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03 October 2017

Judo .you get thrown and you stand up again'

You get thrown and you stand up again'

Updated 1319 GMT (2119 HKT) October 2, 2017


"We look at judo not only as a sport but as a 'budo,' or martial way," Inoue tells CNN. "There is the competition -- we come to a World Championships and aim to win a gold medal -- but there is something far bigger behind this."
Photos: 'You get thrown and you stand up again'
"We look at judo not only as a sport but as a 'budo,' or martial way," Inoue tells CNN. "There is the competition -- we come to a World Championships and aim to win a gold medal -- but there is something far bigger behind this."
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Inoue delights the home crowd by throwing Ghislain Lemaire of France to win gold at the 2003 World Championships in Osaka.
Photos: 'You get thrown and you stand up again'
Inoue delights the home crowd by throwing Ghislain Lemaire of France to win gold at the 2003 World Championships in Osaka.
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5 of 6
Inoue sits dejected after a loss to Dutch opponent Elco van Der Geest in men's -100 kg competition at the Athens 2004 Olympic Games.
Photos: 'You get thrown and you stand up again'
Inoue sits dejected after a loss to Dutch opponent Elco van Der Geest in men's -100 kg competition at the Athens 2004 Olympic Games.
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Kosei Inoue is a judoka who has followed up a formidable career by becoming coach of the Japanese national team. A flagbearer for his country at the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games, he also won his first gold medal in the -100kg category.
Photos: 'You get thrown and you stand up again'
Kosei Inoue is a judoka who has followed up a formidable career by becoming coach of the Japanese national team. A flagbearer for his country at the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games, he also won his first gold medal in the -100kg category.
Hide Caption
1 of 6
Inoue defeated Nicolas Gill of Canada in the final. He carried a photo of his mother, who had died one year prior to the Games, onto the podium. "To me, she was the best mother in the world and I wanted the world to see her," Inoue said at the time.
Photos: 'You get thrown and you stand up again'
Inoue defeated Nicolas Gill of Canada in the final. He carried a photo of his mother, who had died one year prior to the Games, onto the podium. "To me, she was the best mother in the world and I wanted the world to see her," Inoue said at the time.
Hide Caption
2 of 6
Inoue coached Japan at the 2016 Olympics in Rio, where his team came away with 12 medals -- including three gold.
Photos: 'You get thrown and you stand up again'
Inoue coached Japan at the 2016 Olympics in Rio, where his team came away with 12 medals -- including three gold.
Hide Caption
3 of 6
"We look at judo not only as a sport but as a 'budo,' or martial way," Inoue tells CNN. "There is the competition -- we come to a World Championships and aim to win a gold medal -- but there is something far bigger behind this."
Photos: 'You get thrown and you stand up again'
"We look at judo not only as a sport but as a 'budo,' or martial way," Inoue tells CNN. "There is the competition -- we come to a World Championships and aim to win a gold medal -- but there is something far bigger behind this."
Hide Caption
4 of 6
Inoue delights the home crowd by throwing Ghislain Lemaire of France to win gold at the 2003 World Championships in Osaka.
Photos: 'You get thrown and you stand up again'
Inoue delights the home crowd by throwing Ghislain Lemaire of France to win gold at the 2003 World Championships in Osaka.
Hide Caption
5 of 6
Inoue sits dejected after a loss to Dutch opponent Elco van Der Geest in men's -100 kg competition at the Athens 2004 Olympic Games.
Photos: 'You get thrown and you stand up again'
Inoue sits dejected after a loss to Dutch opponent Elco van Der Geest in men's -100 kg competition at the Athens 2004 Olympic Games.
Hide Caption
6 of 6
Kosei Inoue is a judoka who has followed up a formidable career by becoming coach of the Japanese national team. A flagbearer for his country at the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games, he also won his first gold medal in the -100kg category.
Photos: 'You get thrown and you stand up again'
Kosei Inoue is a judoka who has followed up a formidable career by becoming coach of the Japanese national team. A flagbearer for his country at the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games, he also won his first gold medal in the -100kg category.
Hide Caption
1 of 6
Inoue defeated Nicolas Gill of Canada in the final. He carried a photo of his mother, who had died one year prior to the Games, onto the podium. "To me, she was the best mother in the world and I wanted the world to see her," Inoue said at the time.
Photos: 'You get thrown and you stand up again'
Inoue defeated Nicolas Gill of Canada in the final. He carried a photo of his mother, who had died one year prior to the Games, onto the podium. "To me, she was the best mother in the world and I wanted the world to see her," Inoue said at the time.
Hide Caption
2 of 6
Inoue coached Japan at the 2016 Olympics in Rio, where his team came away with 12 medals -- including three gold.
Photos: 'You get thrown and you stand up again'
Inoue coached Japan at the 2016 Olympics in Rio, where his team came away with 12 medals -- including three gold.
Hide Caption
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kosei inoue opening ceremony sydney 2000
kosei inoue sydney 2000 mother portrait gold medal
kosei inoue addresses the media rio 2016
kosei inoue coaching japan national judo team rio 2016
kosei inoue throws ghislain lemaire judo 2003 world championships
kosei inoue disconsolate cross legged athen 2004 judo japan


