Competition or Career? 'BRICK Judo Club' Launches to End the 'Either-Or' Dilemma!

BRICK Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Shinjuku, Tokyo; CEO: Ryusuke Nakamura; hereinafter 'BRICK') has established the 'BRICK Judo Club' to make the ultimate choice between 'competition or work'—a dilemma often faced 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-building model that ends the 'competition or work' binary that has existed in the Japanese sports world. We believe that seeing seniors who do not compromise on either competition or work and shine as independent adults is the best guide for the next generation to believe, 'I want to be like that too.' In partnership with Tokai University, we aim to build a corporate team that makes balancing competition and career possible. Background: Keeping the athlete's 'fire' alive and opening up the future. In the Japanese sports world, there is a high barrier of 'forced career interruption due to timing' upon graduation. We aim to build an environment where athletes can continue to compete with peace of mind after graduation, rather than having to give up judo due to employment. Key features: Complete balance of 'continued competition x full-time employment.' Rather than just 'prioritizing competition,' athletes will cultivate business literacy and skills by taking on responsible roles as full-time employees. Partnership and Coaching: This project is operated under an industry-academia collaboration with the prestigious Tokai University Judo Club. Operating entity: BRICK Co., Ltd. (athlete employment and overall operation). Cooperation/Training base: Tokai University Men's Judo Club. Director: Kenichiro Kamimizu (who led the Tokai University Judo team to the All-Japan University Championship in 2025 before retiring). Under this renowned coach, athletes can polish themselves in the best environment while solidifying their foundation as professionals. Future Outlook: Creating a 'new normal' for the judo world. Year 1: Focus on individual competitions, aiming for top placements in All-Japan corporate and senior tournaments, and participation in the Kodokan Cup. Long-term goal: To win the national championship within 10 years and contribute to the development of a model case for the judo world. We will contribute to sustainable business growth and the future of sports as a new model for the judo world, where athletes who say, 'I'm glad I didn't give up and kept competing while working,' grow into leaders of society. The era of choosing between competition and life is over. Working while reaching the top. Building a career while taking on challenges. BRICK Co., Ltd. creates a new relationship between sports and society.