In this exclusive interview, Masayuki Terada, a judoka born in Japan and now representing Thailand, shares his inspiring journey through the world of judo. Terada’s career has been marked by persistence, overcoming setbacks, and achieving significant milestones, such as winning gold at the Southeast Asian Games and competing in the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Masayuki discusses his early beginnings in judo, influenced by his mother and inspired by Olympic champion Kosei Inoue. He reflects on the challenges and triumphs of competing internationally, including the pressures of representing Thailand and adapting to different training environments. With victories at the African Open and a memorable match against the world champion Nils Stump, Masayuki has established himself as a formidable athlete on the global stage.
The interview also delves into Masayuki’s aspirations for the future, including his goal of competing in the Los Angeles Olympics and winning a medal. Through his experiences, Masayuki offers valuable advice to young judokas and highlights the role of judo in promoting cultural exchange. His journey is a testament to the power of resilience and the pursuit of excellence in the sport of judo.
We asked Masayuki about his Olympic debut on Monday 29th July 2024 in Paris, where he competed in the Men’s 73kg Judo and was eliminated in the round of 16
Round of 32
- M. Terada (11) vs P.A. Metellus (0)
Round of 16
- M. Lombardo (1) vs M. Terada (0)
Who is Masayuki Terada?
Judoka Masayuki Terada was born on 9 December 1995 in Ibaraki, Japan. Although he is Japanese, he has represented Thailand in major tournaments.
His international career began at the Tokyo Grand Slam, where he won his first match. He faced setbacks, including missing the Rio de Janeiro and Tokyo Olympics, but eventually qualified and participated in the Paris Olympics.
In the 2021 Southeast Asian Games in Vietnam, he won gold in the individual competition and silver in the team event.
In 2023, he earned a gold medal at the African Open in Luanda, a silver medal at the African Open in Tunis, and a bronze medal at the Asian Open in Hong Kong.
Interview with Masayuki Terada
Can you tell us about your journey in judo, starting from your early days in Japan to representing Thailand in international tournaments?
I started judo at the age of three, encouraged by my mother. When I was 18, I competed in international tournaments, representing my mother’s home country, Thailand! My debut was at the Tokyo Grand Slam, where I won my first match, marking the start of my international judo career. However, I faced many setbacks, including not being able to compete in the Rio de Janeiro and Tokyo Olympics. I had many doubts about whether I would make it to the Paris Olympics, but in the end, I was able to participate! The journey to this point has been incredibly challenging.
What inspired you to pursue judo at a competitive level, and who has been your biggest influence in your career?
The biggest inspiration was watching Kosei Inoue at the Sydney Olympics. I saw him on TV and wished to become like him.
Please tell us more about your experience in the 2021 Southeast Asian Games, where you won the gold medal in the individual competition and the silver medal in the team event. Could you share some details about each of these competitions?
I won the individual competition at the 2021 Southeast Asian Games, but there was significant pressure to secure my fifth consecutive victory in this event. Despite the pressure, I focused on each match and ultimately won the championship. In the team competition, we faced Vietnam in the final, where I defeated an opponent three weight classes above me. However, our team lost, and we couldn’t achieve our third consecutive victory, which was very disappointing. Nevertheless, I am determined to seek redemption at next year’s Southeast Asian Games in Thailand.
Congratulations on your triumph at the African Open in Luanda in 2023. How did it feel to win this tournament, and what do you think were the key factors behind your success?
Winning in Luanda was a major turning point in my career. It was the first time I won an international tournament, and it gave me a lot of valuable experience. The key to my success was putting in a lot of basic training and being able to deliver 100% performance during the competition.
You secured a silver medal at the African Open in Tunis in 2023. How did this experience differ from your victory in Luanda, and what did you learn from it?
I lost to an American competitor in Tunis, which was very frustrating. After returning to my home country, I put in a lot of practice and study, which led to my victory in Luanda.
Despite your Japanese origins, you compete on behalf of Thailand. Can you share the story behind this decision and what it means to you?
