With clarity and confidence, she sums up how she wishes to be remembered, “Natsumi Tsunoda equals tomoe-nage.” Few judoka have ever embodied a single technique so completely.
An Olympic champion and three-time world champion, Tsunoda reached the pinnacle of her sport at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, a moment she describes as the greatest achievement of her career. Watching the Olympic Games on television as a child, she dreamed of following in the footsteps of her hero, Ryoko Tani, whose performances inspired her to believe that anything was possible.
In this video, Tsunoda also speaks candidly about setbacks and how they helped shape her path to success. The global pandemic marked a turning point, prompting deep reflection and a bold decision: to move from the -52 kg category, dominated by Uta Abe, down to -48 kg. It was a demanding transition but one she embraced with determination, ultimately leading her to world and Olympic gold.
At the heart of her judo lies her signature tomoe-nage. Tsunoda explains how she developed and refined the technique patiently, transforming it into an almost unstoppable weapon through timing, precision and absolute belief in her strengths.
More than a technical lesson, this video is a portrait of resilience and identity. Natsumi Tsunoda’s story shows how embracing one’s unique style can lead to the highest success. Through her tomoe-nage, she has not only won titles but also left a lasting mark on the sport.
This JudoTV.com feature offers a compelling insight into the mind and methods of one of judo’s most distinctive champions.