ISWA
2007 JAPAN TRIP
Seven ISWA wrestlers and 3 adults participated in a 9 day cultural exchange trip to Japan. After a three day mini-camp at Columbus East H.S. we were set to go. Our trip to Japan included three home-stays in Gunma Prefecture, at Oota, Chiyoda, and Isesaki Cities. Exiting the doors of the airport provided to be an eye opening experience as a typical Japanese summer day includes near 100 degree temperatures and 100 percent humidity.
Indiana wrestlers enjoyed many aspects of Japanese culture through the banquets and dinners, sightseeing, wrestling, and daily activities. A train ride into Tokyo allowed the wrestlers to get a taste of life in a “big” city (35 million people), and also provided the opportunity for some to challenge a Mega-Mac sandwich. We were also able to experience a day visiting the temples and shrines of Nikko, and Edo Wonderland, a preserved, traditional Japanese town. The group also enjoyed a day at Gunma University where we were introduced to several Japanese style games and given the opportunity to watch several of the Japanese wrestlers participate in a Judo tournament.
The Indiana wrestlers were given the opportunity to expand their wrestling horizons as well participating in both Japanese and American style practices. Competitively, our wrestlers represented Indiana very well on the mat winning all three dual meets and 13 of 21 overall matches. Wrestlers representing the ISWA on the trip were Steven Rieker of Columbus (3-0), Baron Rieker of Columbus (3-0), Zachary Rieker of Columbus (2-1), Curtis Smith of Jeffersonville (2-1), Andy Marthin of Madison (2-1), Cody Eltringham of Scipio (1-2), and Tyler Morrison of North Vernon (0-3).
The coaches, Jeff Morrison of Jennings County and Chris Cooper of Columbus East, could not have been more pleased with these well behaved and hard-working wrestlers. Many times throughout the trip the Japanese hosts praised the success that this ISWA-Gunma, Japan exchange has had for many years, and hopefully will continue to have in the future.
Each of our trips cost approximately $2,600 and will last between 12 to 14 days in length along with a two to three day “Camp” prior to departure.
If you are interested in participating in the Indiana/USA Wrestling Cultural Exchange Program you should contact
First considerations for traveling are given to those that inquire and to clubs and families that have hosted visiting teams or are scheduled to host. Please send inquires to
Ed Wojdyla
Phone: 812-988-0525
Email:
Ed.Wojdyla@otis.comISWA Cultural Exchange Director
Comments, Correction, Questions? Send email to
iswa@sbcglobal.net