All martial arts require discipline of both body and mind, but perhaps commitment is a precursor to that.
Due to “commitment problems” Judo Yukon was unable to send a team to represent the territory at last week’s Judo Junior Nationals in Calgary.
“Unfortunately, due to other commitments, our team wasn’t able to get together, and so we did not send a team,” said Dan Poelman, president and officials chair of Judo Yukon.
“We just couldn’t get it together as team members—it’s commitment.
“There are some kids that are doing other sports already as well.”
It has been years since the Yukon was represented at the Senior Nationals as well, said Poelman, but he is hoping to attract new students to Whitehorse’s three Judo schools in September.
“Hopefully, we’ll get the judo program going again in September and will have enough members committed to the next junior nationals, which is typically in the beginning of the summer,” said Poelman. “Scrambling and getting a team together at the last minute would not be beneficial. Instead we’ll focus on the next season and look at other programs.”
The time of year the nationals takes place could be a factor, says Poelman, prompting him to suggest an earlier date—and he’s not alone.
“Judo BC proposed moving the competition to during the school year because they always have a tough time as well,” said Poelman. “We’re a small organization so it’s in our best interest to try to get members going (to the nationals).”
The territory’s best showing at the Junior Nationals was in 2005 when Yukon’s Montana Prysnuk won bronze.
Contact Tom Patrick at
tomp@yukon-news.com