Judo is a popular martial art in the Philippines and there are a number of talented practitioners who have achieved success in the sport. In this article, we will take a look at some of the best judo players in the Philippines and their accomplishments.
From Olympic medalists to world champions, these are the most successful judokas from the Philippines. We will also explore the history of judo in the country and discuss the current state of the sport.
So, let’s get started and learn more about the best judo players in the Philippines!.
1. Kiyomi Watanabe
Kiyomi Watanabe is a remarkable athlete who has achieved a great deal in her career. She is a Japanese-Filipino judoka, meaning she practices the martial art of judo.
Judo is a discipline that focuses on using one’s strength and skill in order to gain a tactical advantage over an opponent. Watanabe has achieved a great deal in her judo career, including representing the Philippines in several international competitions.
She has competed in tournaments around the world, and most recently represented her country at the 2020 Summer Olympics.
This was a major accomplishment for Watanabe, as athletes from all around the world gathered to compete at one of the most prestigious sporting events in the world.
Watanabe’s accomplishments are a testament to her hard work and dedication to the sport of judo, and she should be an inspiration to any aspiring judoka.
2. Kodo Nakano
Kodo Nakano is a Filipino judoka who has made a name for himself in the judo world. He first made an appearance at the 2013 World Judo Championship in Rio de Janeiro, followed by the 2013 Southeast Asian Games.
His impressive performance earned him the bronze medal at the -81 kg event at the Southeast Asia Judo Championships in Napyidaw, Myanmar. As a result of his achievements, Nakano was selected to represent the Philippines at the 2016 Summer Olympics in the 81 kg event.
Unfortunately, he did not place in the tournament, but he has made a lasting impact on the sport in the Philippines and beyond. Nakano’s dedication to the sport has inspired younger generations to take up judo and strive for success in the world of competitive judo.
3. Thomas Ong
Thomas Ong is a Filipino judoka, a martial artist who practices the sport of judo. He is best known for his participation in the 1964 Summer Olympics, where he competed in the men’s open category event.
This event is the highest level of competition in judo and allows participants of any weight and size to compete against each other. As a Filipino judoka, Thomas Ong was one of the first athletes from his country to compete in the Olympic Games.
His participation in the event is a milestone in Filipino sports history, and his performance is still remembered today. He was able to show the world the potential of Filipino athletes, and his legacy continues to inspire people around the world.
4. Narzal García
Narzal García is a Filipino judoka who made history by becoming the first Filipino judoka to compete at the 1964 Summer Olympics.
He was selected to compete in the men’s middleweight event, making him the first Filipino judoka to compete in an Olympic Games. García’s appearance at the Summer Olympics was a major milestone for Filipino judoka, as it marked the first time a Filipino athlete had competed in the sport.
He faced fierce competition from some of the world’s best judokas, including Olympic champions from Japan and the Soviet Union.
Despite the overwhelming odds, García managed to perform at a high level, earning praise from his peers and coaches alike. García’s Olympic appearance also opened the door for future Filipino judokas to compete on the world stage.
After his performance at the 1964 Summer Olympics, more Filipino judokas have gone on to compete in the Olympic Games.
His legacy has inspired generations of Filipino judokas to follow in his footsteps and strive to reach the highest levels of the sport. To this day, Narzal García is still remembered as one of the first Filipino judokas to compete in the Olympic Games.
His courage and determination to reach the world stage has left an indelible mark on the Filipino judo community and has inspired many athletes to pursue their dreams.
5. Fernando García
Fernando García is a Filipino sportsperson who is well-known for his accomplishments in wrestling and judo. He competed in the 1964 Summer Olympics in two wrestling events, showcasing his tremendous talent and ability in the sport.
He further showcased his skills and strength in judo by competing in two judo events at the 1972 Summer Olympics. His impressive performance in both wrestling and judo have made him a household name in the Philippines and a true embodiment of Filipino sportsmanship.
He has set an example for aspiring Filipino athletes, encouraging them to strive for excellence and reach new heights.
6. Vicente Uematsu
Vicente Uematsu is a Filipino judoka who competed in the men’s lightweight event at the 1964 Summer Olympics. He is one of the few Filipino athletes to have competed in the Summer Olympics, making him an important figure in Filipino sports history.
Uematsu began his journey to the Olympics in 1961 when he won a bronze medal at the Asian Judo Championships in Tokyo.
His performance at the Asian Championships earned him a spot on the Philippine national team competing in the 1964 Summer Olympics in Tokyo. At the Olympics, Uematsu competed in the men’s lightweight event representing the Philippines.
