Nine-year-old Kohaya Kida from Kitajima secured his third title at the Sports Hinomaru Kids Tokai Judo Tournament in Mie Prefecture, overcoming opponents with larger physical builds in the open-weight division. The September competition drew approximately 50 participants from across Japan, highlighting the young competitor’s technical proficiency and rigorous daily preparation.
Tournament Victory in Mie Prefecture
Kohaya Kida captured the mixed open-weight championship at the Sports Hinomaru Kids Tokai Judo Tournament, marking his third victory at the regional event. Competing against a field of roughly 50 judoka from around the country, the third-grade student relied on technique to overcome opponents possessing significant size advantages. When asked if he expected to win for a third straight year, Kida stated that he anticipated the outcome.
Family Influence and Training Background
Judo has been a central part of Kida’s routine since he began the sport at age six, influenced by his father, Toshiaki Kida, who serves as a coach at a judo class. Toshiaki Kida noted that while he feels pride as a father, he remains acutely aware of the physical demands and injury risks inherent in competitive martial arts. According to the elder Kida, his son’s primary asset is his focus during practice sessions, noting that the young athlete will repeatedly drill identical techniques until he achieves execution that satisfies his own standards.
Kida Balances Schoolwork with Independent Physical Conditioning
Outside of the dojo, Kida maintains a structured daily schedule focused on schoolwork and supplementary physical conditioning. Upon returning home, he completes his homework assignments, working through kanji drills and mathematics problems with a compass before turning to evening training. Utilizing exercise routines found through video streaming services, Kida independently incorporates battle rope exercises and weighted training into his daily regimen ahead of his club practices.
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