Born: 1990 (Kagoshima prefecture, Japan)
Biography:
Shori Hamada (濵田 尚里, Hamada Shōri, born 25 September 1990) is a Japanese, medal-winning Olympian judoka and army officer. Known for her exceptional grappling skills and tactical acumen, she has become a prominent figure in the world of judo.
Hamada was born in Kagoshima prefecture and discovered her passion for judo at the age of ten. Her talent and determination quickly became evident as she excelled in the sport. During her time at Kagoshima Minami High School, she received rigorous training in newaza, or ground grappling techniques, from her school judo coach. This intensive practice paid off as she achieved second place in the -78 kg category of the All Japan High School Championships.
During her high school years, Hamada immersed herself in studying videos of Katsuhiko Kashiwazaki, a renowned judo master. She absorbed his techniques, particularly in newaza, and honed her skills to a higher level.
After high school, Hamada continued her judo journey at Yamanashi Gakuin University. Here, she ventured into the realm of Sambo, a Russian combat sport, alongside judo. This diversification expanded her range of newaza skills and led to her winning the gold medal at the 2014 World Sambo Championships.
Following her university education, Hamada joined the Japan Self-Defense Forces. In this capacity, she further developed her ability to seamlessly transition between tachiwaza (standing/throwing techniques) and newaza. Her dedication and expertise paid off when she claimed the gold medal at the 2018 World Judo Championships and the silver medal in the 2019 World Judo Championships.
Hamada’s crowning achievement came at the 2020 Summer Olympics held in her home country of Japan. Competing in the women’s 78 kg event, she showcased her exceptional skills by defeating Beata Pacut of Poland, Aleksandra Babintseva of Russia, Anna-Maria Wagner of Germany, and Madeleine Malonga of France, all with Ippon, or a full point, by utilizing newaza. Her dominance in the category earned her the gold medal.
Additionally, Hamada was a registered member of the mixed team category, which won the silver medal, although she did not have the opportunity to compete in that particular event.
Aside from her judo accomplishments, Hamada holds the rank of captain in the Ground Self-Defense Force of Japan as of July 2021. Her dedication and commitment to both her military career and judo exemplify her strength and resilience.
Hamada is widely recognized as the Newaza no Jouou or Queen of Newaza in Japanese media. Her judo style is characterized by her overwhelming newaza skills, with the majority of her victories achieved through Ippon by newaza. While she possesses powerful standing techniques like Uchi mata and Ouchi gari, she primarily uses them as a means to initiate a ground fight. Once on the ground, she applies her masterful newaza techniques, including Hikikomi gaeshi and Ude garami (Kimura Lock) gaeshi, which often lead to osaekomi (pinning) or the opponent tapping out due to an arm-joint lock. Hamada also excels in applying various shimewaza (choking techniques) to secure victory.
Shori Hamada’s achievements in judo, both nationally and internationally, have solidified her place as an exceptional athlete and an inspiration to aspiring judokas worldwide.
Awards:
– Gold medal, 2018 World Judo Championships
– Gold medal, 2020 Summer Olympics (Women’s 78 kg event)
– Silver medal, 2020 Summer Olympics (Mixed team event)