Yasuhiro Yamashita
Encyclopedia
is one of the most successful judo
competitors of all time. He currently works as an instructor or advisor for numerous organizations, including Tokai University
, the International Judo Federation
, and the All Japan Judo Federation. He retired from competitive judo on June 17, 1985 after a remarkable career where he won five gold medals in international competitions and marked 203 consecutive victories (with 7 draws in-between) up until his retirement. He received the Japanese National Prize of Honor on October 9, 1984.
, and had already attained a black belt by the time he reached junior-high school. Yamashita continued judo under the guidance of 1964 Summer Olympics
gold medalist Isao Inokuma
and 1967 World Judo Championships
gold medalist Nobuyuki Sato after graduating from Tokaidai Sagami High School. His streak of 203 victories began in October, 1977, in an exhibition match held in the Soviet Union
, and ended with his final match in April, 1985, where he won the All-Japan judo championships
for the 9th consecutive time.
Yamashita qualified for the Olympics for the first time in 1976 as a replacement during his freshman year at Tōkai University. At age 19, he became the youngest judoka in history to win the open category of the All-Japan Judo Championships in 1977. He continued his success by winning a gold medal at the 1979 World Judo Championships
, and secured a spot on the Japanese Olympic team in a highly publicized draw against 1976 Summer Olympics
bronze medalist Sumio Endo
. Yamashita went into the final of the 1980 All Japan championships as the favorite, but Endo put Yamashita in a Kani Basami as he was taken down, breaking Yamashita's fibula. The match was declared a draw even though Yamashita was hurt and unable to continue. Kani Basami had been a legal move up until the match, but the seriousness of Yamashita's injury caused officials to prohibit its use in international competitions.
Japan boycotted the 1980 Summer Olympics
in protest of the 1979 Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, and Yamashita was forced to look on as a spectator while his rivals competed on the Olympic stage. Yamashita won three more gold medals at the World Championships before qualifying for the Olympics for the third time in 1984. He was the only Japanese judo competitor from the boycott who also qualified for the 1984 Summer Olympics
.
In his first and only appearance at the Olympics, Yamashita tore a right calf muscle in the preliminary match against Arthur Schnabel
. This put Yamashita at a huge disadvantage since he executed his throws by pivoting on his right leg. Though he managed to win the match with an Okuri-Eri-Jime
, the injury caused him to visibly limp during the semi-final match against Laurent Del Colombo. Yamashita was thrown with an Osoto Gari
only 30 seconds into the match, but managed to return an Osoto Gari and won the match with a Yoko-Shiho-Gatame
(side four-quarter hold).He played the final match against Mohamed Ali Rashwan of Egypt. Yamashita won the final and the gold medal despite his injury.The match witnessed a remarkable fair play act from Rashwan who did not aim for Yamashita's right leg. Rashwan was even given an award from the International Fairplay Committee.
Yamashita remained undefeated in both domestic and international competitions, though he drew several matches with two-time Olympic gold medalist Hitoshi Saito
. Yamashita faced Saito in the final match of the All-Japan Judo Championships for 3 consecutive years from 1983–1985, and emerged victorious in every single one of those matches. After suffering from numerous injuries throughout his career, Yamashita decided to retire from competitive judo on June 17, 1985 at only 28 years of age.
's Director of Education in September, 2003. His presence as the head coach of the Japanese judo team was felt when he strongly protested the controversial decision in a match between David Douillet
and Shinichi Shinohara
at the 2000 Summer Olympics
. Yamashita has also compiled an instructional judo video with Russian President Vladimir Putin
, who also holds a black belt in judo. The two first met during Putin's visit to Tokyo
in 2005, and Yamashita has traveled to St. Petersburg to visit the President's former judo school.
. He also found the Uchimata to be highly effective against non-Japanese opponents, and used it frequently during his later years. He was also extremely effective on the ground, and many of his victories came with hold or choke moves. His proficiency from both the standing position and ground position allowed him to remain unbeaten for over 9 years.
Judo
is a modern martial art and combat sport created in Japan in 1882 by Jigoro Kano. Its most prominent feature is its competitive element, where the object is to either throw or takedown one's opponent to the ground, immobilize or otherwise subdue one's opponent with a grappling maneuver, or force an...
competitors of all time. He currently works as an instructor or advisor for numerous organizations, including Tokai University
Tokai University
is a private university in Tokyo, Japan. It was established in 1943 by Shigeyoshi Matsumae, who had formerly been the engineering president of the Ministry of Communications...
, the International Judo Federation
International Judo Federation
The International Judo Federation was founded in July 1951. The IJF was originally composed of judo federations from Europe plus Argentina. Countries from four continents were affiliated over the next ten years. Today the IJF has 200 National Federations on all continents...
, and the All Japan Judo Federation. He retired from competitive judo on June 17, 1985 after a remarkable career where he won five gold medals in international competitions and marked 203 consecutive victories (with 7 draws in-between) up until his retirement. He received the Japanese National Prize of Honor on October 9, 1984.