Story highlights

  • Kosei Inoue is former gold medal-winning Japanese judoka
  • Now retired, he coaches Japan's national team
  • Inoue believes judo is more than a sport, it's also a way of life
(CNN)In Japan, where judo is more than just a sport, Kosei Inoue is no ordinary athlete.
Essentially unbeatable between 1999 and 2003, the half-heavyweight judoka won three world titles and Olympic gold, placing him among the greatest of all time.
    Now head coach of the Japanese team, the 39-year-old is passing on his secrets to the next generation, proving just as successful off the tatami as he was on it during a stellar 10-year career at the top.
    "We look at judo not only as a sport but as a 'budo,' or martial way," Inoue tells CNN.
    "There is the competition -- we come to a World Championships and aim to win a gold medal -- but there is something far bigger behind this.
    "By practicing judo every day, it really helps you win in life in general. In judo, you always get thrown and you always have to stand up. It's very similar to life itself."
    READ: Five things we learned from the judo World Championships

    Early years

    "It is a sport that demands an irreproachable lifestyle," Riner tells CNN, "a sport that demands rigor."
    Photos: A guide to judo
    "It is a sport that demands an irreproachable lifestyle," Riner tells CNN, "a sport that demands rigor."
    Hide Caption
    5 of 9
    On the women's side, Ryoko Tani's record stands out. The Japanese Judoka has seven world titles, and upon her retirement <a href="https://japantoday.com/category/sports/ryoko-tani-named-best-female-judoka-ever-by-intl-judo-fderation" target="_blank">was hailed</a> as the "best female judoka ever."
    Photos: A guide to judo
    On the women's side, Ryoko Tani's record stands out. The Japanese Judoka has seven world titles, and upon her retirement was hailed as the "best female judoka ever."
    Hide Caption
    6 of 9
    Majlinda Kelmendi tears up after being crowned Kosovo's first ever gold medalist at the Rio Olympics in the women's 52 kg weight category.
    Photos: A guide to judo
    Majlinda Kelmendi tears up after being crowned Kosovo's first ever gold medalist at the Rio Olympics in the women's 52 kg weight category.
    Hide Caption
    7 of 9
    At 218 kilos, judoka Ricardo Blas Jr. (seen here on the right competing at London 2012) is the world's heaviest Olympian.
    Photos: A guide to judo
    At 218 kilos, judoka Ricardo Blas Jr. (seen here on the right competing at London 2012) is the world's heaviest Olympian.
    Hide Caption
    8 of 9
    Russian President Vladimir Putin is a judo master, denoted by wearing a black belt.
    Photos: A guide to judo
    Russian President Vladimir Putin is a judo master, denoted by wearing a black belt.
    Hide Caption
    9 of 9
    The first judo school dates back to 1882 in Tokyo. Traditionally a Japanese practice, it has gradually spread across the planet and established itself as one of the world's most popular combat sports.
    Photos: A guide to judo
    The first judo school dates back to 1882 in Tokyo. Traditionally a Japanese practice, it has gradually spread across the planet and established itself as one of the world's most popular combat sports.
    Hide Caption
    1 of 9
    Literally meaning "gentle way," judo techniques harness an opponent's force to your own advantage by throwing and pinning them to the ground.
    Photos: A guide to judo
    Literally meaning "gentle way," judo techniques harness an opponent's force to your own advantage by throwing and pinning them to the ground.
    Hide Caption
    2 of 9
    Judo was first seen at the Olympics in Tokyo in 1964, and a women's competition was added at the Barcelona Games in 1992.
    Photos: A guide to judo
    Judo was first seen at the Olympics in Tokyo in 1964, and a women's competition was added at the Barcelona Games in 1992.
    Hide Caption
    3 of 9
    No judoka has more world championships titles than Teddy Riner. The Frenchman has won eight gold medals, predominantly in the heavyweight category, and will be hoping to add to his tally having secured gold at the Rio Olympics last year.
    Photos: A guide to judo
    No judoka has more world championships titles than Teddy Riner. The Frenchman has won eight gold medals, predominantly in the heavyweight category, and will be hoping to add to his tally having secured gold at the Rio Olympics last year.
    Hide Caption
    4 of 9
    "It is a sport that demands an irreproachable lifestyle," Riner tells CNN, "a sport that demands rigor."
    Photos: A guide to judo
    "It is a sport that demands an irreproachable lifestyle," Riner tells CNN, "a sport that demands rigor."
    Hide Caption
    5 of 9
    On the women's side, Ryoko Tani's record stands out. The Japanese Judoka has seven world titles, and upon her retirement <a href="https://japantoday.com/category/sports/ryoko-tani-named-best-female-judoka-ever-by-intl-judo-fderation" target="_blank">was hailed</a> as the "best female judoka ever."
    Photos: A guide to judo
    On the women's side, Ryoko Tani's record stands out. The Japanese Judoka has seven world titles, and upon her retirement was hailed as the "best female judoka ever."
    Hide Caption
    6 of 9
    Majlinda Kelmendi tears up after being crowned Kosovo's first ever gold medalist at the Rio Olympics in the women's 52 kg weight category.
    Photos: A guide to judo
    Majlinda Kelmendi tears up after being crowned Kosovo's first ever gold medalist at the Rio Olympics in the women's 52 kg weight category.
    Hide Caption
    7 of 9
    At 218 kilos, judoka Ricardo Blas Jr. (seen here on the right competing at London 2012) is the world's heaviest Olympian.
    Photos: A guide to judo
    At 218 kilos, judoka Ricardo Blas Jr. (seen here on the right competing at London 2012) is the world's heaviest Olympian.
    Hide Caption
    8 of 9
    Russian President Vladimir Putin is a judo master, denoted by wearing a black belt.
    Photos: A guide to judo
    Russian President Vladimir Putin is a judo master, denoted by wearing a black belt.
    Hide Caption
    9 of 9
    The first judo school dates back to 1882 in Tokyo. Traditionally a Japanese practice, it has gradually spread across the planet and established itself as one of the world's most popular combat sports.
    Photos: A guide to judo
    The first judo school dates back to 1882 in Tokyo. Traditionally a Japanese practice, it has gradually spread across the planet and established itself as one of the world's most popular combat sports.
    Hide Caption
    1 of 9
    Literally meaning "gentle way," judo techniques harness an opponent's force to your own advantage by throwing and pinning them to the ground.
    Photos: A guide to judo
    Literally meaning "gentle way," judo techniques harness an opponent's force to your own advantage by throwing and pinning them to the ground.
    Hide Caption
    2 of 9
    Judo was first seen at the Olympics in Tokyo in 1964, and a women's competition was added at the Barcelona Games in 1992.
    Photos: A guide to judo
    Judo was first seen at the Olympics in Tokyo in 1964, and a women's competition was added at the Barcelona Games in 1992.
    Hide Caption
    3 of 9
    No judoka has more world championships titles than Teddy Riner. The Frenchman has won eight gold medals, predominantly in the heavyweight category, and will be hoping to add to his tally having secured gold at the Rio Olympics last year.
    Photos: A guide to judo
    No judoka has more world championships titles than Teddy Riner. The Frenchman has won eight gold medals, predominantly in the heavyweight category, and will be hoping to add to his tally having secured gold at the Rio Olympics last year.
    Hide Caption
    4 of 9
    "It is a sport that demands an irreproachable lifestyle," Riner tells CNN, "a sport that demands rigor."
    Photos: A guide to judo
    "It is a sport that demands an irreproachable lifestyle," Riner tells CNN, "a sport that demands rigor."
    Hide Caption
    5 of 9
    judo throw baku 2017
    judo world championships guide gal 1
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    judo world championships guide gal 9
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    judo world championships gal 11
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    Inoue, like so many others in Japan, took up the sport at a young age, working under the tutelage of his father.
    The youngster would train relentlessly every day, only stopping when forced by his teachers.
    "I was extremely motivated to do my best throughout my career," he says. "The meaning of judo is not just to win or lose, but to contribute to the betterment of society and always give back.


