Nearly five decades of judo tradition came full circle yesterday as MJ’s Judo Dojo hosted its final selection trials for the 2026 Elite Squad and Sarah Baartman District Team, with 140 judokas competing for spots at the South African Judo Championships.
According to a statement, the event showcased something rarely seen in modern sport; three to four generations of the same families competing on the same mats where their grandparents once trained. This remarkable continuity has become the hallmark of a dojo that has shaped the local judo landscape for almost 50 years.
The day’s most heart warming moment came when 17 competitors aged 3 to 6 from the dojo’s mini division each received special gold medals, celebrating their courage and determination rather than traditional competition results.
“What we saw today goes far beyond competition,” said Coach Matthew Spear. “These young athletes showed incredible bravery stepping onto the mat, and recognising each of them with a gold medal is about celebrating their effort, confidence and love for the sport at such an important age.”
The trials required over 20 officials to manage the scale of competition, demonstrating the professional structure that has underpinned the dojo’s continued success.
MJ’s Judo Dojo’s influence extends well beyond its own facility. Coaches Sensei Reece Kramer and Coach Matthew Spear actively develop the sport at grassroots level, teaching judo across multiple schools and creating pathways for young athletes to progress into competitive ranks.
Sarah Baartman Judo Association Chairperson Sensei Teresa Vermaak, who has worked alongside the coaching team to build the sport’s foundation, emphasized the deeper impact of their work.
“To witness multiple generations coming through this dojo is something truly special,” Vermaak said. “Judo is not just about producing champions for competition, but about building character, respect and resilience that stays with these athletes for life. That legacy is what makes this dojo so powerful.”
A traditional kata demonstration during the trials reminded participants and spectators of judo’s philosophical foundations, balancing the day’s competitive focus with the sport’s deeper values of discipline and respect.
With both rounds of trials now complete, selected athletes will begin final preparations for the South African Judo Championships, carrying forward a legacy that extends far beyond medals and rankings.
The dojo’s success lies not just in producing nationally competitive athletes, but in nurturing a deeply rooted community where judo’s values of respect, discipline and perseverance are passed down through generations.
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