Germany is home to some of the best judo players in the world. The country has produced some incredible judokas over the years, including two Olympic champions and several world champions.
From Olympic gold medalists Udo Quellmalz and Wilfried Dietrich to world champions Peter Seisenbacher, Ilona Elek and Dirk van Tichelt, Germany has a proud history of judo excellence.
We’ll take a look at some of the best judo players in Germany, their impressive achievements and their lasting legacy in the sport.
1. Ole Bischof
Ole Bischof is a German judoka, a martial artist who practices Judo, a traditional Japanese martial art. He is currently being trained by Frank Wieneke, an Olympic gold medalist in judo from the 1984 Olympics.
Wieneke has since retired from competing, but has dedicated his time to helping teach judo to those who are interested in learning. Bischof has been training with Wieneke for some time now, and is considered one of his most promising students.
Bischof has been able to learn from Wieneke’s successful career and apply the techniques and strategies he has been taught to his own training. Wieneke has been able to pass on his knowledge to Bischof, who is now competing at the highest levels of competition in the sport.
Bischof is hopeful that he will be able to follow in Wieneke’s footsteps and make it to the Olympics one day.
2. Igor Wandtke
Igor Wandtke is a German judoka, specializing in the men’s 73 kg event.
In 2016, he represented Germany in the Olympics and advanced to the third round, where he was defeated by Sagi Muki. Five years later, in 2021, Wandtke achieved a remarkable feat when he won one of the bronze medals in the same event at the 2021 Judo World Masters, held in Doha, Qatar.
This was a remarkable achievement for the judoka, vindicating his dedication and hard work on the mat. Wandtke’s success in the Judo World Masters is an inspiration to many aspiring judokas who are striving to reach the same level of excellence.
His determination to push himself further and overcome the obstacles in his way is a testament to his commitment to the sport. The German judoka has set an example for all judokas out there and has shown that anyone can reach the highest levels of success if they are willing to put the hard work in.
Not only has Wandtke won a medal at the Olympics and the Judo World Masters, but he has also proved that hard work and dedication can lead to success.
3. Miriam Butkereit
Miriam Butkereit is a German judoka or one who practices the Japanese martial art of judo. She is a highly accomplished athlete in the sport, having achieved great success in her career. In 2021, she earned a bronze medal at the Judo Grand Slam Tel Aviv in the -70 kg category.
This tournament is one of the most prestigious judo competitions in the world, making Butkereit’s achievement even more remarkable. Her medal at the tournament is a testament to her skill and dedication to the sport.
She is an inspirational figure for aspiring judokas and athletes alike, showing that hard work and determination can lead to great success.
4. Anna-Maria Wagner
Anna-Maria Wagner is a German judoka who has achieved great success in her sport. She recently won the gold medal in the women’s 78 kg event at the 2021 World Judo Championships held in Budapest, Hungary.
Her impressive performance at the event was a testament to her dedication and hard work in the sport. In addition to her gold medal win in Budapest, Anna-Maria Wagner also won two bronze medals in the Tokyo Olympics in 2020.
She earned a bronze medal in the women’s 78 kg event, as well as a bronze medal in the mixed team event.
This achievement highlights her skill and ability to perform at the highest levels in the sport. Anna-Maria Wagner’s impressive success in judo has come as a result of her hard work and dedication to the sport.
She has demonstrated her ability to excel in both individual and team events, and her commitment to the sport is admirable. Her success in the 2021 World Judo Championships and the 2020 Summer Olympics is a testament to her skill and determination.
5. Benny Behrla
Benjamin Behrla, or Benny Behrla, is a German judoka who competes in the -100 kg weight division. He is a two-time bronze medalist at the European Judo Championships, having won the medal in 2008 and 2010.
Furthermore, he made an appearance at the 2008 Summer Olympics and finished in 9th place overall. Benny Behrla is considered one of Germany’s top judokas. He has achieved success at the European Judo Championships, where he won bronze medals in 2008 and 2010.
