A respected Japanese judo trainer who trained hundreds of Tasmania Police officers in the 1970s-80s has been reunited with some of his former students as part of a visit to Tasmania.
Taka Nakajima, who was a leader in a highly successful period of competitive Tasmanian judo nationally and internationally, headed up Tasmania Police’s self defence training program at the Police Academy in Rokeby in the 1970s-80s.
Tasmania Police Commander Damien George said that Mr Nakajima with his wife Aiko and ex World Judo Champion Moriwaki Sensei will be visiting Hobart over the weekend as part of the 50th Anniversary of the Easter Judo Camp that Mr Nakajima instigated beginning at the Clarence PCYC in the early 1970’s.
“Over the years, Mr Nakajima trained hundreds of Tasmania Police recruits in self defence program, which was an innovation in police training in Australia at the time,” Commander George said.
“Mr Nakajima and his family were a part of academy life during this time, with Mr Nakajima and his wife living in a house in the Police Academy precinct where their son was also born.”
Mr Nakajima wishes to present Tasmania Police with a genuine Samurai helmet to symbolise Japanese – Tasmanian friendship and goodwill.
“The visit is a celebration of Mr Nakajima’s role in leading what is referred to as the ‘Golden era’ in competitive Tasmanian judo nationally and internationally, and his broader positive influence on the Tasmanian community in fostering Japanese and Australian friendship,” Commander George said.