Sensei Katja Bruwer pushing forward despite tough 2020
Throughout a tough 2020, Katja had her thoughts focused on the well-being of her students.
Coaching is not simply imparting skills but ensuring students have the maturity to know when to use said skills. Nurturing the hearts and minds of students is a unique responsibility not to be taken lightly.
Judo Sensei Katja Bruwer has been active in the Dojo since 1974 and currently holds a 6th Dan Black Belt. The current Judo South Africa junior coach, International Judo Federation Level 2 coach and qualified Kata judge recently added another notch to her canvas belt. She won the Coach of the Year category at the West Rand Women in Sports Awards in September.
“I would like to say that I feel very honoured to have been chosen as the winner of the Coach of the Year category in the West Rand Women in Sports Awards,” said the humble Sensei. “I would like to thank all the people who were involved in the creation and success of the event, and I would also like to congratulate all the finalists from our district, especially Keagan Diab for being named Technical Official of the Year,” she continued.
Throughout a tough 2020, Katja had her thoughts focused on the well-being of her students. “Never did we imagine that we would not be able to train and interact with each other. Many children struggled emotionally, so the greatest joy for me was when we were able to start teaching again,” she said.
Her coaching philosophy revolves around being an ‘effective’ coach who is not only always willing to learn, but who places herself ahead of the curve on sporting trends. Leading by example, exemplary communication and creating a supportive environment are also top of her list of essential characteristics. “You need to know that it is not a case of one size fits all. You must understand the strengths and weaknesses of judoka. Coaches need to be psychologists too,” she laughed.
With no plans to call it a day anytime soon, Katja still wishes to evolve with the sport and put an emphasis on developing the female talent pool. Black belts will always be the goal though, as Katja stressed, “The journey to Black Belt is a long and tough one, and the judoka who achieve this are very special indeed”.
Great achievements seldom come without expert guidance, and with KJK Judo Club, few can be better equipped.
