World Ranking Leader U66kg Takeshi Takeoka

Takeshi Takeoka has established himself as the leading judoka in the U66kg division and finished 2025 as the number one athlete in the IJF World Ranking. The Japanese fighter combines sharp technique with relentless attacking judo and has quickly become one of the most consistent performers on the World Judo Tour.

Takeoka’s rise began in the junior ranks. He won the World U21 Championships in Marrakech and captured the International Masters Bremen U21 title in 2018. In 2019 he also helped Japan secure the junior mixed team world title, marking him as one of the country’s most promising young talents.

His transition to the senior level proved equally successful. In Japan he captured the prestigious Kodokan Cup in 2022 before making a strong impact on the international circuit. A silver medal at the Grand Slam in Baku in 2023 was followed by major victories, including gold at the Grand Slam in Paris in 2024 and another title at the Grand Slam in Tokyo later that year.

The defining moment of his career came at the 2025 World Championships in Budapest where Takeoka claimed the world title. That triumph, combined with further success such as winning the 2025 Grand Slam in Baku, secured his position at the top of the world ranking by the end of the year.

In 2026 he confirmed his status once again by winning the Grand Slam in Paris, continuing his impressive run at the highest level.

Back to the overview