Idman.biz
"Safarov Judo Academy", led by European champion and world medalist Orkhan Safarov, occupies a unique place in the country's judo. The opening of the second hall in the capital these days shows that the project is expanding.
The founder of the Academy - European champion, two-time medalist of world championships, participant of two Olympiads Orkhan Safarov spoke to Idman.Biz about this project, which he considers his own child, and shared his future plans.
– Considering the opening of the second hall of the Academy founded by Orkhan Safarov, can we say that things are going uphill?
– In my opinion, the Academy is developing in the right direction. The opening of the second hall in the 8th kilometer settlement area is not yet a success in the full sense of the word. This is just a stage that requires more responsibility and control. From this point of view, the most difficult period is just beginning.
– The Academy has been operating for the second year. Are you satisfied with the development?
– I am partly satisfied, partly not. I like that a stable training system has been established, groups have been formed, and discipline and judo culture have been created among those involved. Sometimes I am dissatisfied with the pace of development of some athletes. But I understand that time is needed, everything does not happen at once.
– You once mentioned that you are trying to combine the European training methodology with the Japanese approach in your work. How successful is this?
– The Japanese approach provides the base. This is posture, distance, balance, timing, respect for details. But now I am increasingly realizing that we must form our own, Azerbaijani model. Because our athletes have skills that are not found in the purely Japanese school – emotionality, fighting spirit. It is important for me that my students fight, have fire in their eyes, and go to meetings not just to perform the technique, but to really fight for victory.
– Is the participation of your students in international tournaments planned?
– Frankly, I am against tourist trips. First there must be internal competition, national starts, stability of form. Only then are foreign trips possible. If an athlete is ready for this, then, of course, international experience is important at an early age. Otherwise, it is a waste of money and time.
– The World Championship will be held in Baku this year. What do you think awaits the Azerbaijani national team, what result can be expected?
– Our team always has the potential to win medals. A home championship is sometimes not an advantage as it seems, but rather additional pressure. There will be medals, but it is difficult to say their number in advance.
– What are your plans in terms of participating in various international seminars and programs?
– I plan to participate more actively in international seminars and educational programs. Not for the sake of form, but to constantly update the methodology and expand professional contacts. I believe that a modern coach should not be limited only to his own experience.