Competitive career
Yamashita began judo in primary school after being inspired by judo founder Kanō JigorōKano Jigoro
was the founder of judo. Judo was the first Japanese martial art to gain widespread international recognition, and the first to become an official Olympic sport. Pedagogical innovations attributed to Kanō include the use of black and white belts, and the introduction of dan ranking to show the...
, and had already attained a black belt by the time he reached junior-high school. Yamashita continued judo under the guidance of 1964 Summer Olympics
1964 Summer Olympics
The 1964 Summer Olympics, officially known as the Games of the XVIII Olympiad, was an international multi-sport event held in Tokyo, Japan in 1964. Tokyo had been awarded with the organization of the 1940 Summer Olympics, but this honor was subsequently passed to Helsinki because of Japan's...
gold medalist Isao Inokuma
Isao Inokuma
was a judoka who competed in the +80 kg and Open divisions.- Biography :Inokuma was born in Yokosuka, Kanagawa, and began judo at age 15. He entered the Tokyo University of Education and won the All-Japan Judo Championships in 1959 at only 21 years of age to become the first student competitor to...
and 1967 World Judo Championships
1967 World Judo Championships
The 1967 World Judo Championships were the 5th edition of the World Judo Championships, and were held in Salt Lake City, United States from August 9–11 1967.-Men:- Medals table :...
gold medalist Nobuyuki Sato after graduating from Tokaidai Sagami High School. His streak of 203 victories began in October, 1977, in an exhibition match held in the Soviet Union
Soviet Union
The Soviet Union , officially the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics , was a constitutionally socialist state that existed in Eurasia between 1922 and 1991....
, and ended with his final match in April, 1985, where he won the All-Japan judo championships
All-Japan Judo Championships
is a judo tournament held every year in Japan. The men's tournament is held in Nippon Budokan on April 29 and the women's tournament is held in Yokohama Cultural Gymnasium in April. The Kodokan and All-Japan Judo Federation sponsor the championship....
for the 9th consecutive time.
Yamashita qualified for the Olympics for the first time in 1976 as a replacement during his freshman year at Tōkai University. At age 19, he became the youngest judoka in history to win the open category of the All-Japan Judo Championships in 1977. He continued his success by winning a gold medal at the 1979 World Judo Championships
1979 World Judo Championships
The 1979 World Judo Championships were the 11th edition of the World Judo Championships, and were held in Paris, France from December 6–December 9, 1979.-Men:- Medals table :...
, and secured a spot on the Japanese Olympic team in a highly publicized draw against 1976 Summer Olympics
1976 Summer Olympics
The 1976 Summer Olympics, officially known as the Games of the XXI Olympiad, was an international multi-sport event celebrated in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, in 1976. Montreal was awarded the rights to the 1976 Games on May 12, 1970, at the 69th IOC Session in Amsterdam, over the bids of Moscow and...
bronze medalist Sumio Endo
Sumio Endo
is a Japanese judoka, Olympic medalist and world champion.He is from Kōriyama, Fukushima. After graduation from Nihon University, He belonged to Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department....
. Yamashita went into the final of the 1980 All Japan championships as the favorite, but Endo put Yamashita in a Kani Basami as he was taken down, breaking Yamashita's fibula. The match was declared a draw even though Yamashita was hurt and unable to continue. Kani Basami had been a legal move up until the match, but the seriousness of Yamashita's injury caused officials to prohibit its use in international competitions.
Japan boycotted the 1980 Summer Olympics
1980 Summer Olympics
The 1980 Summer Olympics, officially known as the Games of the XXII Olympiad, was an international multi-sport event celebrated in Moscow in the Soviet Union. In addition, the yachting events were held in Tallinn, and some of the preliminary matches and the quarter-finals of the football tournament...
in protest of the 1979 Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, and Yamashita was forced to look on as a spectator while his rivals competed on the Olympic stage. Yamashita won three more gold medals at the World Championships before qualifying for the Olympics for the third time in 1984. He was the only Japanese judo competitor from the boycott who also qualified for the 1984 Summer Olympics
1984 Summer Olympics
The 1984 Summer Olympics, officially known as the Games of the XXIII Olympiad, was an international multi-sport event held in Los Angeles, California, United States in 1984...
.
In his first and only appearance at the Olympics, Yamashita tore a right calf muscle in the preliminary match against Arthur Schnabel
Arthur Schnabel
For the Austrian composer, see Artur Schnabel.Arthur Schnabel is a German judoka.He won a bronze medal in the Open division at the 1984 Summer Olympics.-External links:*...
. This put Yamashita at a huge disadvantage since he executed his throws by pivoting on his right leg. Though he managed to win the match with an Okuri-Eri-Jime
Okuri-Eri-Jime
is one of the twelve constriction techniques of Kodokan Judo in theShime-waza list.- Escapes :In the following two clips/animations fromThe Essence Of Judo,Kyuzo Mifune demonstrates defenses against Okuri-Eri-Jime,...
