1. Overview
Shinobu Sekine (関根 忍Sekine ShinobuJapanese, September 20, 1943 - December 18, 2018) was a distinguished Japanese judoka who stood 68 in (173 cm) tall and achieved significant recognition in the sport. A middleweight competitor, Sekine is most notably remembered for winning the gold medal in the men's -80 kg category at the 1972 Munich Summer Olympics. His career, marked by a unique grappling style, also included victories at the All-Japan Judo Championships and the Asian Judo Championships, along with a bronze medal at the World Judo Championships. After retiring from competitive judo, Sekine remained deeply involved in the sport, serving in various capacities as a coach, advisor, and referee, and contributing to the development of judo in Japan.
2. Early Life and Education
Shinobu Sekine was born on September 20, 1943, in Ōarai, Ibaraki, Japan. His early education included attendance at Ibaraki Prefectural Naka Minato Daiichi High School. Following his high school studies, Sekine pursued higher education at Chuo University, a prominent institution known for its strong athletic programs. After graduating from Chuo University, Sekine joined the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department. This affiliation not only provided him with a career path but also allowed him to continue his judo training within the department's renowned judo program.
3. Athletic Career
Shinobu Sekine's athletic career in judo spanned several years, during which he developed a distinctive fighting style and achieved considerable success in various national and international competitions.
3.1. Early Career and Development
Sekine's judo career began to flourish as he honed his skills, particularly developing a unique and effective grappling technique. He was known for his "modified grip," which involved reaching his left hand over his opponent's shoulder to firmly grasp their back, allowing him to control the bout effectively. This innovative approach to kumite (gripping) significantly contributed to his growing prowess on the mat. Sekine's ambitions in judo were notably influenced by his contemporary and rival, Isao Okano. Both judoka were from Ibaraki Prefecture and were born in the same year, fostering a competitive yet inspiring relationship. Sekine was reportedly motivated to pursue an Olympic spot after witnessing Okano secure a gold medal at the 1964 Summer Olympics in Tokyo. Despite his aspirations, judo was not included in the program for the 1968 Summer Olympics, which meant Sekine had to wait for his chance to compete on the world's biggest stage.
3.2. Major Competition Results
Shinobu Sekine accumulated an impressive record in various major judo competitions leading up to his Olympic victory. His consistent performance demonstrated his skill and dedication to the sport.
- 1961: Inter-High School Championships (Open category) - 2nd place
- 1964: All-Japan Student Judo Championships - 1st place
- 1966: Asian Judo Championships (Manila) - 1st place in Middleweight (-80 kg), 3rd place in Open category
- 1969: All-Japan Selected Weight Class Championships - 3rd place
- 1971: All-Japan Selected Weight Class Championships - 1st place
- 1971: World Judo Championships (Ludwigshafen) - 3rd place in Open category
- 1972: All-Japan Judo Championships - 1st place
These achievements, particularly his victories at the All-Japan Judo Championships and the Asian Championships, established Sekine as a formidable competitor in the middleweight category.
3.3. 1972 Munich Olympics Gold Medal
At the age of 28, Shinobu Sekine made his Olympic debut at the 1972 Summer Olympics in Munich, Germany, entering the men's -80 kg category as a seasoned veteran. His path to the gold medal was particularly challenging and culminated in a memorable, hard-fought final.
In the fifth round of the tournament, Sekine faced Oh Seung-Lip of South Korea and suffered a defeat. However, due to Oh's continued success in the competition, Sekine was granted an opportunity to advance through the repechage bracket. This allowed him to fight his way back to the final round, where he would once again meet Oh Seung-Lip. The final bout was highly anticipated and became a tense affair. For the majority of the match, Sekine was forced into a defensive posture, primarily focusing on countering Oh's attacks. As the final seconds of the match ticked away, Sekine launched a desperate, last-minute counter-attack, attempting a `Tai Otoshi` (body drop) technique that managed to bring his opponent down onto the mat.
The outcome of the match rested on the decision of the referees. The two assistant referees were split in their judgment, leading to a tie in their assessment. The decisive vote came from the main referee, who was from the Netherlands. After careful consideration, the main referee ruled in favor of Sekine, awarding him an incredibly close decision victory. This decision, though controversial given that Oh had reportedly led in points for most of the match, secured Sekine the gold medal. It was a victory achieved on the thinnest of margins, a testament to his perseverance and the dramatic nature of high-stakes judo competition.
4. Post-Retirement Activities
After his momentous victory at the 1972 Munich Olympics, Shinobu Sekine retired from competitive judo. His commitment to the sport, however, continued in various administrative and instructional roles. He served as a coach and advisor for the All-Japan Judo Federation, contributing his expertise to the development of future generations of Japanese judoka. Sekine also took on significant roles in officiating, serving as a referee during the judo events at the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta, United States. His experience and understanding of the sport also led him to become the Chairman of the All-Japan Judo Federation Referee Committee. Additionally, he imparted his knowledge as an instructor for the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department judo team and later as a shihan (chief instructor) at Heisei International University. He also held the position of Chairman of the Tokyo Judo Federation, further cementing his influence in the judo community.
5. Awards and Honors
Throughout his life and career, Shinobu Sekine received numerous awards, decorations, and official honors recognizing his contributions to judo and public service.
In 2004, Sekine was awarded the Oarai Town Honorary Citizen Award by his hometown of Ōarai, Ibaraki. He received this honor alongside other prominent figures from the town, including professional baseball players Kei Igawa and Hiromoto Okubo.
A significant recognition of his judo expertise came on April 28, 2012, when he was promoted to the rank of 9th Dan by the Kodokan. This prestigious promotion, signified by the wearing of a red belt, occurred during the Kodokan's 130th anniversary ceremony.
In 2017, Sekine was bestowed with the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Rays (Kyokujitsu Sokosho), as part of the Autumn Imperial Decorations. This distinguished national honor acknowledged his long-standing contributions to society.
Following his death, Sekine was posthumously awarded the rank of 正六位ShōrokuiJapanese, or Junior Sixth Rank, a civilian court rank in Japan.
6. Death
Shinobu Sekine passed away on December 18, 2018, at the age of 75. His death marked the end of a life dedicated to the sport of judo, both as a celebrated competitor and a respected figure in its administrative and instructional spheres.
7. Legacy and Assessment
Shinobu Sekine's legacy in Japanese judo and the international judo community is significant, rooted in both his Olympic triumph and his subsequent dedication to the sport. His gold medal at the 1972 Munich Olympics, achieved through a remarkable display of tenacity and skill in a controversial final, solidified his place among Japan's elite judoka. This victory, particularly the dramatic nature of the final bout, became a classic example of perseverance under pressure.
Beyond his competitive achievements, Sekine's post-retirement activities underscored his commitment to judo's development. His roles as a coach, advisor, and particularly as a referee at the Olympic level, demonstrated his desire to maintain the integrity and standards of the sport. His leadership positions within the All-Japan Judo Federation and the Tokyo Judo Federation, along with his instructional work at the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department and Heisei International University, show his direct influence on shaping future generations of judoka and promoting the sport's values. Sekine's unique grappling style and his tactical approach to competition have also served as a model for many aspiring judoka. His various awards and honors, culminating in the 9th Dan promotion and the Order of the Rising Sun, reflect the high esteem in which he was held, both within the judo world and by the broader Japanese society. Sekine is remembered as a quiet but determined champion whose impact extended far beyond the Olympic mat.