The Judo Club, which won its first All Japan University Judo Team Championships title in 25 years
(photo: Meidai sports)
Meiji University entered the competition in the third round, defeating Kansai University before overcoming Juntendo University in the fourth round. In the quarterfinal against the University of Tsukuba, TAKESHITA Tomoya, a first-year student in the School of Political Science and Economics who fought second in the lineup, secured a win with O-uchi-gari. Captain IZAWA Naoto, a fourth-year student in the School of Political Science and Economics competing in the fifth bout, then won by ippon with Tate-shiho-gatame. TOKITA Kaito, a first-year student in the School of Political Science and Economics competing in the sixth bout, followed by scoring a waza-ari with Harai-makikomi. Meiji won the team contest 3–0 and advanced to the semifinals.
TAKESHITA Tomoya, who fought second in the lineup
(photo: Meidai sports)
In the semifinal against Teikyo University of Science, Meiji carried its strong quarterfinal performance into the contest, with all seven team members winning their bouts. The result sent Meiji through to the final for the first time in nine years.
Meiji faced Kokushikan University in the final. Although the momentum seemed about to shift toward Kokushikan at one point, Meiji showed resilience, fighting to draw in three consecutive bouts. With Meiji having extended its lead going into the final bout, TOKITA scored a waza-ari with Harai-makikomi to seal the contest. Meiji won 3–1, fulfilling its long-held ambition of capturing the All Japan University Judo Team Championships title for the first time in 25 years.
Comment from Coach NAKAHAMA Shingo (Graduated from the School of Commerce in 2001)
Winning the national title for the first time in 25 years was the result of every student trusting their teammates until the very end and fulfilling their respective roles. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to our alumni and everyone associated with the club who has supported us along the way, as well as to all those who cheered us on. We will regard this championship as a new beginning and continue taking on challenges together with the students as we strive to build an even stronger Judo Club—one that receives the support of even more people.
≪Japanese version≫