Competition or Work? “BRICK Judo Club” Launches to End the “Either/Or” Choice!

BRICK Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director: Ryusuke Nakamura; hereinafter “BRICK”) has established the “BRICK Judo Club” to make the ultimate choice of “competition or work” that athletes face upon university graduation a thing of the past. The club provides an environment where athletes can continue competing at a top level while working as full-time employees.

This project is a career development model that eliminates the “either/or” choice between competition and work that has existed in the Japanese sports world until now.

We believe that the sight of先輩たち (senior athletes) who compromise neither their sport nor their work, shining as independent adults, will serve as the best guide for the next generation of athletes, making them confident that “I want to be like them.”

Under a partnership with Tokai University, we aim to build a corporate team that enables both athletic competition and career development.

■ Background of Establishment: Keeping the “Flame” of Athletes Alive and Opening Up the Future

In the Japanese sports world, there is a high wall of “forced career interruption due to timing” upon graduation. In response to the current situation where talented athletes are forced to abandon judo due to employment, we aim to create an environment where athletes can continue their sport with peace of mind even after graduation.

• Complete balance of “continued competition × full-time employment” 
  Rather than simply prioritizing competition, by taking on responsible duties as a full-time employee, athletes will acquire social literacy and business skills.

■ Strongest Partnership and Coaching System

This project will be operated under an industry-academia collaboration system with the cooperation of Tokai University, a prestigious name in Japanese judo.

• Operating body: BRICK Co., Ltd. (athlete employment and overall operation)

• Cooperating organization/training base: Tokai University Men's Judo Club

• Coach: Kenichiro Kamimizu (led Tokai University Judo Club to victory in the All Japan Student Championship in 2025 and retired)

Under the guidance of a renowned coach, it is possible to hone oneself in the best environment while solidifying one's foundation as a working adult.

■ Future Outlook: Creating a “New Normal” in the Judo World

• Year 1: Participate mainly in individual competitions, aiming for top rankings in the All Japan Corporate Championship and All Japan Senior Championship, and participation in the “Kodokan Cup.”

• Long-term goal: To win the title of Japan's best within 10 years and contribute to the establishment and development of a model case for the judo world.

“I'm glad I continued competing while working and didn't give up.” We will contribute to sustainable business growth and the future of sports as a new model case for the judo world, where such athletes are nurtured one after another and become leaders in society.

Continue competing, or choose a life.
That era is over.

Work and reach the top.
Challenge and build a career.

BRICK Co., Ltd. creates new relationships between sports and society.