Frá 16. – 21. mars hélt IJF Academy verklega hluta þjálfaramenntunar IJF í “Undergraduate Diploma as a Judo Coach” í Ungverjalandi.
Dr. Georgios Bountakis, einn af þjálfurum landsins frá JRB, tók þátt á námskeiðinu.
Áður en hann tók þátt tókum við spjall um hans vegferð í þjálfaramenntun IJF Academy og væntingar hans um komandi próf.
Viðtalið (á ensku)
JSI: Dr. Bountakis, could you tell us how this journey started?
Dr. Georgios Bountakis: Almost two years ago, the JSI office received an invitation from the IJF Academy regarding the IJF Certificate Instructors Program. At that time Johann was the President of JSI, and together we discussed how valuable it would be for Iceland to have another IJF-certified coach. With that in mind, I decided to begin this educational journey through the IJF Academy workshops.
JSI: How would you describe your experience during the first level of the course?
Dr. Georgios Bountakis: It was a very positive experience. I had the opportunity to meet a group of dedicated and open-minded coaches who all shared the same vision — to develop themselves in order to provide better services to the judo community. The IJF Academy staff were exceptional in every aspect: professional, supportive and respectful. Of course, the program requires commitment and hard work from every participant.
JSI: You are now travelling to Hungary for Level 2. What motivated you to continue, and what are your goals?
Dr. Georgios Bountakis: About a year ago I decided to continue to Level 2, encouraged by the IJF Academy instructors and Ari, who was the President of JSI at that time. My motivation was clear: after almost 4 years working in Iceland it would be very important for Iceland to have a coach holding this diploma and motivate more to join. The level of the examinations will be very high, with many experienced and elite coaches participating. My first goal is to remain focused and perform at the best possible level. At the same time, one of my personal values is never to stop learning. The diploma itself is important, but the knowledge and experience gained throughout the process are even more valuable.
JSI: How would you summarize your experience with the IJF Academy?
Dr. Georgios Bountakis: If I refer to Greek philosophy, it teaches us that the journey itself — the process, the experiences and the knowledge gained along the way — often holds greater value than the final destination.
JSI: Was it difficult to follow the program? What message would you like to share with other coaches?
Dr. Georgios Bountakis: The program is demanding, but it is not difficult if you truly want to study and develop yourself. Coach education is extremely important. If we truly respect our students and athletes, then continuous education is not optional — it is our responsibility.
Júdósamband Íslands óskar Dr. Georgios Bountakis góðs gengis í prófunum framundan í lok viðtals.
Nú eru prófin yfirstaðin og öll staðin. Vel gert og til hamingju Georgios.
