Henry (right) and his son Lan Youzhe Photo provided to Hangzhoufeel
Experiencer
By Kobayashi Henry Takumi
We made it! This bronze medal is not just a personal honor for my son but also a testament to my years of coaching efforts.
Five years have flown by since 2019, the year I set my heart on guiding my son, Lan Youzhe, and other young Chinese athletes toward the Hangzhou Asian Games. The journey was filled with hardships, but our efforts finally paid off.
I gave up a stable life in Japan and moved to Hangzhou against my family’s wishes, all to pursue my passion for jiu-jitsu and a vision for the future. Back then, I held onto what seemed like a distant dream: to see jiu-jitsu take root in China and to one day watch my son shine on the world stage of this sport.
I was thrilled when my son triumphed in the U18 Men’s -62kg division of JJIF World championship, defeating competitors from Greece, Austria, Kazakhstan, and Hungary with his outstanding submission skills and tenacious spirit. Seeing my son achieve such a remarkable result on the global stage, I realized that all our efforts and sacrifices had been worthwhile.
I remember the grueling training sessions, the countless hours in the dojo, and how each fall and rise marked our growth. I also think of how my family’s initial resistance eventually softened, and my brother became captivated by Hangzhou. This journey has been anything but easy.
I feel immense pride in my son and deep contentment in realizing my dream of advancing jiu-jitsu in China. This bronze medal symbolizes not only my son’s personal glory but also the recognition of our years of perseverance and dedication. It embodies our shared passion for jiu-jitsu and stands as a witness to our hard work and resilience.
Now, my resolve to promote jiu-jitsu in China is stronger than ever. As a son-in-law of Hangzhou, I’m glad to see that my dojo has become a hub for jiu-jitsu enthusiasts across the city. It provides me with a precious opportunity to nurture more exceptional athletes like my son and contribute to the growth of jiu-jitsu in China. I look forward to seeing more jiu-jitsu athletes achieve even greater success in the future.