Maruyama Joshiro’s retirement marks the end of a remarkable judo career defined by his immense skill, resilience, and an intense rivalry with Abe Hifumi. Though he never captured an Olympic title, his legacy in the sport remains firmly intact, particularly because of his epic 2020 Olympic qualifier against Abe—a match that lasted 24 grueling minutes and is now part of judo folklore.
Key Aspects of Maruyama’s Career:
1. Technical Excellence & Style:
Maruyama was a master of uchimata (inner thigh throw), making him one of the most technical judoka in the -66kg category. His fluid and precise style helped him win two world titles (2019 and 2021).
2. The Rivalry with Abe Hifumi:
His career was shaped by his battles with Abe, a two-time Olympic champion. Maruyama managed to defeat him four times, a testament to his ability, but ultimately, Abe had the upper hand, winning their last crucial encounters.
3. The Legendary 2020 Olympic Qualifier:
The 24-minute match at the Kodokan was more than just a contest—it was a historic duel for Japan’s Olympic spot, fought at the birthplace of judo. Despite his loss, the match showcased his endurance and tactical brilliance.
4. Missing Out on the Olympics:
While Maruyama was one of the world’s best, he was unlucky to compete in the same era as Abe. Missing out on both Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024 was a tough blow, but it didn’t diminish his standing in the sport.
5. His Final Competitive Years:
Despite losing to Abe in the 2022 and 2023 World Championships, Maruyama remained competitive at the highest level. His final match at the 2024 Paris Grand Slam—where he lost to Takeoka Takeshi—was his first defeat to someone other than Abe in six years.
Legacy & Impact:
Maruyama’s career is a reminder that greatness isn’t just measured in Olympic medals. His skill, sportsmanship, and legendary battles have cemented his place in judo history. His story will likely inspire future judoka who face similar uphill battles against dominant rivals.
His retirement at 31 closes a chapter on an era of intense competition in the -66kg division. It remains to be seen whether he will transition into coaching or another role within judo, but his knowledge and experience would undoubtedly be invaluable to the next generation.
