JWHA Website English Page
・ Official 2019 Tournaments Hosted by the JWHA
1) 30th Annual Doubles Tournament September 1, 2019
The September tournament is a 4-wall small ball (red and white) format, but big ball allowed for novice levels.
2)12th Annual Big Ball Tournament November 24, 2019
The December tournament is a 4-wall big ball format, with doubles.
3) 31th Annual Singles Tournament February 23 adna 24, 2020
The Novembe tournament is a 4-wall small ball (red and white) format, but big ball allowed for novice levels.
All of the tournaments will be held at the Gold’s Gym Toyocho Super Center. Participants from abroad are welcome to participate. Please inquire about the tournament details.
jwha.info@gmail.com
・ Handball (Wall-Handball) in Japan
Wall-Handball was first introduced to Japan in 1927 as a result of the establishment of the first handball court within the country at the Tokyo YMCA located in Kanda. Since then, for a long time only because of the dedicated players within the YMCA games were continuously played until the present day. In 2008 Eoin Kennedy of Ireland and Emmett Peixoto of the USA were invited to Japan for the 80th year anniversary of handball in Japan and played an exhibition match for all to enjoy.
Recently, sports clubs throughout Tokyo have started to see an increase in handball enthusiasts. In 1989 the Japan Wall-Handball Association (JWHA) was established,and the head office is located at the Gold’s Gym Toyocho Super Center.
Players within Japan are very excited to meet and play with other players from around the world, so if you ever find yourself in Tokyo on business or vacation, please look forward to meeting Japanese players and playing handball in Japan.
・ Why is it “Wall-Handball” instead of “Handball”?
In Japan, “Team Handball” is commonly known and referred to as “Handball”.
In order to prevent any misunderstandings we decided to name the Handball that we play “Wall Handball” so that there is a clear distinction between the two.
・ JWHA
In 1989, Tokyo YMCA Handball members focused their efforts and established the only domestic Non-Profit Wall-Handball development organization. The office is located at the Gold’s Gym Toyocho Super Center, and put on singles, doubles, and Big Ball (Big Blue) tournaments every year. Even if you are from a different country, it is still possible to participate in the different tournaments.
・ Handball Courts in Japan
Currently, the clubs that actively play Wall-Handball are located in the Tokyo area. The three main clubs are the Gold’s Gym Toyocho Super Center, Gold’s Gym Yokohama Bashamichi in Yokohama, and Tipness-Miyazakidai in Miyazakidai. All of the sports clubs mentioned have 4-wall courts. The Kansai area (Western Japan) has two 3-wall courts, but they are mainly used for racquetball. In March 2011, the first 1-wall court in Japan made to international standards was established in Kochi prefecture, Sukumo city at a gymnasium shared by an elementary and middle school.
・ Playing with the Big Ball (Big Blue) on 4-wall Courts
Japan is probably the only country that plays with the Big Ball (Big Blue) on a standard 4-wall court and has Big Ball tournaments. The majority of beginning players and senior players use the Big Ball. Since the Big Ball does not hurt theirhands and the speed is comparatively slow, it is easier for beginners and senior players to pick up the game. The players eventually move on to the White Ace and Red Ace, so playing with the Big Ball on a 4-wall court is seen as a good way to introduce the sport and increase match play. After several years of introduction using the Big Ball in Japan, handball enthusiasts have increased by two fold.
YouTube Big Ball Play in 4-Wall Court
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3WnUAuwa3zQ
・ Court Introductions
All of the sports clubs where enthusiasts play Wall Handball are located in the Tokyo area. Below the main three clubs are introduced.
1. Gold’s Gym Toyocho Super Center
The Gold’s Gym Toyocho Super Center has three courts and one of the three courts has three glass walls.
It is the most accessible location from the Tokyo metropolitan areas. Even as a visitor without the accompaniment of a member the courts are still available for use.
Access: Tokyo Metro Tozai line, exit Toyocho (station number T14), and it is about a five minute walk from Exit 2.
Web-Site(Japanese): http://www.goldsgym.jp/shop/71221
2. Tipness Miyazakidai
The Tipness sports club in Miyazakidai has one court. Tipness is a franchised
club and the one located in Miyazakidai is about a three-minute walk from Miyazakidai station (Tokyu Denentoshi Line).
Web-Site (Japanese): http://tip.tipness.co.jp/tenpo/shop/SHP026
3. Gold’s Gym Yokohama-Bashamichi
The Gold’s Gym has three courts and is located near Yokohama’s famous China Town.
The club members and visitors play every Saturday morning.
Access: About a 10-minute walk from the JR Sakuragicho station, or it is about a two-minute walk from Bashamichi station on the Minato Mirai line (Tokyo Metro).
Web-Site (Japanese): http://www.goldsgym-yokohama.jp/
・ Contact
JWHA Mail jwha.info@gmail.com
JWHA Web Site https://jwha.jp/ (Japanese and English)
・ Reference
Subway Map
– Tokyo Metro Subway Information
http://www.kotsu.metro.tokyo.jp/english/subway_map.html