Ryuji Sonoda
Encyclopedia
is a Japan
ese judo
ka.
He was born in Ōmuta, Fukuoka
, and began judo at the age of a first grader.
He won a gold medal at the -60 kg category of the Junior World Championships in 1992 and World Championships
in 1993. After graduating from Meiji University
, he entered the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department
.
Sonoda retired in 2004 and as of 2009, he coaches All-Japan women's judo team.
Japan
Japan is an island nation in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of the Sea of Japan, China, North Korea, South Korea and Russia, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south...
ese judo
Judo
is a modern martial art and combat sport created in Japan in 1882 by Jigoro Kano. Its most prominent feature is its competitive element, where the object is to either throw or takedown one's opponent to the ground, immobilize or otherwise subdue one's opponent with a grappling maneuver, or force an...
ka.
He was born in Ōmuta, Fukuoka
Omuta, Fukuoka
is a city located in Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan.As of January 1, 2010, the city has an estimated population of 127,126 and the density of 1,558.87 persons per km²...
, and began judo at the age of a first grader.
He won a gold medal at the -60 kg category of the Junior World Championships in 1992 and World Championships
World Judo Championships
The World Judo Championships are the highest level of international judo competition, along with the Olympic judo competition. The championships are held once every year by the International Judo Federation, and qualified judoka compete in their respective categories as representatives of their...
in 1993. After graduating from Meiji University
Meiji University
is a private university in Tokyo and Kawasaki, founded in 1881 by three lawyers of the Meiji era, Kishimoto Tatsuo, Miyagi Kōzō, and Yashiro Misao. It is one of the largest and most prestigious Japanese universities in Tokyo, Japan....
, he entered the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department
Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department
The Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department serves as the police force for the entire Tokyo metropolis. Founded in 1874, it is headed by a superintendent general, who is appointed by the National Public Safety Commission and approved by the prime minister.The Metropolitan Police, with a staff of more...
.
Sonoda retired in 2004 and as of 2009, he coaches All-Japan women's judo team.