Chip at belt new innovation in judo

Judo is innovating, with new rules, video support and at the Düsseldorf Grand Prix a chip measured live a number of parameters during the fights. The test was conducted by the PIQ company whose founder, Mr. Ongan Mordeniz, and Fiel Manager, Mr. Thierry Daudier, were present in Düsseldorf. A dozen athletes, including Luxembourg judoka Marie Muller and world champion, Avtandili TCHRIKISHVILI (GEO), were used to trial the technology and authorized the experts to install an electronic chip on their belt.

"With this system we can measure in real time the acceleration and rotation of the athletes. This information seems to be crucial in judo, a sport whose whole secret lies in the movement", explained Mr. Ongan Mordeniz.

After contacts were made at the last edition of Sportel in Monaco, between the PIQ and the IJF, the project is now in its experimental phase. "We have yet to identify the data that will be really useful and how we will then be able to use them" explained Thierry Daudier, before adding, "but the first tests were really encouraging. We discovered that a judo competition such as a Grand Prix was totally adapted to such an experimentation. We have a clearer idea now on how to attach the chip on the belt, to a place that is neither dangerous nor inconvenient for the athletes."

Ultimately, the idea is to provide real-time data used during TV broadcast to supplement the technical information already presented to the viewers. The spectator will then be able to purchase the same equipment and wear the same type of sensor to be able to compare themselves to their favourite champions. The chip is actually a multisport device that adapts to each discipline with dedicated accessory. Data is collected in real time on a smartphone with a dedicated application.

After this first test went perfectly in Düsseldorf, the analysis and optimization will continue to offer as soon as possible an operational system.