Initially, I faced a lot of discrimination from Japanese people, and to be honest, it still happens now. Hahaha. But I think this experience helped me build mental strength. So, I believe that deciding to represent Thailand was a very good decision for me.
How has the experience of representing Thailand influenced your approach to training and competition?
There are significant differences between Japan and Thailand in terms of training environments and culture, which affected me a lot. However, I managed to find ways to adapt and overcome these challenges.
What are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced while competing at major international tournaments?
The biggest challenge was dealing with the physicality needed to compete against European athletes.
Can you describe a particularly memorable match or moment in your career that has had a lasting impact on you?
The most memorable match for me was at the 2024 Antalya Grand Slam, where I defeated Nils Stump, the 2023 world champion from Switzerland. This victory was a turning point, giving me the confidence that I could win at that level.
How do you prepare for major competitions, both physically and mentally?
Physically, I focused not just on training but also on recovery and care. Mentally, I worked with a sports psychology expert to ensure I was mentally stable and prepared.
You also won a bronze medal at the Asian Open in Hong Kong in 2023. Tell us About your fights leading up to the bronze medal match.
Winning a medal in that tournament was my first time medalling in Asia. Since I hadn’t won a medal on the Asian continent before, I was determined to do whatever it took to secure one.
How did you feel when you officially secured your spot for the 2024 Olympics? What was your immediate reaction and next steps?
When I first learned I had qualified for the Olympics, I was so overwhelmed with emotion that I cried tears of joy. I was thrilled to finally fulfil my family’s dream of participating in the Olympics.
How did it feel to secure your win in your first Olympic Games fight against Haitian Philippe Abel Metellus?
I was incredibly happy. Winning that first match on such a big stage was a huge accomplishment for me.
Can you walk us through the fight against Manuel Lombardo and what led to the Wazari score?
I had faced Lombardo before, so I had a good understanding of his gripping and strength. I also prepared specifically for him before the Olympics. The Wazari he scored on me came from a technique he hadn’t used before, which took me by surprise.
What aspects of Lombardo’s approach caught you off guard?
Lombardo is a versatile athlete with a wide range of techniques, so he can surprise you in many ways.
In retrospect, what would you have done differently to potentially change the outcome of the match?
I believe it comes down to the mental aspect. After he scored the Wazari, I became hesitant and got thrown. That’s where I should have done things differently.
Are there any specific tournaments or milestones you’re aiming for in the coming years?
My long-term goal is to compete in the Los Angeles Olympics four years from now and win a medal. In the near term, I’m focusing on winning a medal at the Asian Games and the World Championships, aiming for at least one major title.
What are your goals for the future, and how do you plan to build on your recent successes?
My goal is to continue my judo career until I’m 40 years old.
How do you balance your life as a professional judoka with your personal life? What do you enjoy doing when you’re not on the mat?
Honestly, I really enjoy weight training; it’s a hobby of mine, and I find joy in working out every day. Additionally, I like to go outside and visit peaceful places from time to time. I maintain a balance in my life by prioritizing my diet and sleep.
What advice would you give to young judokas who aspire to compete at an international level?
I believe it’s more important to focus on the quality of training rather than just the quantity. Simply practicing without thinking won’t improve your skills. While the quantity is important, focusing on quality will enable you to compete at an international level.
How do you feel about the role of judo in promoting cultural exchange and understanding, especially considering your unique position representing Thailand as a Japanese-born athlete?
Since judo originated in Japan, I hope more people in Thailand become aware of the sport. While Japan is known for anime, food, and other cultural elements, I want people to also recognize the concept of martial arts.
What impact do you hope to have on the sport of judo, both in Thailand and globally?
Judo has a saying, “Jū yoku gō o seisu,” which means “gentleness controls strength.” It signifies that judo techniques can allow a smaller person to throw a larger one. I want people to know that judo is a sport that enables such special things.
Athlete Terada Masayuki, -73kg Lightweight Judoka representing Thailand.
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- Facebook: Masayuki Terada
Interviewed by Anastasia-Alexandra Nenova
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