This is the continuation of a series of interviews with the family of Yuko Fujii, a judo instructor living in Brazil, and the local people who were involved in her coaching. (NumberWeb “Good Couple/Family Series” Part 5 of 6/Continued to #6)
Rafaela Silva became Brazil’s national heroine at the 2016 Rio Olympics, winning the women’s judo 57kg category.
One of Rio’s most famous cities, it was the setting for the Brazilian film “Cidade de Deus” (produced in 2002 with the Japanese title “City of God”, depicting the conflict between gangs in Rio’s slums and becoming a worldwide hit). Born and raised in a dangerous area, in 2000, at the age of 8, he and his 11-year-old sister Raquel began attending a nearby judo class (three years later, this became the NGO Instituto, which provides education through judo to children from poor families).・Reason = hereafter referred to as Reason).
The two had bad tempers and would often fight with boys on the street, so their father “made them learn judo so they wouldn’t have time to fight.”
What is it like practicing with Fujii-san and others?
Through judo training, the sisters were taught manners and respect for others, and the sisters made it to the Brazilian national team. Raquel’s dream of competing in the Olympics did not come true, but Rafaela achieved great success under the guidance of Yuko Fujii at Reason and also on the Brazilian national team.
Raquel has now retired from active duty and is a coach at Reason. Rafaela left Leação in 2021 and became a contracted player for Flamengo (note: a prestigious football club, but also includes Olympic sports such as judo), but beyond the boundaries of the club, Leação’s coach, Yuko Fujii. He is receiving personal guidance from Raquel.
I was able to observe the instruction being held at Arena Carioca 2, which was built for the judo and wrestling competitions at the Rio Olympics.
Rafaela apparently did two hours of physical training before this, and she seems to be having a lot of fun practicing her skills. While she banters with Yuko, Raquel, and her two practice partners, she practices her techniques one after another. From time to time, Yuko and Raquel give advice.
My sister says, “If you do judo, you’ll be able to fight better (lol)”
After practicing for about an hour, I first spoke to my sister Raquel.
Currently 34 years old. He is the South American champion in 2013 and 2014 in the 52kg weight class, one weight class below Rafaela. He also finished runner-up at the 2016 European Open, but was unable to qualify for Brazil’s Olympic team.
–When you started judo at the age of 11, did you know what kind of sport it was?
2023-11-25 15:41:02
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