, the injury caused him to visibly limp during the semi-final match against Laurent Del Colombo. Yamashita was thrown with an Osoto Gari
Osoto Gari
is one of the original 40 throws of Judoas developed by Jigoro Kano. It belongs to the first group, Dai Ikkyo, of the traditional throwing list, Gokyo , of Kodokan Judo. It is also included in the current 67 Throws of Kodokan Judo...
only 30 seconds into the match, but managed to return an Osoto Gari and won the match with a Yoko-Shiho-Gatame
Yoko-Shiho-Gatame
is one of the seven mat holds,Osaekomi-waza, of Kodokan Judo.In grappling terms, it is categorized as a side control hold.- Technique description :from http://judoinfo.com/techdrw.htmExemplar Videos:from http://www.abbotsfordjudo.com/techniques/5thkyu.htm...
(side four-quarter hold).He played the final match against Mohamed Ali Rashwan of Egypt. Yamashita won the final and the gold medal despite his injury.The match witnessed a remarkable fair play act from Rashwan who did not aim for Yamashita's right leg. Rashwan was even given an award from the International Fairplay Committee.
Yamashita remained undefeated in both domestic and international competitions, though he drew several matches with two-time Olympic gold medalist Hitoshi Saito
Hitoshi Saito
is a retired judoka who won two consecutive gold medals at the Olympic games.-Biography:Saito began judo in junior-high school, and in 1974, he was scouted to transfer to the Kokushikan junior-high school, located in Setagaya, Tokyo. He continued to practice judo at the Kokushikan high school, and...
. Yamashita faced Saito in the final match of the All-Japan Judo Championships for 3 consecutive years from 1983–1985, and emerged victorious in every single one of those matches. After suffering from numerous injuries throughout his career, Yamashita decided to retire from competitive judo on June 17, 1985 at only 28 years of age.
Post retirement
Yamashita served as an instructor for numerous organizations before becoming the International Judo FederationInternational Judo Federation
The International Judo Federation was founded in July 1951. The IJF was originally composed of judo federations from Europe plus Argentina. Countries from four continents were affiliated over the next ten years. Today the IJF has 200 National Federations on all continents...
's Director of Education in September, 2003. His presence as the head coach of the Japanese judo team was felt when he strongly protested the controversial decision in a match between David Douillet
David Douillet
David Douillet is a French judoka and politician.Douillet was born in the city of Rouen. Standing at 1.90 meters and weighing 125 kilograms , he won the judo heavyweight gold medals in the 1996 and 2000 Olympic Games in Atlanta and Sydney. He also gained four world titles and a European crown...
and Shinichi Shinohara
Shinichi Shinohara
is a former jūdōka and winner of the gold medal at the 1999 World Judo Championships in Birmingham. To Shinohara's disappointment, French champion David Douillet did not compete at Birmingham due to back injury; Shinohara was quoted as saying, "Even though I lifted the double crown at the worlds,...
at the 2000 Summer Olympics
2000 Summer Olympics
The Sydney 2000 Summer Olympic Games or the Millennium Games/Games of the New Millennium, officially known as the Games of the XXVII Olympiad, were an international multi-sport event which was celebrated between 15 September and 1 October 2000 in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia...
. Yamashita has also compiled an instructional judo video with Russian President Vladimir Putin
Vladimir Putin
Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin served as the second President of the Russian Federation and is the current Prime Minister of Russia, as well as chairman of United Russia and Chairman of the Council of Ministers of the Union of Russia and Belarus. He became acting President on 31 December 1999, when...
, who also holds a black belt in judo. The two first met during Putin's visit to Tokyo
Tokyo
, ; officially , is one of the 47 prefectures of Japan. Tokyo is the capital of Japan, the center of the Greater Tokyo Area, and the largest metropolitan area of Japan. It is the seat of the Japanese government and the Imperial Palace, and the home of the Japanese Imperial Family...
in 2005, and Yamashita has traveled to St. Petersburg to visit the President's former judo school.
Judo style
Yamashita had a stocky build of 5 ft. 11 in. (180 cm) and weighed over 280 lbs (127 kg) during his competitive years. He stood with a left-handed stance, and his best move was the Osotogari mixed in with the Ōuchi gariOuchi Gari
is one of the original 40 throws of Judo as developed by Kanō Jigorō. It belongs to the first group,Dai Ikkyo,of the traditional throwing list, Gokyo , of Kodokan Judo.It is also included in the current 67 Throws of Kodokan Judo.It is classified as a foot technique, Ashi-Waza.- Technique...
. He also found the Uchimata to be highly effective against non-Japanese opponents, and used it frequently during his later years. He was also extremely effective on the ground, and many of his victories came with hold or choke moves. His proficiency from both the standing position and ground position allowed him to remain unbeaten for over 9 years.
External links
- Videos of Yasuhiro Yamashita in action (judovision.org)