Brian Koentjoro - Badminton Coach

Every child is a ‘scientist’… the question is whether the environment allows…

Jo Nagai was eight years old when he noticed something strange about the butterflies he raised at home. The ones he had looked after since they were caterpillars behaved differently from wild ones. They would flutter toward him when he walked into the room, almost as if they recognized him.

So he asked a question that professional scientists had never fully answered for butterflies: do they remember being caterpillars?

Jo had read about a study by Professor Martha Weiss at Georgetown University, who had shown that moths could retain memories from their larval stage. But nobody had conclusively demonstrated the same for butterflies, and nobody had tested whether those memories could pass to the next generation.

So Jo set up his own experiment at home. He raised swallowtail caterpillars and trained them to dislike the smell of lavender oil by pairing it with a mild shock from a muscle therapy device. After they completed metamorphosis and emerged as butterflies, he tested whether they still reacted to the lavender scent.

They did. The memories had survived the transformation.

But Jo didn't stop there. He ran the experiment again, this time testing the butterflies' offspring to see if the aversion had been inherited. A few months later he wrote to Professor Weiss with the results. The second generation avoided the lavender smell too. The memories had passed down to their children.

Jo was 10 years old when he sent those findings to Weiss, translated into English. She was stunned. Dr. Akito Kawahara, a professional entomologist who met Jo at a scientific conference, said his work was university level, remarkable by any standard, let alone for a child presenting at a school science fair.

Responsibility . Hard work . Pursuit of excellence

Introducing the NBC Junior Squad 💙🏸

A group of dedicated young athletes ready to learn, compete, and represent the NBC family with pride. Through hard work, teamwork, and a passion for badminton, they're taking the next step in their journey both on and off the court.

The future is bright. 🌟

🇯🇵🤝🇳🇱 After Japan's 2-2 draw with the Netherlands, Hajime Moriyasu did something special at the end of his press conference.

Before leaving, the Japan head coach paused and asked the media: “May I say something?”

He then turned to the Dutch journalists in the room and delivered a heartfelt message of gratitude to the people of the Netherlands and Dutch football.

🇳🇱 A Thank You to Dutch Football

Moriyasu explained that when he first began playing for Japan, the country did not even have a professional football league. He credited Dutch coaches and football figures for playing an important role in helping Japanese football develop into what it is today.

He specifically mentioned Hans Ooft, the Dutch coach who managed Japan and helped shape a generation of Japanese players and coaches.
Moriyasu also praised Wim Jansen, whose work at clubs such as Sanfrecce Hiroshima and Urawa Reds contributed to the development of Japanese football and its players.

🗣️ “Many other coaches and players have contributed to raising the level of Japanese football, so I want to express my thanks. Thank you very much.” — Hajime Moriyasu

It was a classy and thoughtful gesture from the Japan manager, acknowledging the influence Dutch football has had on the growth of the game in Japan. ❤️⚽️

There is a certain peace in caring deeply about something that does not belong to you.

To invest your heart in another person’s dream simply because you believe in them.

Another day. Another opportunity.

Sometimes on the court side.
Sometimes at training.
Most of the time behind the scenes.

Their motivation is mine.
Their goals are mine.
Their pain is mine.
Their struggles are mine.

But it is their journey.

The destination belongs to them.

The satisfaction comes from knowing you helped them take another step forward.

The court does not measure what is missing. It reveals what is possible.

Different bodies. Different stories. Different paths. One passion. One family. One standard of excellence.

Because when differences are embraced, they no longer separate us, they become our greatest strength.

One game. One NBC family. ❤️🏸

Leadership is no longer just about leading from the front.
At some point, you become the space where others find strength, carrying pressure, navigating uncertainty, and helping those around you grow.

Australian National Championships 2026 🏸🔥

🥇🥇🥇 XD WD MD
🥈 WS
🥉🥉🥉🥉 XD WD

Grateful for everyone who has been part of this journey Coach , , , , , all the sparring players, and the entire family for the unwavering support. This achievement belongs to all of us.

Success is rarely built on competition day. It is built in the ordinary days: quality training, strong people around you, demanding standards, and an environment that pushes everyone to improve together. Day after day, session after session. 💪🏼

Raise the standard, and the standard raises you.

Proud of the journey so far, motivated by how much further we can go. Let’s go! 🔥🔥🔥

France didn’t become competitive overnight.

Years of building clubs, regional networks, coaching pathways, and athlete independence are now showing on the world stage. 🇫🇷

The interesting question is…

What type of badminton system actually fits Australia best? 🇦🇺

A centralised model?
Decentralised performance hubs?
State-based structure?
Club-network approach?
Or its own unique system altogether?

Drop your thoughts in the comments below… 💭

2026 ABL Challenge - NSW Open Premier & Graded Series

Proud of every player representing NBC Badminton
Your effort, passion, and dedication set the standard. 🏸🥇

Kiro-kiro pelatih’e entuk opo ora? 💸🤣