By Samantha Jones-
Yasuhiro Yamashita, the former judo partner of Vladimir Putin and the current president of the All Japan Judo Federation and Vladimir Putin’s former judo partner, has called out the Russian president’s actions in Ukraine.
The judo expert and prominent member of the Japanese society has outrightly stated that war is against the ethics of judo.
The 63 year old former Olympian gold medalist comments adds to wide condemnation from international athletic groups that have so far unified against Putin, condemning the Russian leader’s actions.
Yamashita, who is an instructor and advisor for numerous organizations, including Tokai university, the international judo federation and the All Japan Judo Federation, has practised judo sine he was a child, and once trained on a regular basis with the current Russian president. He is not impressed.
Over 10 million people have fled their homes since the beginning of the war which has terrified the tough and resilient Ukranians who are giving the Russian army a tougher time than they bargained for.
His comments come following Putin’s suspension last month from his position of honorary president and ambassador of the International Judo Federation.
Yamashita said on his website: “As a Judoka, my deepest sadness and thoughts are with the people of Ukraine as well as all Judo lovers around the world.”
He’s also described the principles of judo, respecting one’s partner or opponent and self-defense, as advice for developing Russian and Japanese relations at a time when both countries looked to cooperate with one another as diplomatic partners.
In 2021, another judo partner of Putin who is also a billionaire, was identified as a close acquaintance of Vladimir Putin, and a ruling published by the General Court of the European Union described Mr Rotenberg as a ‘long-time acquaintance’ of Mr Putin, citing business activities which undermined the ‘territorial integrity’ of Ukraine.
Mr. Rotenburg had sought anonymity at the High Court during his bitter divorce battle over a £30m Surrey Mansion.