3rd Japanese Ambassador's Cup Kenyan Judo Tournament Took Place
2025/3/1
On 1 March, the 3rd Japanese Ambassador's Cup Kenya Judo Tournament was held at the Kasarani Indoor Arena. Held jointly with the Kenya Judo Federation, the tournament attracted a record number of over 300 judo athletes from across the country to showcase their daily achievements.
Ambassador Matsuura encouraged the athletes in his speech as summarised below.
"It is delightful that, for the first time since 2019 and for the first time after the Covid lockdown, today we hold the Japanese Ambassador’s Cup Judo Tournament."
"Judo originates in Japan, but it is by now a world, universal sport.
I am very glad that Kenya accepts Judo and you, as athletes, accept Judo."
"Through Judo, you acquire not only strength, but also respect and gratitude for your sensei, your teammates, your judges and even your rivals. That is the Japanese spirit, because in Japan, martial arts are not only means to fight, but at the same time, means to train your personality to its perfection. Train your personality through Judo, then your spiritual beauty will surface in your gentleness and etiquette. That is the true human growth that all Judo athletes should aim at achieving."
A speech of encouragement courtesy of Ambassador Matsuura
One of the many exhilerating matches
A booth where contestants in waiting could get a chance to experience Japanese Culture
Group photo taken after the event
Ambassador Matsuura encouraged the athletes in his speech as summarised below.
"It is delightful that, for the first time since 2019 and for the first time after the Covid lockdown, today we hold the Japanese Ambassador’s Cup Judo Tournament."
"Judo originates in Japan, but it is by now a world, universal sport.
I am very glad that Kenya accepts Judo and you, as athletes, accept Judo."
"Through Judo, you acquire not only strength, but also respect and gratitude for your sensei, your teammates, your judges and even your rivals. That is the Japanese spirit, because in Japan, martial arts are not only means to fight, but at the same time, means to train your personality to its perfection. Train your personality through Judo, then your spiritual beauty will surface in your gentleness and etiquette. That is the true human growth that all Judo athletes should aim at achieving."
A speech of encouragement courtesy of Ambassador Matsuura
One of the many exhilerating matches
A booth where contestants in waiting could get a chance to experience Japanese Culture
Scenes from the Award Ceremony
Group photo taken after the event