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top Japanese judo coach has said he used violence against some of Japan’s top judo athletes. All Japan Judo Federation (AJJF) said it gave head coach Ryuji Sonoda, 39, official warning for his actions. It also told Mr Sonoda he would not lose his job but that he must change his coaching style. AJJF boss Koshi Oozawa told reporters: "We received information that Mr Sonoda, head coach of female national team, might have been physically bullying athletes." Sonoda told Kyodo News Agency: "Until now I have been doing things way I saw fit, but I will mend things that need fixing." Japan's Sports Minister Hakubun Shimomura said coach's actions were unforgivable.

issue came up after 15 of Japan's top female judo stars wrote letter of complaint to Japanese Olympic Committee (JOC) in December. They described Mr Sonoda's bullying tactics. These included slapping women across face, kicking and shoving them, and hitting them with wooden swords. He also warned them that he would remove them from his team if they did not do what he wanted. Many of athletes were on Japan team at London Olympics in 2012. The JOC said it was vital to make sure women could train without being afraid of their coach. senior JOC official said: “We need to get proper grip on situation and train trainers thoroughly”.