Specialisations of Elite Judoka
On this page, you’ll find a selection of world-class Japanese judoka sharing their personal favourite techniques. Each video offers unique insights into how top-level athletes develop, apply, and refine specific throws and strategies in both training and competition.
Rather than general instruction, these clips focus on the personal preferences and specialisations of judoka who have competed at the highest levels. You’ll hear directly from the athletes—often in Japanese—about why certain grips, angles or timing work best for them.
Where possible, video subtitles or summaries are provided. Even without understanding the language, the demonstrations are clear, powerful, and full of learning potential.
What to Watch For
- Favourite throws explained by Olympic and World Champions
- Unique variations and timing strategies
- Close-up technical details and body mechanics
- The mindset behind repetition and adaptation
This is not just a collection of techniques—it’s a glimpse into the personal style of elite judoka. Use these videos to deepen your understanding, find inspiration, or explore technical options that suit your own judo journey.
Ayumi Tanimoto
Two-time Olympic champion in the -63 kg category (2004 and 2008). Known for her mastery of uchimata.
Technique Focus: Uchimata
Tanimoto explains that the key to her uchimata is proper kuzushi and deep entry. She emphasises lifting from the inner thigh while maintaining posture and balance throughout the throw.
Yosuke Yamamoto
Favourite techniques: Seoi-nage, Tomoe-nage
Top achievements:
– Olympic Games: 1 bronze medal
– World Championships: 1 gold, 1 bronze
Yosuke Yamamoto shares insights into his two favourite techniques: seoi-nage and tomoe-nage. In the video, he demonstrates how he breaks the opponent’s balance forward using precise kuzushi and timing. His seoi-nage is characterised by a deep, controlled entry and a strong pull with the sleeve hand, while maintaining a compact body position. When transitioning to tomoe-nage, he uses the same forward pressure, dropping under with smooth rotation and controlling the opponent’s fall with both arms. His approach highlights the connection between both techniques as part of a unified throwing strategy.
Maki Tsukada
Favourite techniques: Osoto-gari, Tai-otoshi
Top achievements:
– Olympic Games: 1 gold, 1 silver
– World Championships: 2 gold, 3 silver, 3 bronze
Maki Tsukada, Olympic and World Champion in the +78 kg category, shares her favourite techniques: osoto-gari and tai-otoshi. In the video, she explains that maintaining good posture is essential for both throws. For osoto-gari, she focuses on timing and a strong breaking of balance by driving the opponent backwards while keeping her upper body engaged. Her tai-otoshi relies on hip positioning and forward motion; she shows how to create off-balance and use a blocking leg to project the opponent in a controlled arc. Tsukada’s technical precision and calm execution reflect her championship-level experience and strategic control.
Yoko Tanabe
Favourite techniques: Ouchi-gari, Uchimata
Top achievements:
– Olympic Games: 2 silver, 1 bronze
– World Championships: 2 silver, 3 bronze
Yoko Tanabe, one of Japan’s most consistent performers in the -72 kg and -78 kg categories during the 1990s, shares her favourite throws: ouchi-gari and uchimata. In the video, she explains the importance of posture and body control in both techniques. For ouchi-gari, she demonstrates how to apply continuous pressure while staying close to the opponent’s centre, using her leg to reap deeply from the inside. With uchimata, she focuses on creating lift through the sleeve grip and driving the inner thigh upward with a smooth, turning motion. Tanabe’s refined execution reflects her years of top-level international competition.
Hirotaka Okada
Favourite techniques: Osoto-gari, Ouchi-gari, Kouchi-gari
Top achievements:
– Olympic Games: 1 bronze
– World Championships: 2 gold
Hirotaka Okada, known for his powerful and classical judo style in the -78 kg and -86 kg weight classes, shares his favourite techniques: osoto-gari, ouchi-gari, and kouchi-gari. In the video, he emphasises how essential balance breaking and precise foot placement are for these throws. For osoto-gari, he uses forward pressure to draw a reaction, then reaps the leg in a single, decisive motion. In ouchi-gari and kouchi-gari, Okada shows how controlling the sleeve and lapel allows him to manipulate the opponent’s movement and apply inside foot sweeps with sharp timing. His explanation reflects a clean, effective style built on decades of competitive and teaching experience.
Mika Sugimoto
Favourite techniques: Harai-goshi, Tai-otoshi
Top achievements:
– Olympic Games: 1 silver (2012)
– World Championships: 4 gold, 1 bronze
Mika Sugimoto, dominant in the +78 kg weight class during the late 2000s and early 2010s, demonstrates her favourite techniques: harai-goshi and tai-otoshi. In the video, she explains how she uses upper body pressure to off-balance her opponent before executing harai-goshi with a sweeping hip motion. The power in her throw comes from the coordination between sleeve control, hip contact, and leg extension. For tai-otoshi, Sugimoto shows how she creates forward momentum, blocks the leg, and turns her opponent with precision. Her techniques reflect the balance between strength and control that defined her international success.
