Amin Abbas

DUBAI: Riki Nakaya, a Japanese World Judo Champion and one of the most famous Judo players in the world who won silver medal in London Olympic Games (2012), impressed not only Japanese but also people all over the world.

After he retired last year, he became a coach at Tokai University and ALSOK corporation Judo team, which is one of the famous senior Judo teams in Japan. Thanks to his teaching skills, Tokai University got 1st place in all Japan University Judo championships 2022. He has achieved success as a player and a coach however he has contributed promotional Judo activities as well.

He went to America to teach Judo in 2020. Judo was not famous there however, he taught Judo for students enthusiastically. Thanks to his effort, a lot of students in America could learn his techniques. His stay in America was only 3 weeks though, he impressed a lot of students in America. As can be seen from his career He is a Judo player who all judo players should respect.

Nakaya was recently invited to the 6th Judo Japanese Ambassador’s Cup organized by the Embassy of Japan in the UAE together with UAE Wrestling and Judo Federation (UAEWJF) and Japan Oil Development at Fatima Bint Mubarak Sports Hall, Abu Dhabi on Nov. 12.

Nakaya demonstrated his judo skills at the championship as Special Guest. He also conducted special trainings in Sharjah and Fujairah to encourage UAE youths who are learning the Japanese martial art.

180 young judo players from Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Fujairah and Ajman participated in the tournament. The championship this year was special as it was part of a series of celebrations for the 50th anniversary of the establishments of the diplomatic relations between Japan and the UAE.

Exclusively to Arab News Japan, Nakaya shared his inspiration to follow a career in Judo sport: “My brother, who is three years older than me, started judo, which led me to start judo as well. When I first started judo, I thought I would quit soon, but when I was able to win a match against a girl, I had not been able to beat for a long time, I realized how much I enjoyed judo.”

“As for the athletes and coaches I admire, I have had the opportunity to talk with many different athletes and coaches, and I have met many athletes whose way of thinking I respect and who I think are cool, so I cannot specifically name any particular athlete or coach,” he added.

About the most inspirational thing from Japanese culture that he has adapted into his daily life, Nakaya said: “As a Japanese phrase ‘Jita-kyoei’ which means ‘Co-prosperity for one self and also others’ suggests, I think it is a good aspect of Japanese culture to put importance in developing one’s self, while giving whatever the ability the person has to the society at the same time.  Also, there are some aspects of manners that I value as a Japanese. For example, the Japanese Judo teams clean up the tournament site after the matches. I also incorporate such Japanese culture and manners into my daily life.”

Speaking of Nakaya’s beginnings with Judo sport, he said: “I started judo at the age of five. A few months after I started judo, I competed in my first match, which was my first competition. I even didn’t fully understand the judo rules at the time, but I ended up winning third place.  I still remember that I was very happy with my first medal.”

About his thoughts on the people and culture in the Middle East, Nakaya said: “I had been to the Middle East in the past for matches, but this month was my first time to teach judo. During the instruction, I felt that the UAE children were proactive and never stopped asking questions. I have taught judo in Japan many times, and many Japanese children are shy to ask questions. I found such difference in attitudes of children between the two countries during my stay in the UAE.”

“The culture is very different from that of Japan. It was a very good opportunity for me to deepen my knowledge and understanding on the UAE culture,” he added.

About his advice for aspiring Judo players who want to compete professionally, Nakaya said:” First of all, I want to say to those who play judo and also are thinking of playing it “Enjoy judo”. If you can play judo in an environment where you can enjoy it, I believe that you will practice it for many years. Do not think about the result, but please enjoy the sport first. It is also important to acquire the spirit of “Seiryoku-zenyo” (“Maximum efficiency” that means “whatever you do, use the power of your mind and body most effectively to achieve your goal”) and “Jita-kyoei” (co-prosperity for oneself and others), as Master Jigoro Kano said. I believe that judo is a wonderful sport that will help you become a great person who can contribute to the society.”