Theodoros Tselidis was born 8 May 1996 in Vladikavkaz, Russia. Theodoros is an Ossetian-Greek judoka. He is in the -90kg weight category in Judo. In 2018, Theodoros bagged his first Senior European Championships medal in Tel Aviv, along with a bronze medal at the Mediterranean Games and Hohhot Grand Prix.
In 2022, he reached the round of 16 at the Senior World Championships in Tashkent. Theodoros went on to win a bronze medal at the 2022 Senior European Championships in Sofia.
Can you tell us about how you first got started in judo?
I started Judo in 2011 in Russia. Although I come from a Greek family, I live in Russia. My father informed me about a nearby club that offered judo training. Intrigued, I decided to check it out, and I immediately developed a liking for Judo.
Did you have any prior experience in martial arts or combat sports before starting judo?
Yes, before judo, I trained in Taekwondo for about 6 years and also practiced Wushu for 2 years.
Did you have any family members who participated in judo before you started?
No, I was the first one in my family to participate in judo.
Did you have any role models or idols in the judo world when you were starting out?
Initially, my role model was Ilias Iliadis since he was the first prominent name I had heard of. However, as I progressed, my favorite judokas became Hirayuki Akimoto and Avtandil Tchrikishvili.
How do you stay motivated and focused during periods when progress may feel slow or when facing challenges in judo?
Given that I’m not naturally gifted in judo, I recognized from the beginning that it wouldn’t be easy, and progress would be gradual. Therefore, I mentally prepared myself for this reality. I remain motivated by working hard, waiting for opportunities, and trusting that they will eventually come.
What do you consider to be your greatest strength as a judo athlete, and how do you leverage it in your matches?
My greatest strength lies in my strong hands and effective kumi kata (grip fighting), which enable me to control my opponents at a distance. This helps me avoid dangerous situations in close quarters against more skilled judokas.
Can you share a memorable moment or achievement from your judo career so far?
One of the most memorable moments in my judo career was when I won my first European Championships seniors medal in 2018. Despite being relatively inexperienced, I managed to secure a medal unexpectedly. The happiness and sense of achievement I felt were indescribable.
In your opinion, what sets judo apart from other martial arts or combat sports?
Judo stands out due to its respectful attitude towards everyone involved, including opponents, judges, and spectators. This emphasis on respect distinguishes judo from other martial arts and combat sports.
Are there any specific judo techniques or strategies that you particularly enjoy or excel at?
I’m good at low-floor techniques, such as drop seoi nage and kata guruma. I naturally feel comfortable performing them and find them to be safe. Additionally, I excel at maintaining a strong tempo during fights, which makes my opponents nervous and more likely to take risks.
How do you deal with pre-competition nerves or anxiety? Do you have any rituals or routines that help you prepare mentally?
In the past, I used to experience a lot of nervousness, but with experience, it has become less of a problem. Typically, I remind myself that it doesn’t matter if I lose; I just need to give 100 percent of my capabilities and avoid having any regrets. This mindset usually helps me calm down.
How do you handle pressure and expectations from yourself, coaches, or spectators in judo competitions?
I don’t pay much attention to external pressure or expectations. I simply focus on doing my best and giving it my all. Judo is a challenging sport, and worrying about others’ expectations can be counterproductive. Instead, I concentrate on giving 100 percent of my effort.
How has the mental aspect of judo impacted other areas of your life outside of the sport?
Engaging in a competitive sport like judo has provided me with valuable life lessons on setting and achieving goals. It has equipped me with the skills to overcome obstacles and find solutions in various areas of my life.
What are your short-term and long-term goals in judo?
My short-term goal is to prepare well for the European Championships in 2023, while my long-term goal is to qualify for the Olympics and earn a medal there.
What kind of impact do you hope to make in the judo community, whether it’s through competition, coaching, or other means?
My main aim is to become a high-quality judoka, hoping to inspire younger individuals in Greece and Russia, as well as other places, to embark on the challenging path of judo and pursue their own aspirations in the sport.
Can you discuss any plans or aspirations you have beyond your competitive judo career, such as contributing to the sport in other ways?
After my judo career, I have considered establishing my own judo club or engaging in training the younger generation, focusing on nurturing their potential and helping them develop in the sport.
What advice would you give to someone who is just starting their journey in judo or aiming to reach elite level?
I would advise them to have a genuine passion for judo and a strong desire to reach the elite level. They should be mentally prepared for a long and challenging journey, even if they may not initially possess exceptional talent.
Hard work, patience, and consistency are key. With time and dedication, results will undoubtedly come, so they should give it their all.
