YULF & SJSU Judo Welcomes Anzu Yamamoto to the United States

At the start of the 2026 year, the San Jose State University Judo Team proudly welcomed Anzu Yamamoto to its roster. With the support of the Yoshihiro Uchida Legacy Foundation (YULF), Yamamoto has the opportunity to pursue her education in the United States while continuing her lifelong journey in judo.

A former member of the Japanese National Team from 2012 to 2020, Yamamoto brings an abundance of international experience and elite-level success to SJSU Judo. Her accomplishments include becoming a two-time Junior World Champion, two-time Asian Senior Champion, seven-time Grand Slam Medalist (with two Grand Slam gold medals), and three-time All Japan National Champion across multiple weight divisions.

About Anzu Yamamoto

Born on June 18, 1994, in Tokyo and raised in Yokohama, Yamamoto began her judo journey at the age of four years old. Her early commitment to the sport paved the way for her progression through some of Japan’s most prestigious judo programs.

Yamamoto attended Toin Gakuen High School (2010-2012), known for its strong high school women’s judo program, before continuing her career at Kokushikan University (2013-2017), one of Japan’s top judo institutions for judo development.

Following her collegiate career, Yamamoto was recruited to train full-time with Times Company (Park 24 Judo Club), one of Japan’s premier company teams. During this time, she trained alongside world-class athletes, accelerating her development and growth.

International Career Highlights

Yamamoto(second from left) winning gold at the 2011 Junior World Championships in Cape Town, South Africa.

2x Junior World Champion (2010, 2011)

3x All Japan National Champion (2010, 2012, 2017)

2x Asian Senior Champion (2012, 2014)

7x Grand Slam Medalist (2012 & 2014 Champion)

3x Grand Prix Medalist

Judo Journey & Philosophy

Following her competitive career, Yamamoto transitioned into coaching, gaining experience from Brazil and Japan.

Anzu(far left) coaching Olympic and World Champion, Rafaela Silva(far right).

In 2024, she served as an assistant coach and training partner for Olympic champion Rafaela Silve in Brazil. Reflecting on her experience, Yamamoto noted that unique culture of Brazilian judo, one that combines discipline and intensity with fun and passion for the sport.

In contrast, her time training and coaching in Japan highlighted the country’s deeply rooted discipline, while also revealing that the immense amount of pressure can take away from an athlete's love and enjoyment of the sport. These experiences have shaped her philosophy as she states:

“... winning is not everything... a good heart and good character is above winning.”

Yamamoto emphasizes respect, mental toughness, and emotional control—values she believes are just as important as technical skills.

Looking Ahead

As Yamamoto begins her journey with SJSU Judo, her impact is already being felt. With her international experience, technical expertise, and emphasis on character development, she brings a new perspective to this program.

With the support of YULF, Yamamoto plays a key role in shaping and uplifting the SJSU Judo team, both as competitors and individuals, during this exchange.

Your Support Makes a Difference

Yamamoto sharing technical tips to the SJSU Judo team.

Opportunities are made possible through the continued support of the Yoshihiro Uchida Legacy Foundation. By investing in student-athlete and international exchange, YULF helps grow the sport of judo while continuing to foster academic excellence.

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SJSU Judo’s Newest Member: Anzu Yamamoto