South Africa annually commemorates Women’s Month in August as a tribute to more than 20 000 women who marched to the Union Buildings on August 9, 1956, to protest against the extension of pass laws to women.
To mark Women’s Month, the Boksburg Advertiser caught up with Candice Maree, who thrives as a sensei at the Atlas Judokwan.
Candice attended primary and high school in Boksburg and is a teacher.
Her inspiration to become a judoka came from watching the sport as a child.
“My dad has been involved in judo since he was a young boy and was my first coach. When we were children, he always involved my brother and me in the sport. Judo inspired me, as it is a controlled sport that teaches grace, strength, and discipline. I have always been a sporty person and thoroughly enjoy the sport.
When did you start your judo career?
I began my judo career at the age of eight. I was enrolled in my dad’s (Vince Maree, sensei at the Atlas Judokwan) judo club, and quickly fell in love with the sport.
How did your judo career evolve and what are your biggest accomplishments?
Over the years, my judo career evolved through lots of training, competing in local and national tournaments, and continuously improving my techniques. Some of my accomplishments include representing Eastern Gauteng (Ekurhuleni) at both provisional and national levels, achieving gold at the South African championships and competing in the Commonwealth Games here in South Africa. I also have my second dan black belt, which is a huge achievement.
What does your position entail? What are your responsibilities?
As a senior judoka and a coach, my position entails leading training sessions, mentoring younger judokas, and promoting the values of judo, such as respect, discipline, and perseverance. I am responsible for planning training programs, providing technical guidance, and supporting my judokas during competitions.
Do you think enough is being done to promote judo among women?
While there have been improvements in promoting judo among women, there is still room for growth. We must encourage female participation by highlighting successful female judokas and continuous support and development.
What challenges do female judokas face?
Female judokas may face some challenges, such as fewer females to train with and the difficulty of getting sponsorships.
Have you noticed an improvement in women’s inclusion in judo?
Women have always been included in judo, whether as a judoka, a referee, a coach or a table official.
Is there something you would still like to achieve in judo?
One day, I would like to grade for my third dan black belt. I would like to be able to encourage more children and adults to take up the sport and develop the same love for judo that I have.
Your advice to women who want to do judo?
My advice to women who want to do judo is to believe in themselves and stay persistent. Judo can be a challenging but also rewarding sport that builds both physical and mental strength. Judo is not only a sport but also a form of self-defence. Judo is an Olympic sport and is practised worldwide.
