Kouta Takayama Brings Judo Philosophy to High School Coaching
As reported, he observed that basic habits like punctuality and greeting others, which he practiced daily in sports, are essential in broader society. Now holding a teaching license, he oversees a judo club comprising 11 junior and senior high school students.
Safety Protocols and Student Perspectives Shape the Dojo
Despite public perception that judo carries a high risk of injury, Takayama emphasizes proper gripping and technical execution to maintain a safe environment, noting that serious injuries are virtually nonexistent in his club. Junior high school judo team members—including third-year student Yuusei Fujita, second-year student Souta Tomikawa, and third-year student Kouta Obara—train four days a week on Mondays, Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays after school. Fujita competes in the 55-kilogram division and favors seoi-nage (shoulder throw), while Tomikawa competes in the 81-kilogram division with uchi-mata (inner thigh throw) as his specialty. The team achieved a third-place finish in the支部 qualifying rounds of the September rookie tournament for junior high participants.
Balancing Morning Practice With Afternoon Study Sessions
The program maintains strict academic oversight alongside athletic training. During school breaks such as summer vacation, the judo club holds morning practices followed by afternoon study sessions designed to build consistent study habits and allow teammates to review difficult material together. Takayama monitors submission deadlines closely and enforces school rules regarding attendance and uniform standards. When members commit infractions, such as Obara’s past violation of walking off the designated route during the commute home, teachers require formal reflections, such as submitting a written self-examination and performing cleanup duties around the dojo before returning to training.
Takayama aims to leverage his youth—being close in age to his students—to build strong trust, monitor daily changes in student well-being, and support candidates through their university entrance examinations.
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