South Africa: The South African National Defence Force Judo Commander Henriette Moller participated in the 2004 Olympics Games in Athens and will lead the SA National Defence Force Judo team to the 41st CISM World Military Judo Games in Santa Domingo, Dominican Republic from 24 July to 01 August 2023 together with Sensei Commander Moller, who is a 6th Dan black and an International Judo Federation (IJF) qualified Coach and referee.Â
Together with Captain Odwa Mnene, an International Judo Federation qualified referee, they have mostly attended World University Games, World Judo University Championships and Judo Commonwealth. Commander Moller and Captain Mnene are the most senior administrators of Judo in the SA National Defence Force.
Judo in the South African National Defence Force has very few participants and administrators with vast experience in this sport.
The goal of Judo is to immobilize or subdue an opponent through a variety of techniques, including throws, joint locks, and choking techniques. It emphasizes efficiency and technique over brute strength, making it suitable for people of all ages and physical abilities.
Judo is also known for its competitive aspect, with matches on a mat called a tatami. Participants, known as judoka, aim to score points by throwing their opponents onto their backs or immobilizing them on the ground. Judo has its own set of rules and regulations to ensure safety during matches.
Aside from its competitive aspect, Judo also focuses on personal development and self-discipline. Practitioners strive to improve their physical fitness, mental focus, and spiritual well-being through training and practice. Judo is practised worldwide and is recognized as an Olympic sport.
Judo in a military context typically refers to using judo techniques and principles in combat situations by military personnel. It can be seen as a form of hand-to-hand combat training that focuses on using an opponent’s strength and momentum against them, utilizing throws, joint locks, and immobilization techniques.
In the military, judo training can help enhance physical fitness, develop self-defence skills, and improve tactical effectiveness. Soldiers are taught to utilize their opponent’s body mechanics and leverage to overpower larger opponents or neutralize threats without relying solely on brute force. This can be particularly useful in close-quarters combat situations or when disarming an opponent.
Judo training also emphasizes mental discipline, respect, and mutual welfare, which can be essential for military personnel to maintain composure and make sound tactical decisions during high-stress situations.
Incorporating judo techniques into military training can provide soldiers with additional tools and strategies to handle physical confrontations effectively while minimizing the risk of injury to themselves and their opponents.
Over 4 – 7 July 2023, the SA National Defence Force Judo team participated in the South African National Championships in Gqeberha and obtained seven gold, 3 Silver and 1 Bronze medal. Some players qualified to compete in the Commonwealth Judo Championships, held from 02 to 07 August 2023 in Gqeberha.
The Following SA National Defence Force judokas were nominated to represent SA National Defence Force to CISM are:
• Commander H. Moller (Coach);
• Chief Petty Officer J.B. Johannes (u90kg Player);
• Sergeant Mnqeta (u100kg Player);
• Petty Officer Y. Peters (u 73kg Player);
• Petty Officer B. Nkoane (u81Kg Player) and
• Leading Seaman D. Bosman (u81kg Player).
The following SA National Defence Force judokas will compete for Judo Commonwealth in Gqeberha:
• Commander H. Moller (Player);
• Staff Sergeant P. Mbele (Player);
• Chief Petty Officer J.B. Johannes (u90kg Player);
• Sergeant Mnqeta (u100kg Player);
• Petty Officer Y. Peters (u 73kg Player);
• Petty Officer B. Nkoane (u81Kg Player);
• Leading Seaman D. Bosman (u81kg Player) and
• Lance Corporal P. Meyer (u100 Player).
The Judo representatives for the Arms of Services are SA Army, Lance Corporal P.J. Meyer (9 SA Infantry Battalion), SA Air Force, Captain O.O. Mnene (Air Force Base Ysterplaat) and SA Navy, Chief Petty Officer J.B. Johannes (SAS PROTEA).
