Israeli Teen Sensation Itzhak Ashpiz Eyes World Judo Glory in Baku

When Japanese experts single out an 18-year-old Israeli judoka as a contender for the world championship, it is a compliment that demands serious attention. In the birthplace of the sport, every weight category is meticulously analyzed ahead of the tournament opening this morning in Baku. For the Japanese, this is the peak moment of the season, especially with less than two years remaining until the Los Angeles Olympic Games.

The Meteoric Rise of Itzhak Ashpiz

Amidst all these assessments, in the under-60 kg category, the name of Itzhak Ashpiz from Rishon LeZion is highlighted in marker. Ashpiz steps onto the tatami this morning in Azerbaijan, another country where judo holds a central place, as much more than just a promising talent. The Japanese experts have solid ground for their predictions: in the first nine months of the year, he recorded 22 wins against just four losses, boasting nearly an 85 percent success rate and turning podium finishes into a habit.

He arrives at the senior world championship as the tournament's second seed, right behind Azerbaijan's Balabay Aghayev, who has defeated him twice this year. Just last year, Ashpiz was eliminated in the very first round of the European Championship; today, he stands in an entirely different league. Yet, he drew a notoriously difficult opening opponent: the former world champion and reigning European champion, Giorgi Sardalashvili. The two met late last season before Ashpiz's major breakthrough, with the Georgian easily prevailing.

Filling the Void in Israeli Judo

In Israeli judo, it is hard to recall such a breakthrough at so young an age, even when looking back at the early years of Arik Ze'evi and Oren Smadja. Ashpiz displays an aggressive, stylish, and highly entertaining brand of judo. His talent was recognized long before this year, having already captured world and European cadet titles. However, his swift transition to the senior elite, facing seasoned and decorated rivals, has made him one of the sport's standout stories.

This breakthrough arrives precisely when Israeli men's judo needs it most. Ashpiz stands as its primary and virtually sole hope at this level, following the retirement of an entire generation of high-achieving athletes after the Paris Games, leaving a massive void. For over a decade, Association Chairman Moshe Ponti chose to heavily invest in established top athletes while neglecting the base of the pyramid. Now, with the veterans vacating the tatami, the extent of the gap left behind is starkly apparent.

Rising from a Country Club Class

Into this reality stepped a teenager who started out in a judo class included in his parents' country club membership in Rishon LeZion. The excitement surrounding him is easily explained by his milestones this year. In February, he claimed bronze at the Paris Grand Slam, one of the most prestigious and grueling tournaments on the circuit, often dubbed the Wimbledon of judo. Along the way, he secured one of the most significant wins of his career against the reigning world champion, Japan's Ryuju Nagayama.

A month later, gold followed at the Tbilisi Grand Slam. Within just two tournaments, Ashpiz already held two medals from the elite circuit. In April, Ashpiz returned to Tbilisi for the European Championship, capturing a bronze medal that made him the youngest Israeli judoka ever to podium at a senior continental championship. In the quarterfinals, he defeated France's Roman Valadier-Picard, the world silver medalist, proving that his Paris success was no fluke.

Mentors and Style

Ashpiz's Japanese connection goes beyond expert praise. His role model is Hifumi Abe, a four-time world champion and two-time Olympic champion. Although Abe competes in the under-66 kg division, the young Israeli has adopted his style: match control and relentless aggression. Ashpiz notes that he repeatedly watches the bouts of the Japanese star to study and draw inspiration.

The foundations were laid by Ido Rumi, under whom Ashpiz began training in the country club class. Within a year, his exceptional talent on the tatami was unmistakable, and the casual class soon transitioned into a competitive track. In the national team, he works alongside Golan Pollack, who plays a significant role in his technical progression. Following the departure of Smadja, Pollack will also occupy the coach's chair at the world championships in Baku.

"One of Ashpiz's greatest advantages is the difficulty his opponents face in securing a comfortable grip on his judogi. Without a proper grip, they struggle to execute techniques, allowing Ashpiz to dictate the pace and character of the match," explains Rumi.

Overcoming Financial Hurdles

Yet this immense talent almost fell through the cracks. Rumi points out the stark gap left by Ponti's policies between the veteran medalists and the incoming generation. Ashpiz lacked adequate national team framework support. Following an underwhelming period last year, he was even cut from the association-funded South American tour. The Peter Paltchik Foundation stepped in during his moment of need, providing crucial financial backing.

The turning point arrived with a gold medal at the Lima Grand Prix in Peru. While not the most prominent tournament on the circuit, it paved the way for everything that followed, proving that the opportunity to compete, win, and build confidence was vital for his ascent.

Broad Horizons at the World Championships

Beyond Ashpiz, ten other Israeli judokas will compete throughout the week in Baku. The highest medal prospect is Raz Hershko, ranked number one in the world, who takes to the tatami on Saturday in the over-78 kg category. Meanwhile, seasoned competitors like Timna Nelson Levy and younger talents like Gefen Primo will also seek to make their mark as Israel looks to its rising teenage star and its top-ranked heavyweight to lead the charge.