Two-time Olympic men's 66-kg champion Masato Uchishiba announced his retirement from competitive judo on Saturday.
"I've decided to step down from the top level of competition with pride," Uchishiba said. "I'm making a fresh start to become a judo instructor."
After winning gold at the 2004 Athens and 2008 Beijing Olympics, Uchishiba continued his career as a judoka while coaching a collegiate judo team since the spring of this year.
"I fought really hard and came up with those results," the 32-year-old said, reflecting on his career. "I'm ready to use my experience in coaching now."