JUDO Kosei Inoue, one of the most successful and celebrated judo players of all time, will be based at the University of Bath as he starts his preparations for the London 2012 Olympics.

The Japanese ace struck gold at the 2000 Games in Sydney and is a three-time world champion.

Now the 31-year-old, who is a consultant to ALSOK security company and a doctoral student at Tokai University, has moved to Bath to study for two years at the English Language Centre and train at the internationally renowned TeamBath dojo.

"I am really enjoying my time in Bath, everyone is very helpful," said Inoue.

"I am very impressed with the judo players here. I am hoping to learn a lot about British judo and I hope that British judo can learn something from me. I want to contribute to a very strong bridge between Japanese judo and British judo for the future.

"I am very grateful to the Japan Olympic Committee, the All-Japan Judo Federation, ALSOK, Tokai University, and everyone I have met in the UK for all of their support."

University of Bath director of sport Ged Roddy said: "We are delighted that Kosei Inoue has chosen to base himself at the university to pursue his English language studies and develop his judo coaching.

"He will have the opportunity to benefit from a wealth of expertise, including Brian Ashton, our new director of coaching."

Before commencing his studies, Inoue will spend six months in Edinburgh under the mentorship of British Judo association president, George Kerr.