Biography:
Career Accolades:
Cadet World Team Member
Danish Open Gold Medalist (junior)
Cadet Pan Ams Bronze Medalist
5th at Coimbra Cadet European Cup
Senior National Bronze Medalist
Multiple National Champion (Cadets and Juniors)
Ranked 16th in Cadets
2020 Danish Open - Gold Medalist
2019 Cadet Pan American Championships - Bronze Medalist
High School/College Academic Achievements:
High Honor Roll
Student of the Month
Soon to be in Rutgers Honors Program
Favorite Athletic Moment:
Winning the quarter final of the Coimbra Cadet European Cup against the #2 ranked -73kg Cadet judoka in the world because it gave me the confidence that I could beat anyone
Favorite Judo Technique:
Whatever works
Other Family Members who do judo:
Grand Father: Yoshisada Yonezuka
Father: Nick Yonezuka
Brother: Jack Yonezuka
Why you started judo?:
I was forced to start judo because my grandfather and father were high level judoka during their time
Influential Athletes:
I’m not influenced by specific athletes. I don’t think it is a good idea to copy other athletes because different things work for different people. It is better to take from a bunch of different athletes to create your own style. There are a couple athletes that are the most influential. Nikoloz Sherazadishvili (tsuri toshi), entire Japanese team (posture), Korean team (tai otoshi), etc.
Future Aspirations:
2024 and 2028 Olympic team
Hobbies:
I used to really like rubik’s cubes. I like to learn unless facts.
Secret Talent:
I can fart with my chest
Parents/Family Members:
Mother: Denise Yonezuka
Father: Nick Yonezuka
Brother: Jack Yonezuka
Home Dojo:
Cranford KLC
Cranford, NJ
Coach:
Nicolas Yonezuka Sr. (Dad)
FULL LIST OF CONTENDERS