100% KNOWLEDGE: ECh Montpellier_1

The biggest European event it's getting closer, so for this occasion we gathered the best judo experts for you. Olympic Champions, journalists, coaches are here to give their opinion about their favourites in Montpellier 2014. Stay tuned with us in next few days and find out all the favourites by our judo experts.

1.  Who made the biggest impact since the London 2012 Olympics ?

Cause i have a closer look to the german fraction, i would like to mention Karl-Richard Frey, who really impressed me in the last two years. His battle with Dimitri Peters for the Rio-ticket is amazing and both pushed each other to a very high level.

2. Of all your favourites for the ECh, which one of the can be the biggest surprise at the next Olympics ?

He´s may not a favourite, but an underdog. I want to mention René Schneider, who changed the weight-category and slipped into the 66kg. If continues the way he did in the last few month, he should be able to become a big surprise in Rio.

3. Do you think that there should be weight limit in + categories ?

I would appreciate that, cause as i think, the common trend goes in this direction, anyway. The heavyweight athletes seem to have their focus on becoming more  and  more athletic and powerful . I also think, that this can be the only way, to stay in touch with the new rules, which makes it nearly impossible to survive five minutes without four shido, if you are too heavy and slow.

4. Judo after Olympics, easier or harder with new rules ?

Much more complicated for the athletes and the coaches.It´s maybe more about thinking, «what can i do and what will be penalized!?». Too much Shido and forbiddens. Leg-grapping as an attractive element is really, really missing.

5. I really enjoy to watch Yarden Gerbi (ISR).                                        

6. Would you change/add anything in Judo ?

Less Shido, more grip-fight, weight-limit for the heavy-weights and maybe back to the roots: World Championship every two years again. Would upgrade it to a very specific highlight, not like now.

1.  Who made the biggest impact since the London 2012 Olympics ?

In the World Naohisa Takato U60kg, amazing! In Europe Lukas Krpalek and Majlinda Kelmendi, but real surprises: Sundberg, Roper, Maret, Pietri and some more.

2. Of all your favourites for the ECh, which one of the can be the biggest surprise at the next Olympics ?

I estimate that Clarisse Agbegnenou is a judoka with a lot of potential given her age. But not so many youngsters are convincing yet, despite Kelmendi. 

3. Do you think that there should be weight limit in + categories ?

No, I don't think that weight is the difference maker for dominance , that time is over.

4. Judo after Olympics, easier or harder with new rules ?

Better to understand, better winners, more points, also more penalties, maybe still too many hansoku's. But I see the improvement in offensive judo.

5. I really enjoy to watch spectacular judoka such as Georgii Zantaraia U66kg and Kim Polling U70kg.                                                                              

6. Would you change/add anything in Judo ?

Well, not so much, but I like it if judoka express their victory to the public, the cameras, creating these heros is part of sport, and judo is quite traditional in the celebration of a victory. I would allow this, also giving an opponent a hand shake in case of an injury, or previous history.

1.  Who made the biggest impact since the London 2012 Olympics ?

I think Naohisa Takato... but for the europeens, I think Pietri for becoming  world champion after not even qualifying for the olympic games

2. Of all your favourites for the ECh, which one of the can be the biggest surprise at the next Olympics ?

I find it to early for prediction like that...but Orkhan Safarov as been very impressive over the last year

3. Do you think that there should be weight limit in + categories ?

No, I find entertaining to see them fight!

4. Judo after Olympics, easier or harder with new rules ?

Harder...much harder!

5. I really enjoy to watch   Zantaraia (UKR).

6. Would you change/add anything in Judo ?

I really enjoy the rules that were there in london, it made it easier to counter attack...other then that i dont think i would change anything

1.  Who made the biggest impact since the London 2012 Olympics ?

Kelmendi (52kg)

2. Of all your favourites for the ECh, which one of the can be the biggest surprise at the next Olympics ?

Buchard (48kg)

3. Do you think that there should be weight limit in + categories ?

No

4. Judo after Olympics, easier or harder with new rules ?

Harder

5. I really enjoy to watch Ugo Legrand .(73kg)

6. Would you change/add anything in Judo ?

The rules with the shido. 

Stay tuned, because we will bring you more favourites of the European Championships in Montpellier.