Rising Stars in the World of Judo

The Tianjin Judo Team is making waves on the international stage, fueled by a relentless training regimen and a commitment to excellence. The team recently celebrated its success at the 2025 International Judo Federation (IJF) Grand Slam, recognizing the hard work and dedication of its athletes.

A Rigorous Training Schedule

Training for the Tianjin Judo Team is demanding, with a schedule described as three training sessions a day. Members begin their day with early morning conditioning, followed by technical refinement and intense sparring sessions. Even during the Spring Festival, the team maintained its rigorous routine.

The team consists of 25 official members and over 20 students from their sports school program, ranging in age from 17 to 30. A significant portion of the team originates from outside Tianjin, including athletes from Guangxi, Anhui, and Shandong provinces.

Dedication Beyond the Mat

The dedication of the athletes extends beyond physical training. The team emphasizes strict adherence to anti-doping regulations, with a focus on food safety and regular testing. Coach Zhao Zhishan noted the importance of maintaining a clean and safe environment for all team members.

“Competitive sports pay attention to continuity. Once you relax, it will be difficult to recover.”

Coach Zhao Zhishan

International Competition and Future Goals

Several team members are currently training with the national team, recently competing in events in France and Uzbekistan. Tang Jing, Hui Xinran, Tao Yuying, Niu Xinran, Jia Chundi, and Zhang Yuanli are among those representing China on the international circuit.

The Tianjin Judo Team has achieved notable success, including winning 2 gold medals at the World Championships and 3 gold medals at the 2025 Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao National Games. Coach Zhao Zhishan, who has led the team since 1994, aims to continue building on this momentum.

A Coach’s Commitment

Head coach Zhao Zhishan has dedicated over three decades to the Tianjin Judo Team, often at personal sacrifice. He has only celebrated the New Year with his family twice in 32 years.

“Choosing competitive sports means more sacrifices.”

Coach Zhao Zhishan

Looking Ahead

The Tianjin Judo Team is focused on continued development, seeking to improve training conditions and attract more young talent. Coach Zhao Zhishan expressed a desire for increased support to pass on the tenacity of Tianjin Judo to future generations.