30 March 2024
On Friday, the world celebrated International Women’s Day and over the weekend the name of Sarah Mayer came to one of our coach’s attention. In the world of judo, breaking barriers and challenging norms is a feat of resilience and determination. Sarah Mayer stands as a testament to these qualities, being the first non-Japanese woman to achieve the prestigious black belt. Her journey not only exemplifies excellence in the sport but also serves as an inspiration for female players not just around the globe but also within Ultimate Judo. Born in London in 1896, Sarah was the eldest of three children and became an actress in her parent's West End productions in 1906. It wasn’t until the early 1920s that she discovered judo and trained under Gunji Koizumi at the Budokwai in London. Mr Koizumi is known as the founder of British Judo. In the 1930s, Sarah travelled east first to India then Tibet before reaching Japan. She trained with Ichiro Hatta, a secretary of Jigorō Kano, and reached the rank of 1st Kyu. On the 23rd of February 1935, Sarah was presented with her 1st Dan by Prince Nashimoto, a member of the Japanese Imperial Family. She returned home to the UK shortly afterwards with Ichirō Hatta where she trained at the Budokwai. In those days especially, judo was a male-dominated sport yet she fearlessly pursued her dreams, undeterred by societal expectations, resistance and scepticism. Her dedication and unwavering commitment to mastering judo propelled her forward, ultimately leading to her groundbreaking achievement of earning her black belt. As the first non-Japanese woman to attain a black belt in judo, Sarah’s accomplishment shattered stereotypes and opened doors for future generations of female athletes. Her trailblazing achievement serves as a reminder that with passion, determination, and resilience, anything is possible. Today, as we reflect on Sarah Mayer’s remarkable journey, it’s essential to recognise the significance of her legacy in our own judo community. As female athletes, we stand on the shoulders of giants like Mayer, who paved the way for girls to participate, flourish and succeed in judo. There are several female judoka that some of our more experienced coaches could name that have inspired them. In our judo club, we are fortunate to have a diverse and talented group of female athletes who continue to carry forward Mayer’s spirit of determination and perseverance. From the youngest white belts to the seasoned competitors and trainee coaches, each member of our community plays a vital role in shaping the future of judo and our club. We hope that the story of Sarah Mayer serves as a reminder that you are capable of achieving greatness. Whether you’re striving for your next belt or preparing for a competition, know that your dedication and hard work do not go unnoticed. Embrace the challenges, celebrate your successes, and support one another along the way. This can apply equally to your lives away from the tatami. Your potential on and off the mat is limitless and Gordon and his team of coaches look forward to helping you fulfil it.