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## From Judo Mat to Mound: The Making of a Dedicated Pitcher
Everyone expected Ryōto to stick with baseball, but when he hit junior high, he took a detour—diving into the world of judo instead. It all started in a bid to prioritize socializing. “I just wanted time to play with my friends…”, he explained simply. He’d had enough of the pressure and dedication that baseball demanded. Yet, in what seemed like a sudden shift, Ryōto’s athletic journey took a fascinating turn.
Judo proved to be tougher than expected.
“I was thrown around like a doll,” he admitted.
The sport was a trying experience, forcing him to push past his comfort zone.
There were days he felt more frustrated than anyone else on the mat. “This guy! I’ll definitely beat him next time” became his mantra. Deep down, the competitive spirit he thought he’d left behind was awakened anew. Every struggle fueled his ambition. Little did anyone know, what he was learning on the judo mat would pave the way for future triumphs.
Eager to return
A desire to capture the feeling familiar to him.
The pull towards baseball never faded. Walking by the field every day, watching his friends play stirred a familiar hunger. I’d made a promise…
Nearly quitting baseball, I stuck it out
I convinced myself “If I rebel now—I can’t go back toparent. Surviving onlineighth.
The decision to return to baseball was a gradual one.” I really want to play baseball again,” a realization hit him full force just before the second year of junior high began.
The path wouldn’t be easy, and he knew it.
He approached his old coach, Tsuyoshi Kawachi, with a plea to rejoin the team but faced initial hesitation.
“I heard from the teacher of the judo club that ‘Ihara can do it at a higher level’” Coach
Kawachi. The coach recognized his judo talent but saw an opportunity.
“promise
Ryōto never gave up, day after day, he showed his earnestness. He
He finally earned a spot on the team.
It was there, holding the baseball for the first time again.
Ryōto found himself back in his element.
His lack of experience made him tentative with a powerful swing,
The
In time, Ryōto started to shine. He’d never imagine.
Ryōto immediately started
The process of by practicing his throws safer, sooner rather than later to
His dedication paid off. His judo, though seemingly unrelated, had made him stronger. The musculature and discipline built on the judo mtb
For sure, Ryōto went
What Ryōto didn’t anticipate, working with Coach
Baseball
Every throw, however familiar his form felt off
During practice, realizing his baseball skills were rusty. Ryōto’s determination knew
He Coach Kawachi, realizing Ryōto’s comeback meant a lot to him.
Facing a tough opponent in his freshman year, Ryōto was theNagaOkito entered Chiben Gakuen
The dedication he’d shown, went a long way. Ryōto blossomed… how
He became|
From ninth on a
“He was eyeing me and twirling his left arm around, just as
“I think Judo helped me
Ryoto
Slowly, he worked his way
He He didn’t quit, showing prepared to face any role.
Even the
He couldn’t
What advice does Ryōto offer young athletes who are considering making a change in their athletic pursuits?
## From Judo Mat to Mound: Yeast Interview with Ryōto
**Host:** Welcome back to the show! Today we have a fascinating story of athletic dedication and unexpected twists. Ryōto, thank you for joining us.
**Ryōto:** Thanks for having me.
**Host:** Let’s dive right in. Everyone expected you to continue your baseball career, but you took a surprising detour into judo. What sparked that change?
**Ryōto**: Junior high was a time when I just wanted to hang out with my friends more. Baseball was intense, so judo seemed like a fun way to socialize and take a break from the pressure.
**Host**: Was Judo what you expected?
**Ryōto**: Not at all! I quickly realized how tough it really was. It forced me to push myself harder than I ever imagined.
**Host**: Did that frustration ever make you want to quit Judo?
**Ryōto**: Absolutely! Some days I felt like giving up. But the competitive spirit I thought I’d left behind in baseball came roaring back. Every time I lost, I told myself, “Next time, I’ll beat that guy!”
**Host**: That determination clearly paid off.
**Ryōto**: It taught me resilience, discipline, and the importance of facing challenges head-on. Those lessons, I believe, helped me when I eventually returned to baseball.
**Host**: Speaking of returning, the pull of the baseball field never left you, did it?
**Ryōto**: Not at all. Seeing my friends play fueled a desire to be back out there. I knew I had to give it another shot.
**Host**: What lesson would you share with our young athletes who might be facing a crossroads in their own sports journey?
**Ryōto**: Don’t be afraid to explore different paths. You never know what you might learn about yourself. And even if you return to your original passion, those experiences will shape you in ways you can’t imagine.
