In this post we’ll be looking at the ‘Martial Arts’ at this Summer’s Games. Or, if you prefer, the ‘Fighting Arts’ – Judo, Karate and Taekwondo. Wrestling, which could well be included will have its own post closer to that event’s start later in the Games.
Fairly unsurprisingly, we should expect the home nation (and Asian nations in general) to enjoy a strong Games in these events, especially Karate, which is one of the sports chosen especially by the Tokyo Organising Committee to be showcased this year.
Judo
Judo was first included in the Olympics in 1964 when the Games were held in…Tokyo! With the exception of 1968, it has been a mainstay ever since.
Japan is the most successful nation in the event in terms of medal count and will expect to continue that tradition this year, especially in the new mixed team event, as well as the various individual disciplines.
The next most successful team is France, who will also have several medal chances including two time Olympic – and 10 time World – Champion Teddy Riner, as well as one of their flag bearers, Clarisse Agbegnenou.
Karate
Karate is making its debut this year and will comprise two formats – Kumite and Kata. Put simply (as far as I understand it at least!) Kumite is ‘fighting’ style with competitors actively competing against each other and Kata is ‘form’ style where the winner is determined on artistic grounds, rather than an actual fight. Although someone who understands it better than me can probably tell you how wrong I am here!
Japan are obviously expected to medal well here, although they may face a challenge in the Kata disciplines from the Spanish pair of Sandra Sanchez and Damian Quintero.
Taekwondo
Taekwondo made its full debut in the Sydney Games of 2000 and has been dominated by South Korea and China since then. Expect both nations to go well here, with Jang Jun, Lee Ah-reum and Daehoon Lee all being strong medal favourites for the Koreans.
In terms of other nations, Britain welcomes back their two time Olympic champion Jade Jones to defend her title and will hope that her teammate Bianca Walkden – ranked World number one in her weight class – can join her atop the podium.
Next up, one of the big draws for any Olympic Games – the swimming!
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