Jack Yonezuka is a judoka from the United States, competing in the -73 kg weight category. He has achieved notable success in judo across various competitions. In 2024, he secured a Bronze at the Upper Austria Grand Prix, placed Fifth at the Senior Pan American-Oceania Championships, and Seventh at the Dushanbe Grand Slam.
His 2023 highlights include Gold medals at the Tunis African Open and Tunis Junior African Cup, as well as victories at the Skopje Junior European Cup and Cordoba Senior and Junior Pan American Opens. Jack also earned a Silver at the Junior World Championships and Bronze medals at the Perth Oceania Open and Abu Dhabi Grand Slam, alongside top-ten finishes at other prestigious events.
In 2022, he won Gold at the USA Judo Senior National Championships and earned Bronze medals at the Junior World Championships and USA Judo Junior Olympic Championships. Jack's achievements in 2021 include a Bronze at the Guayaquil Pan American Open (66kg). In 2020, he claimed Gold at the Cadet Pan American Championships (66kg) and Silver at the Junior Pan American Championships (66kg).
Jack Yonezuka’s Parents
Jack Yonezuka's parents are Nick Yonezuka and the late Marie Pedro. Nick Yonezuka is a former judoka who won the 1980 U.S. Olympic Judo Trials in the 78kg division but could not compete in the Moscow Games due to the U.S. boycott. Nick now serves as the Head Sensei at Cranford Judo Karate Center in New Jersey, a club his father, Yoshisada Yonezuka, started in 1962.
Jack Yonezuka's older brother is Nick Yonezuka Jr. He is also a competitive judo athlete, ranked 45th in the world in the 81-kilogram weight class (178 pounds). Like Jack, Nick is deeply involved in judo, and both brothers train together under the guidance of their father, Nick Yonezuka Sr., at the Cranford Judo Karate Center. Jack and his brother Nick Jr. trained extensively, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic when they practiced in their basement.
Who is Jack Yonezuka’s mother?
Jack Yonezuka's mother is the late Marie Pedro. However, detailed information about her background and involvement in judo is not widely documented.
Who is Jack Yonezuka’s father?
Jack Yonezuka's father is Nick Yonezuka. Nick Yonezuka is a former judoka who won the 1980 U.S. Olympic Judo Trials in the 78kg division at age 16. Although he qualified for the 1980 U.S. Olympic team, he was unable to compete in the Moscow Games due to the U.S. boycott.
Nick Yonezuka is now the Head Sensei at Cranford Judo Karate Center in New Jersey, a club started by his father, Yoshisada Yonezuka, in 1962. The center has produced notable judo athletes, including Olympic bronze medalist Allen Coage and two-time Olympian Colton Brown.
What Nationality are Jack Yonezuka’s Parents?
Jack Yonezuka's father Nick Yonezuka is an American National and his mother, the late Marie Pedro was also an American national.
FAQ's about Jack Yonezuka
Recently, Jack Yonezuka participated in the Dushanbe Grand Slam 2024, where he finished in 7th place.
Jack Yonezuka is coached by his father, Nick Yonezuka, who is an experienced judoka and runs the Cranford Judo Karate Center in New Jersey.
Yes, Jack Yonezuka has an older brother, Nick Yonezuka, who is also a competitive judoka and has achieved success in the sport.
Jack Yonezuka trains primarily at the Cranford Judo Karate Center, founded by his grandfather and continued by his father.
As of 2024, Jack Yonezuka is ranked 20th in the world in the -73 kg weight category in judo.
