At Nippon Sport Science University, with a business approach centred on internationalisation, resources are leveraged with the 2020 Tokyo Olympics in mind, including acceptance of overseas trainees. In May this year, as part of the Tokyo Olympic Movement, we decided to accept the Sudan wrestling team, which is targeting participation in the Olympic Games.

The ancient ‘nuba wrestling’ from Sudan dates back a total of 3000 years. Based on this history and the wish of the Sudan Wrestling Federation to boost its competitiveness, a support project was implemented in response to a request for joint practice and a friendly bout. During their stay in Japan they received instruction about mental and technical aspects from Shingo Matsumoto (London Olympics Coach), who led the Japan team to a bronze medal at the London Olympics. The athletes overcame a lac of verbal communication and strove to communicate ‘with their bodies’.