His performance at the 2008 Olympics further demonstrated his skill and talent, as he finished in 9th place overall. Benny Behrla is a respected competitor in the judo community and a role model for aspiring judokas.
His medals at the European Judo Championships show that he has what it takes to compete at the highest level. He also proved that he can perform under pressure when he competed in the 2008 Summer Olympics.
His performance is an inspiration for any athlete, showing that hard work and dedication can lead to success.
6. Detlef Ultsch
Detlef Ultsch is a highly accomplished judoka who hails from East Germany.
Born in Sonneberg, located in the Bezirk Suhl region, he is the first ever German judo world champion and has won the world middleweight championship title twice, in 1979 in Paris and again in 1983 in Moscow.
His incredible achievements in judo have earned him numerous accolades over the years, with many considering him to be one of the greatest judokas of all time. Ultsch has been a part of the judo community for more than four decades and has dedicated his life to perfecting the martial art.
He is a firm believer in the importance of discipline, respect and dedication in order to become a successful judoka.
He has held a variety of prestigious positions over the years, including being the president of the German Judo Federation and the International Judo Federation, as well as working diligently to promote judo around the world. Ultsch’s accomplishments in judo are impressive and have paved the way for many other German judokas who have followed in his footsteps.
His impact on the sport has been immense, and his legacy will continue to live on for many years to come.
7. Karl-Heinz Lehmann
Karl-Heinz Lehmann was a judoka from Germany who had the honor of competing in the 1980 Summer Olympics. Judoka is a Japanese martial art that combines a variety of techniques such as throwing, grappling, holding, and striking.
Lehmann’s experience and skill in this type of martial art allowed him to qualify for the Olympics. At the 1980 Summer Olympics, Lehmann competed in the men’s half-middleweight division. This division consists of judokas whose weight is between 66 and 73 kilograms.
Lehmann was one of the many competitors who participated in the half-middleweight division.
Unfortunately, he was unable to advance past the preliminary rounds and did not move on to the medal rounds. Despite not achieving a medal, Lehmann’s involvement in the Olympics was an amazing accomplishment.
As a German judoka, he was able to represent his country on a global stage. He was part of a select group of athletes who were chosen to compete in the Olympics, and his performance displayed his skill and dedication to the sport of judo.
Lehmann’s participation in the 1980 Summer Olympics was an inspiring event. He set an example for other aspiring judokas and demonstrated the hard work and dedication needed to be successful in the sport.
His legacy lives on today, and his name is remembered by judokas around the world.
8. Arthur Schnabel
Arthur Schnabel was a talented athlete and a prominent figure in the world of judo. He was a German judoka and, at the 1984 Summer Olympics, managed to secure a bronze medal in the Open division.
His success at the 1984 Olympics was not his only accomplishment in the field of judo as he also competed at the 1976 Summer Olympics. Unfortunately, Schnabel passed away in 2018 at the age of 70.
His legacy continues to live on, however, as he was remembered for his incredible skill and perseverance as a judoka. His achievements have been an inspiration to other judokas around the world who strive to reach the same level of success he achieved in his lifetime.
9. Harald Heinke
Harald Heinke was an East German judoka who competed in the 1980 Summer Olympics. He was born in Rostock, East Germany in 1963 and began judo training at the age of eight. Heinke represented his home country in the lightweight division at the 1980 Summer Olympics in Moscow.
He went on to win the bronze medal in his division, becoming the first East German to do so. Heinke was a highly successful athlete, taking part in numerous international competitions, including the World Championships, European Championships, and the Olympics.
He had a number of successes throughout his career, including winning gold medals at the World Championships in 1983 and 1987, and a silver medal at the European Championships in 1984.
He also won multiple German Championships during his career. Heinke retired from competitive judo in 1990 and went on to coach the East German national team. He also coached at the University of Leipzig and was the head coach of the German judo team from 1992 to 1997.
