Takanori Nagase Japanese judoka Date of Birth: 14.10.1933 Country: Japan

1. Biography of Takanori Nagase
2. Early Life and Training
3. International Career
4. Olympic Success
5. Fighting Style and Technique
6. Education and Career

Biography of Takanori Nagase

Takanori Nagase is a Japanese judoka who has achieved notable success in his career. He is a bronze medalist at the Olympic Games and a three-time world champion in both individual and team events. He has also won the World Cup and the silver medal at the Asian Championships. Nagase is a three-time champion of Japan and was crowned the champion of the 2013 Universiade.

Early Life and Training

Takanori Nagase began practicing judo at the age of six. During his school years, he joined the team at Nagasaki University, where he continues to train to this day. Alongside his training, Nagase also mentors young judokas.

International Career

Nagase started his international career in 2011, winning first place at the junior tournament in Yonago. That same year, he finished third at the Kodokan Cup and emerged victorious at the Aix-en-Provence tournament for athletes under 20 years old. In 2012, Nagase claimed first place at the International Masters Bremen U20, the European Cup (U20), and became the champion of Japan and Asia in the U20 category.

In 2013, Nagase began his season with a second-place finish at the "adult" tournament in Tbilisi. He went on to secure several first-place finishes, including the Japanese Student Championships, the Kodokan Cup, and the Tokyo Grand Slam tournament. He also excelled at the Universiade, earning both individual and team titles. In 2014, he finished third at the Paris Grand Slam tournament and claimed first place in Tokyo. Nagase became the champion of Japan in his weight category and finished third in the open weight category at the prestigious Japanese Championships. He won the team world championship but placed fifth in the individual competition at the World Championships.

In 2015, Nagase finished third at the Tokyo Grand Slam tournament, won the Japanese Championships, and triumphed at the IJF World Masters Rabat. The same year, he became a world champion in both the individual and team events, marking Japan's first-ever world champion in his weight category in the history of judo. In 2016, Nagase won the Japanese Championships and the Baku Grand Slam tournament.

Olympic Success

In the 2016 Olympic Games, Nagase competed in the under 81 kg weight category. After the quarterfinals, where four judokas advanced to the semifinals, the defeated competitors faced each other in consolation matches. Nagase fought his way to the bronze medal by winning the consolation match and the match for third place.

Fighting Style and Technique

Takanori Nagase is known for his Uchi Mata (inner thigh throw) technique and his confident groundwork. His skill and determination have earned him a reputation as a formidable judoka.

Education and Career

Nagase graduated from Tsukuba University in 2014 and later joined the company Asahi Kasei.