Oleg Valenchuk: Judo is not just a sport, but a whole philosophy and a way of life.

      This equally applies to Vyatka judokas. Traditionally, at the beginning of January, at the initiative of the President of the Judo Federation of the Kirov Region and State Duma deputy Oleg Valenchuk, a training event is held at the Yunost Specialized Youth Sports School (SShOR) in Kirov. It's an excellent opportunity for athletes of different age groups to prepare for trips to the Volga Federal District judo championships.

      “I really liked the methodology and the technology used by the Judo Federation's coaches to run the camp,” said Oleg Khlusyanov, president of the Kirov Region Hand-to-Hand Combat Federation, who visited the training event. “It's good that this work takes place during the school holidays, when young people are free from studies and can fully devote themselves to the camp. Everything is perfectly organized: training, lunch, rest, and training again. I saw the athletes' burning eyes, focused on a strong start and victories in the new season.”

      Intense work is also taking place these days within the Judo Federation of the Kirov Region itself: the event calendar for the current year is being finalized, issues of material and technical support are being resolved, and training-methodology seminars are being held.

      “In addition to preparing for championships, we are actively working to popularize this sport,” says Oleg Valenchuk. “We are successfully participating in the Judo Federation of Russia's project ‘My First Judo Belt’ for younger schoolchildren. It's 10 lessons that provide general physical preparation and teach the basics of safety on the tatami. Three other important projects — ‘Family of Champions’, ‘Planet Judo’ and ‘Judo Family’ — are being implemented today in Kirovo-Chepetsk. Parents train together with their children; this strengthens the family, improves mutual understanding, and helps young athletes overcome psychological barriers. The result is that children grow physically strong and psychologically resilient. This is very important, because judo is not only a sport, but a whole philosophy, a way of life. These kids will never needlessly throw punches in the yard, but they will always be able to defend themselves, their loved ones, and their country. This is probably even more important than purely sporting achievements.”