Judoka’s Giem Go-Tan (79) and Harry Tan (84) may be of age, but this weekend they took an exam for the black judo belt at the Pleizier gym in Zuidoost. And with success.
Gim and Harry are quite level-headed about performance themselves. “I enjoy training and that’s why I do it this”said Gim. Harry continued: “I think getting the black belt is a bit too much of an honor. My aim is to slow down the natural attenuation a bit, but that’s the maximum for me.”
Their coach Kaisan Pleizier is very proud: “Harry and Gim are an example for other elderly people, who do not move much anymore. It is well deserved that they have achieved the black belt.”
According to Pleizier, it is special that Harry and Giem achieve the black belt. “Only 1 in 1,000 people who start judo ever get a black belt.” To make this possible for Harry and Giem at their age, the Judo Association has slightly adjusted the exam.
When asked what will happen to the old, brown belt and diploma, the couple responds firmly. “Of course we will keep the old tape. It’s a shame to throw it away, isn’t it?!” On the other hand, the diploma will not be hung.