“Judo is all about harmonizing body and mind, creating a perfect balance between physical strength and mental resilience through ongoing practice,” said Ma Duanbin, head coach of the Beijing women’s judo team, in a recent interview.
Ma views judo as more than a mere sport; he sees it as a philosophy that transcends technical skills. It’s about using finesse to overcome brute strength and leveraging the intellect of the underdog to beat a stronger opponent. He often teaches his students how to think strategically to outsmart their rivals. “When your opponent stands in front of you, if their center of gravity is off, they can easily be thrown in any direction,” he explained. An outstanding judo athlete can quickly assess their opponent’s weaknesses by observing their center of gravity, movements, and expressions, using swift actions to disrupt their competitor’s balance and secure victory.
In judo, the idea of “using gentleness to overcome strength” goes beyond technique; it’s a profound mindset. Ma stresses that athletes need a combination of strength and speed, along with the clarity of thought and strategic planning. He believes that a top judo athlete should rapidly analyze an opponent’s intentions in the fast-paced environment of a match and come up with effective counter-strategies.
During competitions, judo athletes often counter powerful attacks with agility and clever tactics. This approach demands a deep understanding of the philosophical and logical foundations of judo. Ma points out that elite judo players must have sharp observational skills, as the information on the mat can change in an instant. They need to cultivate focus and master the art of observation to make quick, accurate judgments. Furthermore, strong logical reasoning is essential; the entire judo exchange functions like problem-solving, where logic plays a crucial role. Athletes must analyze their opponent’s movements in real time and respond accordingly. Lastly, decisiveness is key; they must continuously observe, reflect, and adapt, meeting raw power with strategic flexibility.
Ma also highlights the necessity of open communication between athletes and coaches. He encourages athletes to engage in ongoing discussions about the challenges and uncertainties they face during training. This two-way communication enables training plans to be adjusted in a timely manner, helping athletes to better grasp their preparation goals and methods.
Ma Duanbin is a celebrated Chinese judo athlete, having claimed titles at the National Games, Universiade, and World Championships. Following his retirement, he took on the role of head coach for the Beijing women’s judo team. In just one year, he transformed the team from an underperforming group into a formidable contender, with his athletes winning numerous championships, including the National Games and National Youth titles.
