Shohei Ono

Shohei Ono is widely regarded as one of the most dominant judoka of the modern era. The Japanese star ruled the U73kg division for nearly a decade with a style built on powerful throws, perfect timing and relentless attacking judo.

Ono became Olympic champion twice, winning gold at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games and repeating the achievement at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games on home soil. His performances were defined by decisive ippon victories that showcased the classical Japanese approach to judo.

On the world stage Ono captured three world titles. He first became world champion in Rio de Janeiro in 2013, followed by a second crown in Astana in 2015. In 2019 he secured his third world title in Tokyo’s Budokan, defeating Azerbaijan’s Rustam Orujov in the final.

Before his senior success, Ono had already shown his potential by winning the World Junior Championships in 2011 in Cape Town. On the World Judo Tour he also collected several major titles, including victories at the Grand Prix in Düsseldorf in 2015 and 2016 and multiple Grand Slam triumphs between 2018 and 2020. He also won gold at the Grand Slam in Osaka in 2018.

In 2019 Ono contributed to Japan’s gold medal in the World Mixed Team event in Tokyo.

After an extraordinary career at the top of international judo, Shohei Ono announced his retirement in December 2022 and began a new chapter to explore the world and give clinics.

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