After his retirement, Heinke became a judo referee and instructor. He is considered to be one of the best judo referees in the world and has received numerous awards for his accomplishments.
Harald Heinke is a true legend in the world of judo, and his accomplishments as an athlete and coach will be remembered for many years to come.
10. Paul Barth
Paul Barth was an athlete from Germany who specialized in judo. He had a successful career, culminating in a trip to the 1972 Summer Olympics. During his time in the Olympics, Barth was an impressive competitor, managing to make it to the later rounds of the tournament.
After the Olympics, Barth continued to stay involved in judo, teaching and mentoring those who wished to learn the martial art. He also served as a trainer for the German judo team and was a referee in international judo championships.
His dedication to the sport is admirable, and his influence on German judo is undeniable.
11. Richard Trautmann
Richard Trautmann is a German judoka, a martial artist that practices a specific Japanese form of modern judo. He is an Olympic medalist, having earned two bronze medals in the extra-lightweight division in 1992 and 1996.
This puts him among the elite of judo athletes, having medaled in the Olympics twice in this weight class. Trautmann has had a successful career in judo, having competed in tournaments around the world. He is a former European champion and has won multiple World Cup medals.
Trautmann also holds multiple German titles in judo and was a member of the German national team for many years. Trautmann has remained active in the sport, coaching and mentoring young judokas.
He has also given seminars and workshops and is a member of the International Judo Federation’s Coaching Committee.
His accomplishments have been recognized by the German Judo Federation, which awarded him the title of Honorary Coach in 2013. Richard Trautmann is an inspiration to judokas around the world.
His success in the Olympic Games and his dedication to the sport of judo have made him a role model for aspiring athletes. With two Olympic bronze medals under his belt, Trautmann will surely remain a celebrated judoka for years to come.
12. Marko Spittka
Marko Spittka is a German judoka, a martial artist who specializes in the Japanese martial art of Judo. He achieved success in his sport, winning a bronze medal in the half-lightweight division at the 1996 Summer Olympics.
This accomplishment was a major highlight in his career, and it demonstrated his dedication to the sport and his impressive skill level. The half-lightweight division is a category that requires a judoka to have a certain weight and size to compete.
Marko Spittka had to remain within the specified weight limit in order to qualify for the Olympics. This required careful preparation and a disciplined training routine.
He had to practice consistently and adhere to a strict diet plan to make sure he could compete at the highest level. At the 1996 Summer Olympics, Marko Spittka faced stiff competition from other judokas from around the world.
Despite the difficult challenge, he was able to come out on top and secure a bronze medal.
This medal was a testament to his hard work and determination, and it was a great moment of triumph for the German judoka. Marko Spittka’s success at the 1996 Summer Olympics is a great example of what is possible when someone combines dedication and hard work.
His bronze medal is a reminder that anything is possible if you have a strong ambition and the willingness to put in the effort.
13. Marc Meiling
Marc Meiling is a German judoka or a practitioner of the traditional Japanese sport of Judo. He is a well-known athlete, particularly for his success in the 1988 Summer Olympics, where he won a silver medal in the half-heavyweight division.
This accomplishment is a testament to his skill and dedication to the sport, as competing in the Olympics is a goal that few judoka ever manage to achieve. Meiling’s success in the Olympics is only part of his impressive career.
He has won many other titles and medals in the sport of judo, including multiple gold medals at the German National Championships, European Championships, and World Championships. He has also represented his country at the World Cup, where he has won several gold medals.
His accomplishments have earned him a place in the Judo Hall of Fame. Marc Meiling is an Olympic hero and a true role model for all judoka. His success in the sport is a testament to his hard work and dedication to the sport.
His accomplishments will continue to inspire judoka around the world for generations to come.
14. Klaus Glahn
Klaus Glahn is a retired West German judoka, a Japanese martial artist, who competed in the 1964 and 1972 Olympics. In 1964, he represented the United Team of Germany and won a bronze medal in the open weight class.
