The Japanese judo legend, Yasuhiro Yamashita, has inspired generations of judoka over the years. The 1984 Los Angeles Olympic Games Champion in open weight met with an accident three years ago and has been wheel-chair bound. But his unwavering spirit echoed in the arena during the August 28-30 Lausanne Grand Slam event in Switzerland. 

Mukesh Kumar, President of Judo Federation of India (JFI) met Yasuhiro Yamashita several times during international competitions. “He is truly a legend. Despite towering personality he is down to earth. He has inspired a generation of young players,” recalls JFI president.

Yamashita, according to the JFI president, has shown mental courage to fight back despite being unwell . “He has been highly disciplined all through his life,” said the JFI president.

During the opening ceremony of the Ecole Mont-Olivet Lausanne Grand Slam, the four-time World champion addressed the audience and officials gathered through a video message that ignited passion among the judo fraternity, according to the International Judo Federation (IJF) website.

“Three years ago, I suffered a spinal cord injury in an accident, and I now live using a wheelchair,” Yasuhiro Yamashita was quoted as saying by the IJF website. “Through this experience, I have come to feel strongly that there is always meaning in being alive and everything happens for a reason.”



The first edition of the Ecole Mont-Olivet Lausanne Grand Slam provided the perfect setting for Yasuhiro Yamashita's message. Alongside the World Judo Tour competition, adapted judo and deaf judo athletes competed in the same arena, on the same stage and before the same audience.
 

“I offer my heartfelt congratulations for the first-ever Mont-Olivet Inclusive Grand Slam in Lausanne,” Yamashita added. “This event truly embodies the philosophy of judo: judo for all.”

His personal experience has given fresh urgency to his mission. “Building a society where people with disabilities are accepted and supported, this is my life mission going forward,” the former great said.

Yamashita is one of judo’s enduring legends, and reached the very summit of the sport through an extraordinary career shaped by discipline, courage and an unwavering will to succeed. His first World title came in 1979. Thereafter he claimed three more global trophies in his weight categories. He became Olympic champion in open weight at the 1984 LA Olympic Games. Post retirement in 1985, he guided generations of young athletes to follow the path of honesty and discipline.

Throughout his life, Yamashita has faced challenges. “Judo is not just a sport to determine winning and losing,” Yamashita explained. “Respecting your opponent and growing together through mutual improvement, that is the true spirit of judo.”

At the heart of his video message stood Jita Kyoei, mutual welfare and benefit, one of Jigoro Kano Shihan’s founding principles. “It is not something confined to the tatami,” Yamashita reminded the judo family, “It has the power to connect people across borders and bring peace to the world.”

He also addressed the athletes directly, paying tribute to their fighting spirit, courtesy and determination. “You give courage and hope to people worldwide, you give everything on the tatami and challenge your own goals and dreams. Through the spirit of judo, let us build a better world together.”

 

News Desk, Judo Federation of India
5th Sept. 2026