We are very lucky to have some of the best judo senseis in the world (of course I may be a bit biased) and it is fun to learn about some of their friends who are among the best judo competitors in the world. One of Hayato Nagashima Sensei’s friends, Saito, Tatsuru, will be representing Japan at the Paris olympics this summer. He is currently rated number 7 in the world in the over 100 kg category. Hayato had known of Saito since they were in elementary school because Saito’s father, Saito, Hitoshi was an olympic champion. ( I trained with the father in Japan when I lived there in 1986- 88.) But it wasn’t until many years later that Hayato got to know Saito well. In high school they were roommates at a training camp and Hayato was surprised when he found Saito wearing a mask when he slept: it turns out that Saito has sleep apnea. He snored quite loudly! But they really got to know each other when they were both chosen to represent Japan at one of France’s strongest tournaments for Juniors held in Marseille. Hayato was in the 90 kilo weight class while Saito was in the unlimited category. Hayato had a tough tournament, fighting 7 times and ending in third place after losing to a Frenchman with long arms and legs unlike any competitor Hayato had fought in Japan. Saito did better, winning first place in a strong performance. But Hayato was especially impressed by Saito when they returned to Japan and had a farewell dinner celebration at Narita airport. There was a sushi meal and everyone could eat as much as they wanted. 18 year old Hayato ate 40 pieces of sushi. He thought that was pretty good. But 17 year old Saito ate so much that even the owner of the restaurant admitted he had never seen anyone eat like that… Saito ate over 100 pieces of sushi!