Justo Noda: recognition to the Cuban Sports, not to myself

Cuban coach Doctor of Sciences Justo Noda Barreto, eighth Dan in Judo, recently received special recognition from several directors, including Marius Vizer, president of the International Judo Federation (IJF).

The documents released via WhatsApp by Noda to the Cuban News Agency (ACN) highlight his outstanding work in women's and men's teams in the largest of the Antilles, Peru and Panama, where he currently works, and at the head of the IJF training centers in Mexico City and Cancun.

It all began with the proposals, which highlight that the Caribbean trainer has always proven his professionalism and excellent results, ending with the Nomination of Master Coach, Master Trainer.

With the modesty that characterizes him, he explained that this recognition has a special value: “It represents the effort and dedication of a lifetime, highlighting the deep appreciation throughout a complete career. It is about showing strength through loyalty, responsibility, patience and resistance to work, without forgetting enthusiasm.”

He added: “It is the powerful virtue that allows us to reject everything that harms us and that goes against our greatest personal goals.

I believe that, beyond being a personal recognition, it is a recognition of the great historical results of Cuban judo and the sports movement in Cuba. Therefore, I would like to share it with those great coaches who, from the base, have been the true protagonists of these achievements.

He also recalled what John Locke said: No one's knowledge can go beyond their experience. Experience is the greatest source of knowledge, what is known as experiential learning. Judo, due to its vastness, required much more time to be completed in its structural, theoretical, pedagogical and operational design. Jigoro Kano expressed that what he transmitted in life were the foundations of judo, and that the subsequent development would correspond to future generations.

At 70 years of age - November 28, 1954 - he has extensive and rich academic training in various categories, with a highlight in the Scientific Degree: completion of a Doctorate in Pedagogical Sciences (2016), to which is added his long work experience, especially that of Technical Director of the High Performance School Center, in the state of Quintana Roo, Cancun, Mexico (2019-2021).

His 55-year career as an athlete, coach and research methodologist also stands out, 10 of these as a trainer in the school, youth, and national categories; provincial commissioner of judo in Matanzas (1973-1984) and in the national teams (f and m / 1984-2016).

He participated as a trainer – technical director – (m and f) in senior world championships from 1987 to 2023, as well as in cadets and juniors as a coach or coach from 1990 to 2018.

The same happened in Pan American Games (m and f/1987-2023), and in Pan American championships (m and f/1985-2023).

Noda treasures (m and f) 348 medals (150-78-121) in Olympic Games (2-3-9), Senior World Championships (6-7-17), World Team Championships (3-1-1), Junior World Championships (4-0-2), World University Games (4-3-7), Pan American Games (26-11-29),

Central American and Caribbean Games (47-7-51) and Pan American Championships (60-47-51).

He has filed eight investigations on various judo subjects in different periods, the first of these in 1992 and with emphasis on those related to the Olympic cycles of elite level men's judo of 2001-2004 and 2005-2008, and 2001-2004 and 2004-2008.

As a speaker, he has 10 major participations, especially those related to the elite level (m), in the Olympic cycles of 2001-2004 and 2005-2008, and he also received 11 improvement courses and gave 11 courses and conferences.

His showcase also holds recognitions from the Olympic Committee for winning medals in six consecutive Olympic Games: Barcelona 92, Atlanta 96, Sydney 2000, Athens 2004, Beijing 2008 and London 2012.

For 32 years in a row, he was evaluated with a MB rating and deserved recognition for having athletes among the 10 best in Cuba from 1992 to 2015.

Translated by Sergio A. Paneque Díaz / CubaSí Translation Staff