Koji Kakamu
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Koji Kakamu | |
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| Born | June 7, 1977 Mizunami, Gifu Prefecture, Japan |
| Nationality | Japanese |
| Alma mater | Doshisha University |
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Koji Kakamu (各務 耕司, Kakamu Kōji, born June 7, 1977) is a Japanese judoka and judo coach. Kakamu was appointed as head coach of the Saudi Arabia national judo team in 2025[1].
Early life and education
Kakamu was born in Mizunami, Gifu Prefecture, Japan. He began practicing judo at the age of nine at the Mizunami Shutokukan judo club, after being encouraged to do so by his doctor to help him recover from a fractured arm.
He attended Mizunami Elementary School, Mizunami Junior High School, Tenri High School, and Doshisha University.
Judo career
During his school years, Kakamu achieved considerable success in judo competitions. In elementary school, he placed third in the national judo competition for elementary school students (team event) and was named an outstanding player. In junior high school, he won the Gifu Prefecture junior high school judo championship and placed fifth in the national junior high school judo championship.
At Tenri High School, a judo powerhouse, he continued to excel, placing second in the national high school judo championship (team event) in 1994. At Doshisha University, he reached the top 16 in the All-Japan University Judo Championships.
After graduating from university, Kakamu joined the Aichi Prefectural Police judo team. He placed third in the All-Japan Police Judo Championships in 2001 and 2003.
Coaching career
Kakamu began his coaching career with the Aichi Prefectural Police judo team in 2007, eventually becoming the head coach. He has also served as a coach and head coach for the All-Japan Junior Judo team, leading them to numerous medals at international competitions, including the World Junior Judo Championships and the World Cadet Judo Championships.
In addition to his international coaching career, Kakamu continues to support local judo development. In 2023, he conducted a judo seminar for junior high school students in Mizunami, Gifu Prefecture, where he was introduced as a former national junior team coach and shared his experience with young athletes.[2]
In 2024, Kakamu left his position with the Aichi Prefectural Police to become the head coach of the Saudi Arabia national judo team, starting in January 2025.
His appointment and career path were featured in a Chunichi Shimbun article, which highlighted his transition from police judo to the international stage.[3]
Achievements as a coach
| Tournament | Year | Location | Individual | Team |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| World Junior Judo Championships | 2017 | Zagreb | 2 Gold, 4 Bronze | Gold |
| 2018 | Nassau | 2 Gold, 3 Silver, 3 Bronze | Gold | |
| 2019 | Marrakesh | 2 Gold, 1 Silver, 1 Bronze | Gold | |
| 2022 | Guayaquil | 3 Gold, 1 Silver | Gold | |
| 2023 | Odivelas | 5 Gold, 2 Bronze | Gold | |
| 2024 | Dushanbe | 4 Gold, 3 Bronze | Gold[4] | |
| World Cadet Judo Championships | 2017 | San Diego | 1 Gold, 2 Silver, 2 Bronze | Bronze |
| 2019 | Almaty | 2 Gold, 1 Silver, 2 Bronze | Gold | |
| 2022 | Sarajevo | 1 Gold, 3 Bronze | ||
| 2023 | Zagreb | Bronze | ||
| 2023 | Lima | 2 Bronze | Gold | |
| Universiade | 2019-2023 | 9 Gold, 5 Silver, 3 Bronze | 1 Gold, 1 Bronze |
- He has also accompanied the Japanese national team to the Olympic Games, World Judo Championships, and Grand Slam judo tournaments, where his athletes have won numerous medals, including gold.
Qualifications
- 7th dan in judo (Kodokan)
- All Japan Judo Federation certified coach (A license)
- All Japan Judo Federation certified referee (A license)
- International Judo Federation (IJF) certified coach
- Japan Sports Association certified judo coach (Level 1)
- TOEIC score of 785
Awards
- Commissioner General of the National Police Agency Award (2000, 2002)
- Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology Award (2018, 2019, 2020, 2023, 2024)[5]
References
- ↑ "各務耕司さん、警察柔道から世界へ サウジ代表監督就任" [Koji Kakamu: From police judo to the world – Appointed head coach of Saudi national team]. Chunichi Shimbun (in 日本語). 2024-06-02. Retrieved 2025-07-10.
- ↑ "柔道元代表監督・各務耕司さんが中学生に熱血指導 岐阜・瑞浪" [Former national judo coach Koji Kakamu teaches junior high school students in Mizunami]. Chunichi Shimbun (in 日本語). 2023-12-17. Retrieved 2025-07-10.
- ↑ "各務耕司さん、警察柔道から世界へ サウジ代表監督就任" [Koji Kakamu: From police judo to the world – Appointed head coach of Saudi national team]. Chunichi Shimbun (in 日本語). 2024-06-02. Retrieved 2025-07-10.
- ↑ "まいんど vol.42 全日本柔道連盟".
- ↑ "【柔道部Ob】7/23、各務耕司Ob（H12商卒）が文部科学大臣顕彰および国際競技大会優秀者等表彰 – 同志社スポーツユニオン".
External links
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