This was a remarkable feat, as the United Team of Germany was a combination of East and West German athletes who competed together at the 1964 Olympic Games. Eight years later, Klaus Glahn competed once again at the Olympics, this time representing West Germany.
He earned a silver medal in the heavyweight category, an impressive result for a judoka of his age. Klaus Glahn is a true inspiration for all judoka, having achieved incredible success in his sport at the highest level.
15. Andreas Tölzer
Andreas Tölzer is a German judoka, a martial artist who practices the sport of judo. He is a formidable competitor, standing at 1.93 meters tall (6ft 4in) and weighing 145 kilograms (319lbs). This makes him one of the tallest and heaviest judokas in the world.
His size and strength give him a distinct advantage in competition, allowing him to overpower his opponents with ease. He has earned several international medals in judo competitions, winning titles in both European and World Championships.
His success is a testament to his hard work and dedication to the sport.
16. Pauline Starke
Pauline Starke is a German judoka, a martial artist who practices the Japanese martial art of judo. She is a highly skilled judoka, having achieved great success in the sport.
In 2019, she competed in the European Games, the biggest sporting competition in Europe, and won the bronze medal in the -57 kg category. This is a significant accomplishment for her, as only the very best judokas in Europe were invited to compete in the European Games.
Starke’s success in the competition is a testament to her hard work and dedication to the sport of judo and speaks to her skill and talent. She is an example of what can be achieved with hard work and dedication and is an inspiration to aspiring judokas all over the world.
17. Udo Quellmalz
Udo Quellmalz, commonly referred to as Quelle, is a highly esteemed German judoka. He is a two-time Olympic medalist, having earned a bronze medal at the 1992 Summer Olympics and a gold medal at the 1996 Summer Olympics.
Additionally, he won the World Judo Championships in 1991 and 1995. His impressive record of accomplishments has led to his appointment as the head coach of the Flemish Judo Federation in 2022. Quelle has continually demonstrated his excellence in the martial art.
His success in major competitions has earned him the respect of not only his peers but of judo fans around the world. His Olympic medals and world championship titles are a testament to his skill and dedication to the sport.
His appointment to the Flemish Judo Federation further demonstrates his commitment to the sport and his expertise and knowledge of judo. Quelle’s legacy has been solidified by his impressive achievements in judo.
He has shown himself to be a formidable competitor and an inspirational leader for aspiring judokas and coaches. As head coach of the Flemish Judo Federation, he will undoubtedly continue to influence judo for years to come.
18. Yvonne Bönisch
Yvonne Snir-Bönisch is a renowned German judo coach and former judoka. She is a two-time world championship finalist and a gold medalist at the 2004 Summer Olympics, having won the lightweight division. Her career in judo began at JV Ludwigsfelde, a Judo club based in Germany.
After she retired in 2008, Yvonne Bönisch used her expertise to coach at UJKC Potsdam, another German Judo club. She has played a major role in the development of the sport in Germany, inspiring her students and showing them how to reach their goals.
She has earned the respect of her peers and her students, and she continues to be an important part of the judo community.
19. Giovanna Scoccimarro
Giovanna Scoccimarro is a talented judoka from Germany. She has achieved impressive results in the sport, winning the silver medal at the 2017 European Championships in the 70 kg division.
In 2021, she had the opportunity to compete in the 2020 Summer Olympics, held in Tokyo, Japan, in the same weight division. Earlier in the same year, she also competed in the 2020 European Judo Championships, held in Prague, Czech Republic.
Giovanna Scoccimarro is a great example of an athlete who is dedicated to her sport and is always striving for excellence. She is an inspiration to aspiring judokas all over the world and an example of what can be achieved through hard work and dedication.
20. Karl-Richard Frey
Karl-Richard Frey is a talented German judoka who competed in the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. He was placed in the men’s 100 kg division, one of the most competitive judo categories.
