The Numbers Behind Tsukuri’s Historic Run

Tsukuri’s medal tally of 15—seven gold, five silver, and three bronze—surpasses the previous tournament record of 12 medals set by the Russian Judo Federation team in 2019. The club’s success was distributed across all weight categories, with particular strength in the under-60kg, under-66kg, and under-73kg divisions, where they secured three gold medals each.

According to the International Judo Federation’s official tournament report, Tsukuri’s gold medalists included:

• Valentina Moscu (under-48kg) – Defeated France’s Clarisse Agbegnenou in the final
• Giulia Carbone (under-52kg) – Won by ippon in the final against Germany’s Anna-Maria Wagner
• Chiara Melloni (under-57kg) – Secured gold with a decisive yuko victory
• Martina Monteiro (under-63kg) – Outpointed Japan’s Akari Kitada in a closely contested final
• Francesco Porco (under-66kg) – Defended his title with a perfect competition record
• Luca Mazzari (under-73kg) – Won gold in his Olympic qualifying year
• Marco Di Stasio (under-81kg) – Secured the final gold with a dominant performance

The club’s silver medals were distributed across the remaining weight classes, with bronze medals claimed in the under-90kg and open divisions.

Why This Matters for Italian Judo

Tsukuri’s Cannes dominance arrives at a pivotal moment for Italian judo, which has faced challenges in recent Olympic cycles. The Italian Judo Federation (Federazione Italiana Judo) called the results “a turning point for the national team’s development,” according to a statement released June 3.

Key implications:

• Olympic Qualification Boost: Three of Tsukuri’s gold medalists—Francesco Porco, Luca Mazzari, and Martina Monteiro—are now among Italy’s top contenders for Olympic qualification spots at the Paris 2024 Games. Porco, in particular, has been named to Italy’s provisional Olympic roster.
• Youth Development Pipeline: The tournament featured several junior athletes from Tsukuri’s academy, including 17-year-old Giulia Carbone, who won gold in the under-52kg division. This suggests the club’s long-term development strategy is yielding results.
• Technical Influence: Tsukuri’s coaching staff, led by Olympic silver medalist Roberto Tambri, has implemented a system focused on “adaptive judo”—a style that emphasizes quick transitions between throws and groundwork. Analysts note this approach contributed to their success against both European and Asian competitors.

In comparison, the French national team—hosts of the tournament—won only three gold medals, while Japan secured four. Tsukuri’s performance has sparked discussions about whether the club’s model could serve as a template for other European judo academies.

Key Performances and Turning Points

Several individual performances stood out during the tournament:

Francesco Porco’s Perfect Competition

Porco, the reigning European under-66kg champion, completed an undefeated run in Cannes, including a final victory over Ukraine’s Dmytro Dovgodko. His performance has reignited speculation about whether he could challenge for an Olympic medal in Paris, where the under-66kg division is particularly competitive.

Valentina Moscu’s Gold Medal Victory

Moscu’s gold in the under-48kg division came after a dramatic final against two-time Olympic medalist Clarisse Agbegnenou. The 22-year-old Italian overcame a slow start to secure victory with a well-timed uchi-mata (inner thigh throw) in overtime. Moscu told reporters, “This is for all the girls who doubted me. Judo is about patience, and today I showed it.”

Team Strategy: The “Adaptive Judo” System

Tsukuri’s coaching staff attributed their success to a training methodology they call “adaptive judo,” which prioritizes:

• Quick transitions between tachi-waza (standing techniques) and ne-waza (groundwork)
• Customized match plans for each opponent based on pre-tournament scouting
• A focus on mental resilience, particularly in high-pressure moments

Head coach Roberto Tambri explained in a post-tournament interview with Judo Italia, “We don’t just teach judo—we teach how to think like a judoka. That’s what separates us.”

What Happens Next for Tsukuri?

Tsukuri’s Cannes success sets the stage for a busy summer on the international circuit. Key upcoming events include:

• June 15–16: Tsukuri athletes will compete in the European Judo Championships qualification tournaments in Lisbon, Portugal.
• July 1–7: The Paris 2024 Olympic Judo Qualification Tournaments begin, with several Tsukuri athletes aiming to secure their spots.
• August 2–4: The Italian Judo Federation will host a national team training camp in Milan, where Tsukuri’s performers will be integrated into the Olympic preparation program.

Club president Paolo Rossi stated in a press release, “This is just the beginning. Our goal is to maintain this level of performance through the Olympics and beyond.”

How to Follow Tsukuri’s Journey

For fans and analysts looking to track Tsukuri’s progress:

• Official Updates: Follow the Tsukuri Judo Club official website for training schedules and match previews.
• Social Media: The club’s Twitter and Instagram accounts post daily training highlights and athlete interviews.
• Tournament Coverage: The International Judo Federation will broadcast key qualification events live on their official platform.