For Muhammad Dirga Ananta Firdaus (21), the judo mat is more than just a place to train. It is where this man from Makassar learned, fell, got back up, continued to grow, and achieved a string of successes.
Judo did not suddenly appear in Dirga’s life. He grew up in a family environment closely connected to the sport of judo. His mother has a strong background in this sport. In fact, the dojo where Dirga trained as a child was led directly by his grandfather, who was a sensei.
“At first, I took up judo to fill my free time. However, as time went by and I grew older, the sensei at the dojo where I trained, who happened to be my grandfather, began to encourage me to participate in regional and provincial competitions,” explained the 2023 Management Study Programme student at the Faculty of Economics and Business, UGM.
His first experience competing was a pivotal moment in Dirga’s journey. At the age of 14, he participated in the 2018 South Sulawesi Regional Student Sports Week. It was from this event that he began to understand the pressure of competition and learned to manage his nerves. This experience became a strong mental foundation for his future judo journey.
For him, the tension before competing is actually the most valuable part of the experience. Fear and anxiety are not to be avoided, but faced head-on. Stepping onto the mat and exchanging attacks with opponents is a test of courage.
“The feeling of fear and tension when I want to compete is something I can’t find anywhere else. I always try to compete with a sense of pride in how I can overcome that fear,” he said.
This lengthy process has borne fruit. Dirga has achieved numerous successes in various judo championships. He won a bronze medal at the 2018 South Sulawesi Regional Student Sports Week, a silver medal at the 2018 South Sulawesi Judo Open, and a silver medal at the South Sulawesi Bhayangkara Cup. At the university level, Dirga consistently contributed to achievements, earning a silver medal at the 2023 Gadjah Mada University Sports and Arts Week (Porsenigama), a bronze medal at Porsenigama 2024, and his best achievement at Porsenigama 2025, which included a gold and bronze medal.
However, for Dirga, these achievements are not the end goal. He emphasises that judo is not just about throwing techniques or physical strength. His biggest challenge lies outside the competition, namely maintaining a sleep pattern, managing his diet and weight, and controlling his emotions before competing. Additionally, he consistently engages in additional activities such as jogging, gym workouts, and other exercises.
Entering the world of university studies at FEB UGM, his love for judo remained strong. He joined the UGM Judo Club and underwent regular training two to three times a week, while balancing academic demands and sporting activities.
His long journey in judo was also shaped by the support of those closest to him. Dirga credits his family, especially his mother, as his most significant source of support. The roles of his sensei and training partners also contributed to his consistency in judo to this day.
He admits to experiencing both joys and challenges throughout his judo career. However, the most memorable moment of his judo career was participating in Porsenigama 2025. Through this event, he finally experienced standing on the highest podium in a judo competition.
“I had never won gold in a judo match before. Alhamdulillah, at Porsenigama 2025, I was able to experience that and was very happy about it,” he concluded.
Reportage by: Kurnia Ekaptiningrum
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