Olympic Judo Champion ryoko Tani Shares Parenting Insights on “LIFE JOURNEY” Radio program
Nippon Cultural Broadcasting’s “Kawaguchi Giken presents Junko Kubo LIFE JOURNEY,” airing Sundays at 9am, recently featured five-time Olympic medalist Ryoko Tani, known affectionately as “Yawara-chan.” The October 19th broadcast focused on Tani’s life beyond the competitive judo mat, specifically her experiences raising two sons immersed in baseball. The program offers a unique perspective on how elite athletic training translates to everyday parenting adn the enduring lessons of discipline and mental fortitude.
Tani revealed she keeps her five Olympic medals secured in a case, prioritizing the display of awards earned by her children through their own efforts. Despite her sons’ dedication to baseball, Tani incorporated foundational judo training – ukemi, or breakfalling – into their early development at a home dojo. She described playfully practicing these techniques with her sons, emphasizing judo’s value as a core physical and mental exercise.
The conversation shifted to the pressures faced by young athletes, as Tani recounted advice given to one of her sons struggling with performance anxiety. “If you get overwhelmed by the pressure and end up not being able to show your strength, the result will be disappointing,” Tani explained, drawing on her own Olympic experience. She advocated for rigorous practice and mental rehearsal, suggesting that visualizing game scenarios during training can normalize the competitive habitat. “By practicing over and over again, imagining the actual game from your daily practice, the game won’t be special. You will be able to show your strength as usual.”
Listeners can expect a continuation of this discussion with Ryoko Tani in next week’s episode. The program featured “It’s My Life” by Bon Jovi as the opening song and “Over The Top” by LINDBERG as Tani’s song selection.