The 13th Jikei Group Challenge Cup Judo Training Tournament was held on August 18 and 19 at the Chiba Prefectural Budokan. The annual tournament is open to high schools in Chiba Prefecture and was established for the purpose of creating an opportunity for beginning judo students (white-belt students with no degree) to take part in a tournament and experience judo matches.

 

The tournament has entered its 13th year and trust in the Jikei Group has grown considerably. The Jikei Group organized the judo training tournament together with the Chiba Prefectural Judo Federation. Additional support was provided by the Chiba District Judo Association. A total of 363 students from 55 schools spanning 5 prefectures took part in the exciting matches.

 

The Jikei Group is grateful for the enormous support received from the judo instructors in the Judo Division of the Chiba High School Athletic Federation and also from the Chiba Prefectural Police Headquarters, among others. Support for the high school matches was also provided by faculty members from Tokyo College of Medical Sports—the main sponsor for the event—together with students from the school’s judo and sports trainer clubs.

 

The students from the Jikei Group had their hands full during the 2 days of the tournament, acting as sparring partners for the high school students and taking part in practice matches. They also manned the sports trainer stations and acted as officials. The tournament also provided a unique experience for those Jikei Group students looking to pursue a career as a sports trainer in the future. All of the participants worked very hard during the tournament.