Japan's First BJJ Black Belt Gives Technique Clinic To National Judo Team
Japan's First BJJ Black Belt Gives Technique Clinic To National Judo Team
Japan's first certified black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu gave a technique clinic to the Japanese national judo team.
Japan's first certified black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu recently gave a technique clinic to the Japanese national judo team.
Yuki Nakai was invited to teach the Japanese women's judo team at their training camp in Tokyo. Wearing a blue jiu-jitsu gi, Nakai demonstrated various ground fighting techniques.
＜#第7回全日本女子柔道強化合宿＞本日の公開稽古は、日本ブラジリアン柔術連盟会長中井 祐樹氏に寝技講習を行って頂きました。とても貴重な経験となりました。今回もありがとうございました！ #japan #全日本柔道強化女子合宿 #柔術 #柔道 #judo #tokyo2020 pic.twitter.com/9zugM4XjqZ
— 全日本柔道連盟 AJJF (@ajjf_judo) January 8, 2018
The 47-year-old Nakai, who received his black belt in the late 1990s, is considered a pioneer of MMA and grappling in Japan.
A longtime practitioner of grappling arts, Nakai began wrestling at age 15 before starting judo at 18. Nakai trained in the Kosen style of judo, which emphasizes "newaza" (ground fighting).
Speaking to the International Judo Federation, Nakai said: "I really enjoyed giving the session, the Japanese judoka have a very high skill level. Judo has a special place in my heart."
Nakai fought 12 MMA fights between 1993 and 1995 before an eye injury forced him to retire. He would go on to compete in jiu-jitsu tournaments and grappling matches until as recently as 2013.
Photo: IJF
Photo: twitter.com/ajjf_judo