29 November 2024
In the sweltering heat of Honiara, Solomon Islands, mats have been unfurled as a unique collaboration unfolds between the Australian Defence Force (ADF) and the Solomon Islands national judo squad.
Lieutenant Callum Webb, an Australian Army officer posted to the Recruit Training School in Kapooka, stands among athletes, embodying a lifelong dedication to the sport. As the ADF's judo sports representative and an international competitor for over a decade, he is participating in a week-long training initiative that promises to strengthen not only the technical skills of the participants but also the bonds between nations.
“We didn’t quite know what to expect,” Lieutenant Webb admitted, his voice tinged with pride. “When we heard there’d be 60 to 65 participants, we were genuinely surprised—it’s more than we anticipated, and their enthusiasm has been exceptional. Their skill level is impressive, so we’ve been focusing on the competitive and technical side rather than just fundamentals.”
For the Solomon Islands, judo is a sport of resilience and promise. Jennifer Wini, a brown belt from Malaita Province and a coach in Honiara, has been immersed in the world of judo for 35 years. Her passion for the sport is unwavering, even as she navigates the challenges of nurturing it in a small nation.
“Here in the Solomons, judo comes and goes,” Jennifer explained.
“At the moment, I’m coaching and helping Kevin Shaw, my mentor. There’s a lot of interest, especially from boys, but it’s harder for girls because of cultural differences. That’s why I think judo is so important—it’s self-defence for boys and girls. Especially for girls, it helps them stand up to bullying.”
This week’s training sessions have combined classroom-based learning with practical exercises, as the ADF team shared nuanced techniques that could make the difference in international competition. For many local judokas, this was an eye-opening experience.
“I’ve learned a lot of new things—new throws and techniques that are unfamiliar to most of us here,” Jennifer shared. “It’s been really valuable. We’re happy to have the Australians here, and I think we need more of this kind of training. If we have programs like this continually, judo will develop more in the Solomon Islands.”
The initiative wasn’t just about improving the local athletes’ skills for events like the Mini Pacific Games or future international circuits. For Lieutenant Webb and the ADF Combat Sports Association, the week offered a chance to connect with the community, build networks and refine their own abilities in a sport where global collaboration is key.
“Judo is one of those sports that’s incredibly popular outside Australia,” Lieutenant Webb noted. “The buy-in from South Pacific and Southeast Asian nations, as well as the broader international community, is huge.
“It’s also a great way to build professional relationships, especially with police and military in other countries.”
Jennifer’s journey highlights a significant gap in local judo development: the need for advanced training and grading opportunities.
“I haven’t gone from brown to black belt yet,” Jennifer confessed. “We just don’t have the higher-level trainers needed to do that for us. Programs like this one with the ADF are vital for pushing our athletes and coaches to the next level.”
As the week draws to a close, the mats will be rolled up, but the impact will linger.
“Judo is more than a sport,” Lieutenant Webb said. “It’s a bridge—connecting people, building skills and fostering respect. That’s what this week has been about.”
The program is part of a broader initiative running from November 25 to December 1, that aims to foster connections, build skills and strengthen ties between Australia and the Solomon Islands through judo, rugby union and soccer.
