In this interview, Judoka Adonis Diaz reflects on his journey as a competitive judo athlete, revealing the challenges, successes, and lessons learned. He began judo at six, introduced by his grandfather, but only fully embraced it after his grandfather’s passing. Diaz’s career highlights include becoming a continental medallist at 16, a moment that shifted his relationship with his father, and defeating a top Mongolian judoka, which boosted his belief in his potential.
Financial difficulties marked his career, especially in the U.S., where judo receives little support. To fund his training, Diaz juggled multiple jobs, including driving for Uber. His transition from athlete to coach shifted his mindset, focusing more on the holistic development of athletes rather than just results. He now prioritises building his athletes’ confidence and mental toughness, guiding them through rigorous training while ensuring their well-being.
Diaz emphasises the importance of resilience, strategic thinking, and balancing competition with personal growth. He shares insights into nurturing talent, creating positive training environments, and staying updated with judo’s evolving techniques and methodologies.
Who is Adonis Diaz?
Adonis Diaz was born 9 May 1996 in Miami, Florida, United States of America. He is a retired athlete in the -60kg weight category in Judo. Adonis was in the final of the Zagreb Grand Prix in 2018 against Takato, winning the silver medal. He captured the bronze medal at the Antalya Grand Prix in 2018 and the Montreal Grand Prix in 2019.
Adonis ranked number 1 in the IJF World Ranking List for Juniors in 2014. Over the years, he’s won four Pan American Championship medals (two silver and two bronze) and won a Bronze medal at the 2019 Pan American Games in Lima. In addition, Adonis has five Continental Open (three gold and two bronze) and two Continental Cup (gold) medals.
Interview with Judoka Adonis Diaz
Can you tell us about your journey as a competitive judo athlete? What initially attracted you to the sport and how did you progress to the elite level?
I would describe my journey as a chain of ups and downs. I have had great memories, good wins, but also crushing losses. Unfortunately, I missed my life’s goal of becoming an Olympian. When I was 6 years old, my grandfather introduced me to judo. Initially, I didn’t care much for it, but after he passed away, I found it as a way to connect with him. My career started taking shape when I entered high school and began training very hard. One notable turning point was when I started training in Europe and Japan.
What were some of the most memorable moments or achievements of your competitive judo career?
One memorable moment was when I was 16 years old and became a continental medalist. My father accompanied me on this trip, allowing me to see a side of him I had never seen before. He started treating me like a man, and I felt his pride. It was an amazing experience.
Can you describe a specific match or competition that had a significant impact on your career? How did it shape your future in the sport?
One match that stood out for me was my victory over Dashdavaa of Mongolia. It made me believe that I could beat anyone in any given moment or time.
How did you handle the pressure and nerves that come with competing at a high level in judo?
I was a very relaxed player, and I never really felt too much stress. I enjoyed competing, as it was my reward after all the hard training. However, I didn’t enjoy the training itself.
What were some of the major challenges you faced during your judo career? How did you overcome those obstacles?
One of the major challenges was financial. Throughout most of my career in the United States, judo is not a high-profile sport, so there are no scholarships available for school, and budgets and salaries are limited. Many times, the income was below minimum wage, especially in major cities. Therefore, I and other athletes had to work additional jobs, teach private classes, and train at odd hours. Personally, I even drove for Uber late at night to support my training early in the morning.
How did you balance your judo career with other aspects of your life, such as education or personal relationships?
Unfortunately, it was very difficult for me to attend school because many schools did not provide the flexibility to travel for judo. Additionally, there are few tournaments in Panamerica like Grand Prixs and Grand Slams, so I am currently pursuing my education now that I have retired.
As a retired athlete, how has transitioning from being a competitive athlete to a coach influenced your perspective on judo and your approach to training?
I am learning that athletes are children and people first, and their results come later. As an athlete, I only cared about achieving results, and it often made me sad. Now, as a coach, I am learning to love the athletes as individuals and help them build their confidence. I believe this is the best way to inspire them to train more.
What lessons did you learn from your own coaches that you now apply in your coaching style?
I learned that an athlete must have the desire to accomplish something. The coach cannot desire it more than the athlete.
How do you help your athletes develop mental toughness and resilience, which are crucial aspects of judo competition?
I push them to train until they reach their limits, and then push them some more. I want to show them that training is harder than competing, helping them develop mental toughness and resilience.
What role do you believe strength and conditioning play in judo training? How do you incorporate it into your coaching programs?
I believe strength and conditioning play a crucial role in judo training. While I prefer to focus on technical aspects, I recognize that all my athletes need to be prepared to utilize their strength and maintain their endurance. Therefore, I ensure they engage in separate daily training specifically dedicated to strength and conditioning, alongside their judo practice.
Judo requires a combination of technical skill and strategic thinking. How do you guide your athletes in developing their tactical understanding of the sport?
I guide my athletes in developing their tactical understanding of judo through educational training and drilling of specific situations. By providing them with the knowledge and practice in various scenarios, they gain a deeper understanding of the sport’s strategic aspects.
What are some of the key attributes you look for when selecting athletes to train at the elite level? How do you identify and nurture talent?
When selecting athletes to train at the elite level, I prioritize desire above all else. While talent may come and go, finding dedicated and hardworking individuals is a rarity. As for nurturing talent, I believe in providing honest feedback and supporting their growth throughout their journey.
How do you create a positive and supportive training environment for your athletes? How important is team cohesion in achieving success?
Creating a positive and supportive training environment is paramount. Although I don’t believe team cohesion is super important, it is still beneficial. I strive to foster a great atmosphere that encourages camaraderie, mutual respect, and personal growth among the athletes.
In your opinion, what are the most common mistakes or pitfalls that young judo athletes often encounter, and how do you help them navigate through those challenges?
One common pitfall for young judo athletes is managing different aspects of life, such as school or social commitments. To help them navigate these challenges, I provide honest feedback and emphasize the importance of balancing priorities. By guiding them towards effectively managing their time and responsibilities, they can overcome these obstacles.
What advice would you give to aspiring judo athletes who dream of reaching the top level of competition?
For aspiring judo athletes with dreams of reaching the top level of competition, my advice would be to train hard with unwavering passion, just as they did on the day they started. Passion and dedication are essential for achieving success in any sport, including judo.
As a coach, how do you balance pushing your athletes to reach their full potential while also ensuring their well-being and avoiding burnout?
I maintain a balance between pushing my athletes to reach their full potential and ensuring their well-being by monitoring their performance throughout training blocks. By measuring their progress and providing proper rest and recreation periods, I can prevent burnout and promote their overall well-being.
Can you share a memorable coaching moment or a particularly rewarding experience you’ve had while coaching judo athletes?
Recently, I had the opportunity to be the head coach at the European Open Coimbra. It was an incredibly rewarding experience to witness my athletes perceive judo from a different perspective and embrace a new understanding of the sport beyond what they previously thought.
How do you stay up-to-date with the latest advancements in judo techniques and training methodologies? How do you incorporate new knowledge into your coaching practice?
Staying up-to-date with the latest advancements in judo techniques and training methodologies can be challenging, especially in the USA where judo is not a major sport. However, I make use of resources like ippon.tv for access to competitions and different university studies from Europe. By constantly seeking new knowledge, I incorporate the latest advancements into my coaching practice, ensuring my athletes benefit from the most up-to-date information available.
