Judo is a Japanese martial art that has become a globally recognized sport, and women have played significant roles in its history, competing at extraordinary levels of skill and achieving remarkable feats. In this article, we’ll explore the careers of the 10 best female judokas of all time, highlighting their titles, teams, curiosities, life stories, records and controversies!
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History of women in judo
The history of women in judo is a journey marked by challenges, overcoming obstacles and significant achievements;
From the early days of the sport to modern times, women have faced obstacles to gain recognition and equal opportunities in sport;
Despite social barriers, some Japanese women began training in judo in the first decades of the 20th century, often in secret or in restricted environments. Little by little, they showed talent and determination, challenging traditional gender norms.
Continue reading to discover the best female judokas of all time!
In the 1920s, the first all-female judo clubs were established in Japan. This provided a more welcoming and suitable environment for women to practice the sport;
In addition, women’s competitions began to be held at national level, helping to increase women’s interest and participation in judo.
Judo began to spread around the world in the 20th century, and women were gradually included in this expansion movement;
In many countries, the first female practitioners faced resistance and prejudice, but persisted in their quest for recognition and the opportunity to compete.
Continue reading to discover the best female judokas of all time!
Best female judokas of all time
See our list of the best female judokas of all time:
Best female judokas of all time: Ryoko Tani
Titles: 7 times world champion, 2 times Olympic champion.
Team: Japan.
Curiosities: known as “Yawara-chan”, she is considered a living judo legend.
History: she started training at the age of 3 and became one of Japan’s youngest champions.
Highest record: 7 world titles.
Politics: he faced criticism for his aggressive approach to combat.
Best female judokas of all time: Kayla Harrison
Titles: 2 times Olympic champion, 2 times world champion.
Team: United States.
Curiosities: first American woman to win Olympic gold in judo.
History: he overcame personal adversity and became an inspiration to many.
Highest record: Consecutive Olympic gold.
Politics: no controversy, but his rapid rise has generated some controversy.
Best female judokas of all time: Driulis González
Titles: 3 times world champion, 2 times Olympic champion.
Team: Cuba.
Curiosities: known for her impeccable technique and fierce determination.
History: overcame economic and political difficulties in Cuba to achieve success.
Highest record: winning consecutive Olympic medals.
Politics: involved in political controversies in Cuba.
Best female judokas of all time: Lucie Décosse
Titles: 1-time Olympic champion, 4-time world champion.
Team: France.
Curiosities: he dominated the middleweight category for years.
History: He started training judo at the age of 11 and quickly excelled.
Highest record: 4 world titles.
Politics: no known controversies in his career.
Best female judokas of all time: Ingrid Berghmans
Titles: 4 times world champion.
Team: Belgium.
Curiosities: he reached the peak of his career in the 80s.
History: He started judo at the age of 14 and became a legend in his country.
Highest record: 4 consecutive world titles.
Politics: involved in controversies over doping in her sport.
Best female judokas of all time: Kaori Matsumoto
Titles: 1-time Olympic champion, 2-time world champion.
Team: Japan.
Curiosities: ended his career early due to injuries.
History: overcame serious injuries to achieve success in judo.
Highest record: won Olympic gold at London 2012.
Politics: no known controversies in his career.
Best female judokas of all time: Tadahiro Nomura
Titles: 3 times Olympic champion.
Team: Japan.
Curiosities: the only judoka to win Olympic gold in three consecutive Olympics.
History: he trained intensely from a young age and became a legend in men’s judo.
Highest record: three consecutive Olympic golds.
Politics: involved in debates about the psychological pressure of top-level athletes.
Best female judokas of all time: Yuri Alvear
Titles: 1-time Olympic champion, 4-time world champion.
Team: Colombia.
Curiosities: first Colombian woman to win an Olympic medal in judo.
History: he overcame poverty and adversity to achieve success in judo.
Highest record: 4 world titles.
Politics: he faced criticism for his aggressive tactics in combat.
Best female judokas of all time: Paula Pareto
Titles: 1-time Olympic champion, 2-time world champion.
Team: Argentina.
Curiosities: a doctor by profession, known as “Peque”.
History: he reconciled his medical career with high-level judo.
Highest record: Olympic gold in Rio 2016.
Politics: no known controversies in his career.
Best female judokas of all time: Tina Trstenjak
Titles: 1-time Olympic champion, 2-time world champion.
Team: Slovenia.
Curiosities: known for his refined technique and tactical intelligence.
History: she overcame injuries and obstacles to become one of the best in the world.
Highest record: Olympic gold in Rio 2016.
Politics: no known controversies in his career.
List of the 10 best female judokas of all time
- Ryoko Tani
- Kayla Harrison
- Driulis González
- Lucie Décosse
- Ingrid Berghmans
- Kaori Matsumoto
- Tadahiro Nomura
- Yuri Alvear
- Paula Pareto
- Tina Trstenjak
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