Judo. Our Austrian team benefited greatly from sparring with such high-caliber opponents. It allows them to test their skills, refine their techniques, and gain invaluable experience against different styles.
The coaching staff is incredibly optimistic about the upcoming season. We saw tremendous progress and a strong sense of unity within the team.
moderator: The Vienna Championships will mark the first domestic tournament to implement the new IJF rules. What are your initial thoughts on these changes, particularly the reintroduction of the Yuko scoring system?
Yvonne Snir-Bönisch:
The reintroduction of yuko is a significant change that I believe will add more nuance and strategic depth to Judo matches. yuko rewards smaller techniques, encouraging judoka to be more creative and explore a wider range of throws and holds.
It’s critically important for our athletes to fully understand and adapt to these new dynamics.
Moderator:
You mentioned that the Austrian team will make its competitive debut under the new rules at the Grand Slam in Baku. How are you preparing the team for this transition, and are there any specific challenges you foresee?
Yvonne Snir-Bönisch:
the Grand Slam will be a crucial test for our athletes as they adapt to the new rulebook and face elite competition. We are focusing on meticulous training, incorporating specific drills and scenarios to familiarize them with the revised scoring system and its implications.
Adjusting to Yuko will require a shift in mindset – judoka need to be more perceptive and capitalize on opportunities for smaller scores.
It will be captivating to see how these changes impact the overall strategy and pacing of matches.
Moderator:
From a coaching perspective, what excites you most about this new chapter in Judo?
Yvonne Snir-Bönisch:
I believe these rule changes will breathe new life into Judo, making it even more dynamic and captivating for both athletes and spectators. The emphasis on smaller techniques opens up a wider range of possibilities and encourages a more aggressive and technical style of Judo.
It’s an exciting time to be involved in the sport, and I can’t wait to see how these changes unfold.
Moderator: And for our readers who are passionate about Judo, what are your thoughts on the importance of continued dialogue and discussion within the Judo community as these new rules are implemented?
Yvonne Snir-Bönisch:
Open dialogue and constructive dialogue are crucial for the successful integration of any new rules.
It’s essential for Judo fans, athletes, coaches, and officials to share their perspectives, ask questions, and contribute to the evolution of the sport.
The IJF has made the new regulations accessible on their website, and I encourage everyone to familiarize themselves with the changes and engage in thoughtful discussions.
Moderator:
Thank you, Yvonne, for sharing your insights and expertise. We wish the Austrian team the best of luck as they navigate this new era of Judo!
And to our readers, we encourage you to share your thoughts on these rule changes. Will they revitalize the sport? How will they impact your favorite judoka and Judo styles? Let us know in the comments below.
