Japan registered a clean sweep of the gold medals on the opening day of the IJF Kata World Championships ©IJF

Japan registered a clean sweep of the gold medals on the opening day of the International Judo Federation (IJF) Kata World Championships at the Sporthallen Zuid in Amsterdam.

World champion Takayuki Yokoyama and his partner Michito Sakamoto reigned supreme for the fourth time in Nage no kata, registering a total of 443 points to finish ahead of Romania and Belgium. 

"I feel really happy to be a four-time world champion," said Yokoyama.

"The Japanese team has a good atmosphere and we all try our best for our country.

"Since I arrived in Amsterdam I was able to keep my mind calm and focus on the competition."

Sakamoto added: "The number of victories are not important but to always learn something new and I feel very happy.

"All of the Japanese team want to perform well and we work hard to improve.

"I am very proud of our team’s results today."

The kata disciplines of Nage no kata, Katame no kata and Juno kata were all contested today
The kata disciplines of Nage no kata, Katame no kata and Juno kata were all contested today ©IJF

Meanwhile in Katame no kata, Japanese duo Satoshi Nakayama and Seiji Hayashi were decisive winners.

The pair topped the podium after registering a score of 439 points, with Spain second and Italy third.

Completing a perfect day for Japan were sisters Megumi and Hikaru Shirano Hikaru, who were triumphant in Juno kata,  despite the spirited efforts of Germany and Romania.

The Kata World Championships are set to come to a conclusion tomorrow with Kime no kata and Kodokan Goshin-Jutsu the final disciplines.

To watch the latest action on Judo TV click here.