Judo helps to create not just fighters but footballers, according to Japan under-23 goalkeeper Louis Yamaguchi

French-Japanese Louis Yamaguchi recalls practising judo in prestigious Tokyo school alongside ONE championship’s Itsuki Hirata

Yamaguchi, introduced by his judo instructor father, also brushed shoulders with world champions Asahina, Baker and Wolf

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Japan U-23s footballer Louis Yamaguchi trains ahead of Extremadura UD's last six matches of the Segunda Division season. Photo: Handout

Published: 8:00am, 16 Jul 2020Updated: 1:07am, 17 Jul 2020

Judo has paved the way for several mixed martial arts (MMA) legends, including Fedor “The Last Emperor” Emelianenko, “Sexyama” Yoshihiro Akiyama and “Rowdy” Ronda Rousey. The Japan-derived world-renowned martial art continues its strong bloodline in combat sports today – but who would have thought it had a role in football?

“Without judo, I would not be able to go far in football. That is very clear to me,” said Japan U23 goalkeeper Louis Yamaguchi, who plies his trade in Spain’s second division with Extremadura UD.

The Paris-born, Tokyo-bred Yamaguchi, who is adamant that his native Japan can shine at the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games and 2022 Qatar World Cup, said his judo background gave him the cutting edge during his French youth football days.

“When I was in [FC] Lorient, the goalkeeping coaches loved the fact that I practised judo and told me that it was a really good base for goalkeepers – for movement, balance and stability. And obviously the drive to fight, to compete, to not be afraid of anything,” he said.

French-Japanese goalkeeper Louis Yamaguchi (centre) listens in with Japan national teammates in training. Photo: Handout

While Yamaguchi went on to pursue his dream as a footballer, it was not the original plan. After all, his French father had moved to “The Land of the Rising Sun” precisely for judo.