    "The creator of judo, Jigoro Kano, outlined its two main themes: the development of the self and a contribution to society. When I practice judo, both as an athlete and as a coach, I always keep those in my heart."
    Rarely defeated on the mat, some of Inoue's biggest challenges have come away from judo.

    READ: Ryoko Tani -- The greatest ever?
    He lost his mother aged just 21, famously clutching a framed photograph of her as he stood atop the podium at Sydney 2000 a year later.
    Legends of Judo: Kosei Inoue
    Bangkok 1998 Asian Games: Gold
    Birmingham 1999 World Championship: Gold
    Sydney 2000 Olympics: Gold
    All Japan Judo Championships 2001: Gold
    Munich 2001 World Championships: Gold
    All Japan Judo Championships 2002: Gold
    Busan 2002 Asian Games: Gold
    All Japan Judo Championships 2003: Gold
    Osaka 2003 World Championships: Gold
    "I wanted to dedicate this win to my mother -- this is for her," the half heavyweight (-100kg) champion said at the time. "To me, she was the best mother in the world and I wanted the world to see her."
    The entire family had shared a dream of Inoue one day winning Olympic gold; the realization of that ambition changed his life overnight.
    "The Olympic Games is not just a sporting event; it's where the world unites," says Inoue, recalling his now-famous win over Nicholas Gill of Canada in the final.
    "When I won at Sydney 2000 I was just 22 years old and still a university student. My life changed forever, but I was young and I felt like my career was just beginning."
    Inoue won every single match at Sydney by ippon -- judo's equivalent to a knockout -- and the watching world expected him to dominate for many years to come.
    The Japanese judoka didn't let up, taking home further gold medals at the next two World Championships -- held in Munich and Osaka -- as well as three consecutive titles in the open weight category at the All Japan Championships, defeating far larger opponents.
    But he wasn't able to maintain his imperious form at the Athens 2004 Olympics, crashing out at the quarterfinal stage to Dutchman Elco van der Geest.
    "So many people were focused on me and I disappointed them," Inoue reflected afterward, unable to come to terms with defeat. "I've never experienced anything as humbling and devastating in my life."
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