The best gift you can give to humanity is envisioning the dreams of people. Himanshu Mahajan – The Aspiring Judo Coach

Chasing your dreams and achieving it gives an immense sense of pride. But, helping others to achieve their goals is something that is beyond words. Today at Vilasins, we want our viewers to know about the young talent Mr. Himanshu Mahajan – The Judo coach at Aurangabad Judo Academy and a member of Aurangabad Judo Association. Merely at the age of 22, he is constantly pushing himself to let Judo Aspirants achieve the career close to their heart and bring laurels for themselves, their family and ofcourse for the country. At such a tender age, when sportsmen want to be the apple of everyone’s eye, his mind, soul and body is envisioning the dreams of others.

So, without wasting further time, let’s have a look at one of the most enthusiastic & informative conversations we ever had.
 

We want to know is Judo & karate a same thing? Or different from each other?

He laughed a bit and then replied, “Karate is an attacking and aggressive form of martial art and involves earning points for kicking and punching, whereas Judo is originated in Japan, it is purely a defensive form of martial art and involve grappling and throwing of opponent as one would do in wrestling. Judo was introduced by Rabindranath Tagore for bringing self defence expertise among Indian women.” There is so much of difference between the two; hopefully your clarification would be a wakeup call for masses.

At what age, your interest developed in this Sports and who was the inspiration?

I am playing Judo since 5 years. Thanks to my father, uncles, aunts – I have grown up seeing them playing Judo, so I also got inclined towards this Sports and happy to cherish it till now. I was also used to play Judo in my school. There was no as such fan following from my side for a sportsperson. The environment around me inspired made to practice it.
 

Great! We wish to add many more years to you!

What are your qualifications?

I hold a graduation degree in Psychology and MBA in Sports Management from Symbiosis.

Interesting, how did you incline to Psychology?

He smiled and then replied, “Well, I was an average student; I scored too low in Mathematics in 10th standard. So as I was inclined towards Psychology so I opted . But whatever happens, happens for the good. The subject helped me listen to my inner voice and during my Graduation only I decided that Judo is my hobby, career, pleasure, life.

 

When you had realized Judo is your passion, then why didn’t you prepare yourself for National and International level platforms? Why did you opt MBA?

In a deep voice, he replied, “Ummmm…. Because of the lack of tournaments for senior category. I had never read or listened about the stars that excelled in the field of Judo. What are their techniques? What are their strengths? All I knew was only 1 or 2 athlete(s) is/are selected for the Olympics because the open tournament happens only once in whole year which decides the chosen candidates who would be performing at Olympics. Since there was no guidance, lack of frequency of open tournaments, so I decided to opt MBA. MBA in Sports Management was like a cherry on the cake while I was also teaching Judo in my Academy.

What are your highest accomplishments in Judo?

I am an Orange Belt and preparing for Black Belt. Firstly I have to attain Green, Blue, Brown and then I will try for Black Belt.

So, is Black Belt the Highest Category?

No, after that, it’s Nathan 1, 2 and 3; the series is White – Yellow – Orange – Green – Blue – Iron – Black. After attaining Orange Belt, you are authorized to train people.

 

Can you cite your top achievement in Judo?

I stood 2nd at an inter university competition in Aurangabad during my Graduation. I did not participate during my MBA; the university had no participation in Inter University Judo Competition.

Since when are you training kids?

I am training since 18 years of my age. I started training kids while I was pursuing graduation.

What’s the name of your Academy and what is the age group of children who are learning there?

It’s Aurangabad Judo Academy. The age group is 7 years to 18 years. But since it’s a technical game, therefore we mainly hire above 14 years. But for the promotion of Sports, enhancing fitness level and motor activities of kids, small kids are also entertained.

How much is the ratio of Girls, any special batches for Disabled kids?

He smiled and then replied. “You will be glad to know 7 out of 8 are Girls. We have more female strength. No special batches for Disabled, actually we don’t have any. But yes! We do have kids who have low IQ level. All of them participate in regular batches only.

Is your family happy to see you in the Sports Field?

They are really happy and proud of me. I am so lucky that I have such parents who have faith in me, my ideas and my dreams.

Besides running Judo Academy, what are your other initiatives for the promotion of this Sport?

I am also the member of Aurangabad Judo Association, right now my plans is to promote the Sports atleast in my city. So, we raise funds for this association by counseling people. We tell them if they would invest in us, they will receive Tax Redemption under ATG. Please refer the FB page of my academy: https://www.facebook.com/pg/Aurangabad-judo-academy-1592213134371895/posts/?ref=page_internal.

Didn’t you ever feel you would be better off at Corporate Job – More Money, Stability and Recognition?

Honestly speaking, definitely I would be earning much higher in a Corporate Job in comparison to what I am earning right now. But Mental Satisfaction is the key. Judo brings the feeling of joy, peace within me. From the day I have opened my Academy, I have never thought it as a wrong decision. Judo is my life and seeing others performing it give me immense pleasure.
 

Why Judo has not received the level like other Sports – Cricket, Football, Basketball etc.?

There are many reasons behind it – The foremost reason is that it belongs to Japanese culture, people don’t embrace it. Other is people look at it merely as fitness based activity, they don’t consider it in a category of Sports. Also, many parents hesitate to send their kids in Judo because there are much chances of fracture since it’s a power game.
 

Other reason is Star Factor – Everyone knows about MS Dhoni, PV Sindhu, Virat Kohli because Media has hyped their personalities. But do people know about Tababi Devi who won the first ever Youth Olympics medal for India in Judo and later also won a silver in the mixed team event under mixed-NOCs or about Avtar Singh who participated in 90 kg weight category Rio Olympics. No, because they have not received the deserved limelight. I try to contact with the President of the Judo Federation of India, but as of now I have not received any response.
 

What suggestions would you like to convey to Govt?

National Sports Authority has established a lot of centers across Nation. But there is no promotion about them. I am working at a Grassroot level; I know Judo lovers are there, but unless and until promotion of centers will not be there, how would people know to grab the right opportunities. Also, Government should also announce higher amount of cash prize like other Sports. The Sports has a lot of Scope. Judo experts have a huge demand in movies industry too for action purpose. Nobody knows that even Farah Khan is a Black Belt. Russian President – Vladimir Putin is a Black Belt, he is doing a lot of promotion in his country.

What advice would you like to give to JUDO enthusiasts?

Since, it is a power game, so they must focus on building Muscles to maintain Speed and Power at the same time. They must also prefer running.
 

We just loved the confidence and honesty with which he replied all his answers. We hope you must have enjoyed reading his interview as much as we enjoyed interviewing him. And don’t forget to gain inspiration from this young blood which will definitely guide us to stay positive and motivated during the bumpy rides of our life.

Pic Courtesy: Himanshu Mahajan
Special Thanks: Himanshu Mahajan- The Judo coach at Aurangabad Judo Academy and a member of Aurangabad Judo Association. Please refer the FB page of his academy: https://www.facebook.com/pg/Aurangabad-judo-academy-1592213134371895/posts/?ref=page_internal

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE

Search
Scroll to Top