Yuki Yokoyama, a 2nd-year master's student in Life Science and Technology, has finished second at the 32nd Annual Bojuka Judo Tournament, held in Monterey, California on August 28. The tournament included approximately 300 participants representing 36 teams from all across California.
Yokoyama (2nd from right) with friends on beach in Monterey
Yokoyama, who joined the University of California, Davis (UC Davis) for one month in early August through Tokyo Tech's Study Abroad Program, wanted to experience cross-cultural exchange through sports. He decided to contact the UC Davis Judo Club and received a warm welcome to join the team for the limited time he had in the US, which led to his participation in this tournament.
The Tokyo Tech student ended up competing in the 73-kg blackbelt division, two weight above his own, but was able to utilize his flexibility to defeat his opponent and earn a silver medal.
Yokoyama showing no fear against bigger opponent
Comments from Yuki Yokoyama
Yokoyama with silver medal
Firstly, I would like to thank the UC Davis Judo Club for graciously welcoming me despite my short study abroad period. I would also like to thank my parents for encouraging me to go abroad, Tokyo Tech's Study Abroad Information Center, the Wachi Laboratory, and all the people who have helped me along the way.
I really did not expect to compete in a judo tournament when studying abroad, and I think this kind of surprise is just another wonderful trait of the US.
I am very pleased that I was able to experience cross-cultural exchange through judo and even participate in a tournament. This was my first judo competition in seven years, so I am also happy that I was able to return to home without any serious injuries.
I had plenty of free time during this study abroad program, so how things turned out really depended on me. I feel that my runner-up finish at the tournament was the result of always consciously being on the move and challenging myself with things that I would not normally do. The process of lowering barriers to act and continuously taking on challenges is also part of my attitude toward research, and I will keep that in mind as I focus on my lab work in the future.
I will also continue to strive for good sailing results together with alumni from the Tokyo Tech Sailing Team, and look forward to your support on that front.