Despite having limited international experience, Uematsu was able to put together a strong performance, finishing in 7th place overall.
His performance was a major improvement from the 12th-place finish he achieved at the Asian Championships just three years prior. Uematsu’s performance at the Olympics was a great achievement for the Philippines and a testament to his hard work and dedication.
He set an example for future Filipino athletes, showing them that with hard work and dedication, they too could compete on the world stage. Uematsu’s legacy continues to this day, inspiring Filipino athletes to strive for excellence and represent their country with pride.
7. John Baylon
John Baylon is a Filipino judoka who has represented his country in the Summer Olympics. He has achieved impressive success in the Southeast Asian Games, being a multi-medalist. Judo is a martial art and a modern Olympic sport that originated in Japan.
It involves grappling techniques which involve both throws and joint locks. As a Filipino judoka, Baylon has dedicated himself to the sport and worked hard to reach the highest level of competition.
He has achieved great success in the Southeast Asian Games, earning multiple medals throughout his career. His dedication and skill have earned him the respect of his peers and have made him a true champion of the sport.
8. Bernardo Repuyan
Bernardo Repuyan was an impressive athlete from the Philippines. He was a judoka, trained in the martial art of judo, which is a traditional Japanese combat sport. Repuyan competed in the men’s middleweight event at the 1964 Summer Olympics, which was held in Tokyo, Japan.
This was an impressive feat, as the Olympics are the highest level of competition for any sport, and the tournament was being held in the birth place of judo. Repuyan had to have displayed great skill to even qualify for the event, let alone compete in it.
This is a testament to his dedication and passion for the sport, as well as his competitiveness. He may not have won a medal, but Repuyan’s participation in the Olympics is a great example of the strength and determination of Filipino athletes.
9. Jerry Dino
Jerry Dino was a successful Filipino judoka who competed in the 1988 and 1992 Summer Olympics. He competed in the men’s -60 kg category, where he achieved much success.
Dino also competed at the Southeast Asian Games, with his first appearance being in the 1985 edition in Bangkok.
His participation in this event further demonstrates his commitment to the sport and his dedication to becoming the best judoka he could possibly be. Outside of the Olympics and Southeast Asian Games, Dino had a successful career in judo.
He competed in a variety of competitions and tournaments and earned several accolades for his outstanding performances. He was an inspiration to many, showing them that hard work and dedication can lead to success. Overall, Dino was an incredible judoka with a remarkable career.
He is an icon in his home country of the Philippines, and his legacy continues to inspire and motivate the current generation of judokas.
10. Tomohiko Hoshina
Tomohiko Hoshina is a talented judoka who has achieved great success in his sport. He represents the Philippines in international judo competitions, such as the World Judo Championships, the Southeast Asian Games, and the Olympic Games.
Born in Japan to a Japanese father and Filipina mother, Tomohiko has a unique background that has allowed him to excel in his sport.
He has used his unique cultural background to his advantage, gaining important cultural insights that have helped him develop into a successful judoka. His remarkable achievements in judo have been a great source of inspiration to the Filipino judo community.
Tomohiko has been a great ambassador for the Philippines, showing the world that the Filipino spirit is alive and well.
11. Geronimo Dyogi
Geronimo “Ronnie” Dyogi was a Filipino judoka who made a name for himself in the Olympic Games. He was born and raised in the Philippines and received a judo black belt at an early age.
He was an accomplished judoka and represented his country in the 1972 Summer Olympic Games in Munich. At the 1972 Olympics, Dyogi competed in the men’s half-middleweight event. This event consists of judokas with a weight of 73-81 kg competing in a tournament-style format.
Dyogi was determined to make his mark and not just represent his country but win a medal for the Philippines.
Unfortunately, he did not make it to the medal round and failed to win a medal. Despite his lack of success in the Olympics, Dyogi was still an important figure in the Philippines. He was a mentor to many young judokas and inspired them to follow in his footsteps.
He was also an advocate for the growth of judo in the Philippines. His passion and dedication to the sport had an impact on many and he was an inspiration to many young judokas. Geronimo “Ronnie” Dyogi was a Filipino judoka who stands as a symbol of courage and determination.
His commitment to his sport and his country will never be forgotten and he will be remembered for his contribution to judo and the Philippines.
Conclusion
The best judo players in the Philippines are undoubtedly a talented and diverse group of athletes. They have achieved tremendous success both domestically and internationally, showing their tremendous skill and dedication to the sport.
These judokas have set a high standard of excellence for the sport in the Philippines and have inspired many Filipinos to take up the sport and achieve their own success.
