Student-Athlete Spotlight: Weston Uyekawa
As a YULF-funded student-athlete, Weston Uyekawa exemplifies the balance of academic excellence, athletic achievement, and leadership. A Huntington Beach native and member of Norwalk Judo Dojo, Uyekawa recently graduated from San Jose State University with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering, earning cum laude honors with a 3.82 GPA.
Career Highlights
Uyekawa (left) winning silver at the 2024 USA Judo Senior National Championships.
During his four years with SJSU Judo, Uyekawa earned an impressive collection of accolades. His accomplishments include:
2023 NCJA Collegiate Nationals Champion
2024 USA Judo Senior Nationals Championships Runner-up
2x NCJA Collegiate Nationals Championships Runner-up (2024, 2025)
2x USA Judo President’s Cup Championships Medalist (2024, 2025)
Reflecting on His Experience with SJSU Judo
As the captain of the 2025-2026 SJSU Judo team, Uyekawa approached the responsibility with humility and purpose.
“I felt both honored and apprehensive upon becoming team captain,” he shares, “I had limited experience with leadership, but felt this was a valuable opportunity to support others, be a strong role model, and give back to the program."
His primary goal as captain was simple: to help transform the team into a family.
"Judo can get physically and mentally demanding, and I wanted to offset that tension by fostering a friendly, constructive, and inclusive team environment. I've met some of my closest friends through judo, and I hope others can share those experiences."
Reflecting on his four years with SJSU Judo, Uyekawa expresses his deepest gratitude for his teammates, coaches, and alumni who helped shape his experience.
With one of Uyekawa’s most memorable experience with SJSU Judo came during the summer of 2025, when he traveled to Japan with his teammates for a training camp. The experience deepened both his appreciation for judo and his relationship with his teammates.
Uyekawa (center) training at Keio University in Tokyo, Japan.
Looking Ahead
This fall, Uyekawa will continue his education at UC Berkeley, where he will pursue a Master of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering with a concentration in biomechanics. His long-term goal is to pursue a career in medical device design, with a focus on human-centered and motion-assistive technologies.
As Uyekawa prepares for the next chapter, he remains committed to giving back to the SJSU Judo program that helped him grow.
"I hope to give back to SJSU Judo and the YULF to support future generations of aspiring judoka and provide them the same support I have been lucky enough to receive."
YULF Support
Throughout Uyekawa’s undergrad journey, YULF played an important role in helping him pursue both his academic and athletic goals. Through scholarships and grants, YULF helped offset educational expenses, including tuition and housing costs, and travel expenses, including hotel and airfare.
YULF is proud to celebrate Weston Uyekawa’s accomplishments and looks forward to following his continued success in graduate school.
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