Misato Nakamura
Favourite techniques: Kosoto-gari, Tai-otoshi, Kouchi-gari, Ouchi-gari
Top achievements:
– Olympic Games: 2 bronze medals
– World Championships: 3 gold, 1 silver
Misato Nakamura, one of Japan’s most technical judoka in the -52 kg category, shares four of her favourite techniques: kosoto-gari, tai-otoshi, kouchi-gari, and ouchi-gari. In the video, she explains how her judo is based on precision, timing, and subtle movement. For kosoto-gari and kouchi-gari, she relies on minimal space and fast footwork to catch her opponent off guard. Her tai-otoshi features a quick entry and tight rotation, while ouchi-gari is performed with deep commitment and strong sleeve control. Nakamura’s technical diversity and sharp execution made her one of the most decorated lightweights of her era.
Jun Konno
Favourite techniques: Osoto-gari, Sukui-nage, Tai-otoshi
Top achievements:
– Asian Games: 1 gold
– Asian Championships: 3 gold
Jun Konno, a successful competitor in the -78 kg category during the 1990s, shares three of his favourite techniques: osoto-gari, sukui-nage, and tai-otoshi. In the video, he explains how each throw is connected through his gripping strategy and breaking of balance. His osoto-gari focuses on driving the opponent backward with full-body commitment, while his sukui-nage uses a lifting motion to take advantage of the opponent’s forward movement. For tai-otoshi, he demonstrates how a strong lapel grip and diagonal rotation allow him to control the direction and timing of the throw. Konno’s approach is rooted in classical judo, executed with clarity and efficiency.
Keiji Suzuki
Favourite techniques: Osoto-gari, Kosoto-gari, Kouchi-gari, Ashi-guruma
Top achievements:
– Olympic Games: 1 gold (2004)
– World Championships: 2 gold, 2 bronze
Keiji Suzuki, one of Japan’s most respected heavyweights, combines classical technique with explosive execution. In this video, he demonstrates four of his favourite throws: osoto-gari, kosoto-gari, kouchi-gari, and ashi-guruma. Suzuki explains how control of the opponent’s upper body is key to each of these attacks. His osoto-gari is powerful and direct, using deep penetration and full hip extension. For kosoto-gari and kouchi-gari, he shows how subtle foot placement and grip pressure can create quick, sweeping reaps. His ashi-guruma relies on precise timing and rotation, using the opponent’s momentum to execute a dynamic wheel-like throw. Suzuki’s judo is a textbook example of heavy judo done with finesse and precision.
Tomoko Fukumi
Favourite techniques: Ko-uchi-gari, Seoi-nage
Top achievements:
– World Championships: 1 gold, 2 silver
Tomoko Fukumi, a leading judoka in the -48 kg category during the late 2000s and early 2010s, shares two of her favourite techniques: kouchi-gari and seoi-nage. In the video, she explains how her kouchi-gari is built on subtle movement and precise foot placement, often performed at close range after breaking her opponent’s balance. Her seoi-nage is executed with sharp entry, low posture, and strong sleeve control—ideal for her lightweight frame and fast tempo. Fukumi’s judo is defined by speed, accuracy, and the intelligent use of timing against physically stronger opponents.
Yoshio Nakamura
Favourite technique: Uchimata
Top achievements:
– World Championships: 1 gold, 1 bronze
Yoshio Nakamura, a key figure in Japanese judo during the late 1980s and early 1990s, is best known for his elegant and powerful uchimata. In this video, he explains how balance, timing, and body positioning all come together in this classic hip throw. He places strong emphasis on the entry angle and the upward lifting motion of the inner thigh, maintaining constant control of the opponent’s upper body. Nakamura’s uchimata reflects the traditional Kodokan style—clean, efficient, and technically precise.
Yukimasa Nakamura
Favourite techniques: Ko-uchi-gari, Sukui-nage, Osoto-gari
Top achievements:
– Olympic Games: 1 silver
– World Championships: 2 silver
Yukimasa Nakamura, a technical judoka from the 1990s competing in the -65 kg category, presents three of his favourite techniques: kouchi-gari, sukui-nage, and osoto-gari. In the video, he demonstrates how he breaks the opponent’s balance and chooses his moment of attack with precision. His kouchi-gari is fast and tight, aimed at catching movement during transitions. For sukui-nage, he drops his level and lifts from below, using the opponent’s forward motion to complete the throw. His osoto-gari is based on grip control and body pressure, executed with classical form. Nakamura’s judo showcases timing, fluidity, and tactical awareness.