Despite the tough competition, he was able to make it all the way to the bronze medal match, where he went up against French judoka Cyrille Maret. Unfortunately, Frey was not able to achieve the medal, as he was defeated by Maret and had to settle for 5th place overall.
Nevertheless, this was a remarkable feat for a German judoka, showing the world that Germany is a leading force in the competitive judo world.
21. Frank Wieneke
Frank Wieneke is an acclaimed German judoka and Olympic champion. He is highly regarded for his gold medal win in the half-middleweight division of the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.
His impressive accomplishments have earned him a spot in Germany’s Sports Hall of Fame. Wieneke is well known for his judo skills. He has trained extensively in judo and has won numerous competitions in his career.
His gold medal win in the 1984 Summer Olympics was a major milestone for him and his country.
He competed fiercely and ultimately emerged victorious, bringing home the gold for Germany. Wieneke’s success has been recognized by both his home country and the wider international sports community.
He is a member of Germany’s Sports Hall of Fame, a testament to his achievements in judo. He has also received numerous accolades from the German Judo Federation and other organizations. Wieneke is an example of determination and drive.
He has worked hard to reach success in judo and has been rewarded for his efforts. His success in the 1984 Olympics is a testament to his talent and commitment. He is an inspiration to aspiring judokas and athletes alike, showing that hard work can lead to great success.
22. Steffen Stranz
Steffen Stranz was a successful judoka from Germany who competed in the Summer Olympics twice, first in 1984 and then in 1988. During his first Olympics appearance in 1984, Stranz competed in the Men’s Lightweight division in Seoul, South Korea.
Unfortunately, he was eliminated in the quarterfinals by East Germany’s Sven Loll, who went on to win the silver medal in the division. This was Stranz’s only Olympic appearance as he did not participate in the 1992 Olympics.
Although Stranz did not win a medal in the Olympics, he had an impressive judo career and is well respected as a judoka.
23. Torsten Reißmann
Torsten Reißmann was an East German judoka who competed in the late 1970s and early 1980s. He was well known for his achievements in the Half-Lightweight division, which he competed in throughout his career.
In 1980, he had the opportunity to compete at the Summer Olympic Games in Moscow. Despite the tough competition, Torsten managed to finish in fifth place.
This was a huge accomplishment for him and it showed his dedication to the sport. He was known for his technical prowess and his strong takedowns which allowed him to control the match.
In addition, he had a strong mental game which allowed him to keep his focus and fight through any adversity. His commitment and dedication to the sport was evident throughout his career and even more so at the 1980 Olympics.
He was a great example of a judoka who was willing to put in the work and time to succeed. Torsten Reißmann’s fifth-place finish in the 1980 Summer Olympics in Moscow is an impressive feat that will be remembered for years to come.
He was a great example of what hard work and dedication can do in the sport of judo. His legacy will live on for years to come as one of the great judokas from East Germany.
24. Alexander Wieczerzak
Alexander Wieczerzak is a remarkable German judoka who has achieved several major accolades within the sport. In 2017, he won a gold medal at the World Judo Championships in Budapest, demonstrating his prowess in the sport.
Following that success, he continued to build on his success and won a bronze medal at the 2022 European Mixed Team Judo Championships as part of Team Germany.
This success clearly demonstrates his commitment to the sport and his dedication to achieving the highest level of success. He has proven himself to be an elite judoka and has earned a reputation as one of the top judokas in the world.
His commitment and passion for the sport is something that all aspiring judokas should strive to emulate.
Conclusion
Germany is home to some of the world’s best judo players. Germany has a long history of producing top-level judo athletes, many of whom have achieved success at the Olympic Games and other international judo competitions.
Germany’s judo athletes are renowned for their technical excellence, physical strength, and mental fortitude. As a result, they are highly respected members of the judo community and serve as an inspiration to aspiring judo players worldwide.
