“When I competed in the bronze medal contest, I knew I had to have that at least. I am aiming at LA28 qualification and winning this medal or not would have had an effect on my status in Japan. I think that the best way to achieve my goal is simply to keep winning the next contest, whichever contest or event it is.”
Takeoka’s main rival is Hifume Abe, a judoka who needs no introduction. This seems like a simple statement but they are also members of the same team at home, Park24. They had the same coach in Baku, Masashi Ebinuma, and they have the same head coach, Olympic champion Hidehiko Yoshida. This is an incredible line-up.
“Our head coach always says ‘Practise, do judo, grab the judogi as much as you can. Practise is better than physical training,’ so we work like this.” Of course, Takeoka follows the guidance of his coaches, working hard in every situation. In competition though, he is clear that he is alone in the centre of the mat, “There is only me competing on the tatami, so it doesn’t matter if we have the same coaches, it doesn’t matter who the opponent is. I have to have my own confidence.”
Spectators around the world see Takeoka’s confidence and that, combined with his dynamic style, makes his him a favourite among spectators and younger, aspiring judoka. “My judo is a mix of traditional Japanese and international styles. I focus on winning at competition and I love judo so I try to watch many athletes and learn from them. I watch good techniques from others and think about them, gradually including them to make this mixed style.”
Takeshi Takeoka knows he has a lot of work to do to achieve his aim of competiting at the 2028 Olympic Games. To be in the same country and category as Hifumi Abe is not a small challenge but Takeoka is ready to take it on. “First of all, I absolutely can’t lose. I am not starting this cycle from scratch; I’ve had some experiences already. I’ll start practising again from here to build the confidence needed so that I won’t lose.”
Alongside his commitment to building confidence and his attitude towards winning, Takeoka is also incredibly respectful. His humility is part of what makes him so open to reflection and analysis. He loves to win but also loves everyone having the opportunity to experience and enjoy judo. His love of the sport is not restricted to the elite level and in Baku his final moments were spent meeting local children at the ‘IJF Meet & Greet’ stand in the National Gymnastics Arena. Humility, ability, confidence and medals; Takeoka has it all.