Kenzo Nakamura
Favourite techniques: Uchimata, Katame-waza
Top achievements:
– Olympic Games: 1 gold
– World Championships: 1 gold
Kenzo Nakamura, Olympic and World Champion in the -73 kg category, demonstrates two key areas of his judo: uchimata and katame-waza (grappling techniques). In the video, he explains how his uchimata relies on sharp entry, hip rotation, and continuous control of the upper body. He emphasises fluid motion and timing rather than raw strength. When transitioning to katame-waza, Nakamura highlights the importance of positioning and pressure. His groundwork focuses on immobilisation through tight control and intelligent movement. His judo reflects a seamless connection between standing and ground techniques, executed with precision and intent.
Tatsuto Mochida
Favourite techniques: Okuri-ashi-harai, Harai-tsurikomi-ashi, De-ashi-harai, Tsubame-gaeshi
Top achievements:
– World Championships: 1 silver
Tatsuto Mochida, known for his refined foot techniques, presents four of his favourite throws: okuri-ashi-harai, harai-tsurikomi-ashi, de-ashi-harai, and tsubame-gaeshi. In the video, he demonstrates how subtle timing and precise movement allow him to sweep his opponent’s feet without relying on strength. His okuri-ashi-harai is executed when the opponent’s feet are aligned during movement. For harai-tsurikomi-ashi, he uses a strong lifting action with the hands to create the sweeping opportunity. His de-ashi-harai targets the advancing foot, and tsubame-gaeshi is used as a counterattack against a failed foot sweep. Mochida’s judo embodies technical efficiency, control, and traditional ashi-waza mastery.
Masae Ueno
Favourite techniques: Ouchi-gari, Sode-tsurikomi-goshi
Top achievements:
– Olympic Games: 2 gold
– World Championships: 2 gold
Masae Ueno, one of Japan’s most successful female judoka in the -70 kg category, showcases her favourite techniques: ouchi-gari and sode-tsurikomi-goshi. In the video, she explains how she creates forward pressure to open up opportunities for ouchi-gari, entering deep and reaping the leg with full control. For sode-tsurikomi-goshi, Ueno demonstrates how she lifts both sleeves high to off-balance the opponent before turning in with a powerful hip entry. Her movements are clean, confident, and rooted in classical execution. Ueno’s judo is marked by strong posture, timing, and complete control from start to finish.
Kosei Inoue
Favourite techniques: Uchimata, Ouchi-gari, Seoi-nage
Top achievements:
– Olympic Games: 1 gold
– World Championships: 3 gold
Kosei Inoue, regarded as one of the greatest judoka of all time in the -100 kg category, shares his favourite techniques: uchimata, ouchi-gari, and seoi-nage. In the video, he explains how his uchimata is driven by explosive hip entry and flawless timing, with strong upper body control and fluid lift from the inner thigh. His ouchi-gari is used both as a direct attack and as a setup, maintaining relentless pressure while driving through the opponent’s leg. For seoi-nage, he shows how precise grip control and compact turning generate maximum impact. Inoue’s judo is powerful, elegant, and deeply rooted in classical principles—executed at the highest level.
Noriko Sonoda
Favourite techniques: Ouchi-gari, Sode-tsurikomi-goshi
Top achievements:
– Olympic Games: 1 gold
– World Championships: 4 gold
Noriko Sonoda, a dominant force in women’s judo during the 1980s and early 1990s, presents her favourite techniques: ouchi-gari and sode-tsurikomi-goshi. In the video, she explains how her ouchi-gari is based on constant forward pressure, using a deep reaping action combined with strong sleeve and lapel control. Her sode-tsurikomi-goshi is characterised by lifting both sleeves to disrupt the opponent’s balance before turning in with precise hip placement. Sonoda’s technique reflects her experience and classical approach—efficient, disciplined, and highly effective at international level.
Yasuyuki Muneta
Favourite techniques: Sasae-tsurikomi-ashi, O-goshi, Seoi-nage, Uchimata-sukashi
Top achievements:
– World Championships: 2 gold, 1 silver
Yasuyuki Muneta, a highly technical heavyweight with exceptional agility, demonstrates four of his favourite techniques: sasae-tsurikomi-ashi, o-goshi, seoi-nage, and uchimata-sukashi. In the video, he explains how he uses sasae-tsurikomi-ashi to disrupt the opponent’s rhythm, stopping their movement with a timely foot block. His o-goshi is executed with a tight hip entry and strong lift from close range. With seoi-nage, he relies on explosive rotation and tight elbow positioning. Uchimata-sukashi is used as a counter: Muneta steps aside to avoid the attack and redirects the opponent’s momentum into a controlled fall. His judo blends classical form with tactical sharpness—unusual and highly effective in the heavyweight division.