Four final appearances in the last five years: ESV Sanjindo has impressively established itself in Austria’s highest judo league since being promoted again in 2018. Driven by team spirit, the “Judo Tigers” are now one of the strongest forces in the country. Team captain Herbert Wicker talks about the past few years and the upcoming finals of the Judo Bundesliga.
With four final appearances in five years, the judoka from ESV Sanjindo Bischofshofen have underlined their position as the Austrian stronghold of Japanese martial arts. The club has been fighting in the top league again since 2018, was able to quickly establish itself and has now become a fixture.
“Club is a family”
For team captain Herbert Wicker, success doesn’t come from anywhere: “We’re all good friends with each other and fight for each other – I think that often gives us a little boost.” The Judo Tigers from Bischofshofen are currently making international headlines. Figureheads like Michael Niederdorfer, Michaela Höllwart, Elena Dengg and Thomas Scharfetter do the Bischofshofen martial arts club credit even outside of the region. “You need a few driving forces who motivate you during training to give it your all and keep working on yourself,” says Wicker. Such driving forces are not only found among the fighters at ESV Sanjindo. Marianne Niederdorfer and the Wicker family have been active in the club for decades and contribute significantly to the positive environment in the club.
With the audience behind you to new heights
This mood managed to spread to the population in Bischofshofen. If you look at half-empty stands at the judo competitions in most halls in Austria, in the Wielandner Hall numerous spectators push their judoka to new heights. “It’s something very special when there’s so much going on at our home fights. I think that makes us a little stronger.”
Wicker’s sporting future is open
This time Wicker has no specific goal for the upcoming finals in Gmunden on November 22nd. After always having to admit defeat in the semi-finals in the past and returning home with bronze around their neck, the team captain is heading to the Final Four this year without any expectations.
Meanwhile, the sporting future of the deserving judoka Herbert Wicker is open after his second serious hip injury. The head is currently no longer involved.