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 the expansion of the project.
The founder of the academy - European champion, two-time medalist of world championships, participant of two Olympics Orkhan Safarov spoke to Idman.Biz about this project, which he considers his 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. In this regard, the most difficult period is just beginning now.
– The Academy has been operating for the second year. Are you satisfied with the development?
– I am partially satisfied, partially not. I like that we have managed to build a stable training system, form groups, and create discipline and judo culture among those involved. Sometimes I am dissatisfied with the development rate of some athletes. But I understand that time is needed, everything does not happen at once.
– You once noted 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 basis. This is posture, distance, balance, timing, respect for details. But now I am increasingly realizing that we need to form our own, Azerbaijani model. Because our athletes have skills that are not present in the pure Japanese school – emotionality, fighting spirit. It is important for me that my students fight, have fire in their eyes, and go to matches 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 after that are foreign trips possible. If the 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 we hope for?
– Our team always has the potential to win a medal. The 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 formality, 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.
