Real opinion on Riner

[u/Jumpy_Ad8808]

I was born and raised in France and always liked judo but didn't watch much of it except for the Olympics, in France I was told from a young age at school or in family discussion that Riner is a legend from judo all around the world and a real sport idol. BUT I ain't gonna lie, it was a real surprise seeing tweets or post in this sub talking about Riner as a disgrace for judo and all these things. What is the real opinion about Riner internationaly ? Is he disliked for the way he fights ? I know his skin color and size can be a problem for some japanese like I saw but that's irrelevant.

[u/MOTUkraken]

I have never heard anything bad about Teddy Riner. He is one of the most dominant athletes of all times and we can be happy that he does Judo.

The only „criticism“ is that people say that he does „big man Judo“ and that his dominance is mostly due to his dominant physique - which is correct. He isn’t the athlete that I as a 80kg Man would look at to get inspiration for my own Judo.

It’s not a Judo that I can strive to imitate - it’s more like something a mother could say het sons: „eat your soup to become big and strong like Riner!“

[u/worst_bluebelt → u/MOTUkraken]

I know! How dare he do big man judo, in the unlimited weight category. it's disgraceful!

[u/MOTUkraken → u/worst_bluebelt]

Karelin never gets criticized for being the strongest wrestler to the point that he just overpowers, picks 130kg sweaty struggling wrestlers up like they’re toddlers and tosses them around No - he gets PRAISED! Wrestlers admire his incredible physique and his strength. They have long welcomed the physical aspect of their sport.

Meanwhile, Judokas somehow still see strength, power, speed, as „lesser Judo“

Time we embrace that actual Judokas are physically very strong, powerful, fast, agile!

[u/Atkena2578 → u/MOTUkraken]

Meanwhile, Judokas somehow still see strength, power, speed, as „lesser Judo

Which is ironic in a sport that is about dominance over your opponent