Kosei Cuyler ’26 put Longwood on the national stage when he recently placed first in his division at the 2025 National Collegiate and High School Sport Judo Championships, hosted by the National Collegiate Judo Association (NCJA).
Cuyler, a kinesiology major from Bristow, Virginia, competed against athletes from colleges and universities across the country last month in the under 100kg College Elite Division. It was the first time he competed in the national championship.
Cuyler started judo—a modern Japanese martial art, combat sport and Olympic sport that emphasizes throws and grappling techniques—at a young age, following in the footsteps of his father.
My favorite thing about judo is that it is a sport that relies so heavily on technique so a weaker, smaller person could beat a physically stronger and bigger opponent.
Kosei Cuyler ’26 Tweet This
“I don’t know what age I started practicing judo, but there are pictures of me with my coach when I’m 18 months old,” he said.
The core principles of judo are “maximum efficiency, minimum effort” and “mutual benefit and welfare.” A core aspect of judo is using an opponent’s strength against them rather than relying solely on physical power.
“My favorite thing about judo is that it is a sport that relies so heavily on technique so a weaker, smaller person could beat a physically stronger and bigger opponent,” Cuyler said.
Cuyler said he cherishes the community at his judo club back home, where people come from all kinds of backgrounds.
When asked how it felt to win his division in the national championship, he said he was relieved more than anything because it meant he could get on the road to get back to Farmville. The tournament was in New Hampshire on a Sunday, and he had a 9 a.m. class on Monday morning. He got home at 1 a.m. and made it to class on time.
While in Farmville, Cuyler trains on his own. He is also the coach of Longwood’s club wrestling team, so he gets some time on the mat through that role.
His impressive performance is a reflection of his hard work, athletic skill and dedication to the sport of judo. We are proud to celebrate Kosei’s outstanding achievement and representation of Longwood on the mat.
Dr. Jo Morrison, professor of exercise science Tweet This
One of his goals as a kinesiology major is learning as much as possible that he can incorporate into his judo performances. Over the summer he will be competing in the senior nationals. He plans to continue judo after he graduates next spring, and his goal is to qualify and compete in the 2028 and 2032 Olympics.
“His impressive performance is a reflection of his hard work, athletic skill and dedication to the sport of judo,” said Dr. Jo Morrison, professor of exercise science. “We are proud to celebrate Kosei’s outstanding achievement and representation of Longwood on the mat.”
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