Yoshihiro Uchida is known as the father of ‘American Judo.’ His contribution to cementing Judo‘s presence on national and international platforms changed the way people defined it. Yoshihiro, who served at San Jose State University for over 70 years, is renowned as the best coach. More importantly, his legacy of bringing revolutionary change to Judo has impacted and inspired many minds and even families!

Thanks to Uchida, the American team has won 14 Olympic medals in the sport. Yoshihiro’s legacy inspired an awe-inspiring moment when the father-son duo is all set to honor his legacy at the Paris Olympics!

Paris welcomes a full circle moment with a dynamic father-son duo!

Inspired by the legend of Uchida, Team USA’s active Olympic participant Jack Yonezuka and his coach and father Nick Yonezuka are poised to make their dreams come true. Jack’s family has tried their best to keep martial arts active on American soil and propel Yoshihiro Uchida’s legacy forward. Yonezuka’s grandfather, Yoshisada Yonezuka, served as an Olympian coach for the longest time, from 1988 to 1992. Followed by Jack’s father and coach Nick, who is also into training Olympians.

Although Nick had an unmet dream of participating in the Olympics, even after qualifying for the trials, he couldn’t make it to the finals. The emerging Judo sensation, following in the footsteps of his grandfather and father, is poised to fulfill his father’s dreams and uphold the legacy of Uchida. Proud father, Nick Yonezuka was seen saying, “At the end of the day, everything comes full circle.” He further added, “Now I’m going to the Olympics with Jack. It’s great. Everything happens for a reason, and it is what it is. I’m just grateful to be able to go with him now as a coach,” in a conversation with NBC.

Notably, the Yonezuko family shares a deep connection with Judo. Jack even describes it as ‘more than just a sport.’ Apart from his grandfather and father, Jack’s brother, Nicolas trains with him. The Judo star’s family will be making their mark on the Olympic grounds as the Paris Season begins.

Jack Yonezuko’s Paris Olympics journey and future goals

Jack Yonezuko comes from a family with rich and storied Judo knowledge. He started off with a blast to become the first American to win two medals in the Junior World Championship, eventually leading to big milestones and further Paris qualification. Yonezuko’s father has shown unwavering faith in him, stating, “He has nothing to lose and everything to gain. At his level, there’s no one he can’t beat.”

Paris is not it for the Judo star; his future endeavors mark becoming the caption at LA-2028. Jack states, “I think I have already inspired quite a few people, especially my peers, to believe they can do it too. I want people to look up to me, and I hope to be a team leader for the next one [LA 2028].” It will be interesting to watch the Yonezuka family at the 2024 Summer Olympics. What are your thoughts on them? Do let us know in the comments below!