Breaking: Five CITIC Brothers Pitchers Head to Japan for Kimiyasu Kudo‘s Elite Training
In a bold move to elevate off-season development, the CITIC Brothers announced plans to send five pitchers to Japan in January to join Nippon Professional Baseball legend Kimiyasu Kudo’s specialized training program. This marks the team’s second collaboration wiht Coach Kudo following the spring training held earlier this year.
Since November, the team has pursued a diverse overseas itinerary, including Orix Autumn Training, the Okinawa Winter League in japan, plus Driveline hitting training and Florida Baseball ARMory pitching sessions in December. The aim is to leverage international resources to comprehensively upgrade players and sustain growth.
Coach Kudo visited Taiwan earlier this year as a guest pitching coach during spring training. He combined practical experience with sports medicine studies at the University of Tsukuba to help pitchers refine mechanics,fine-tune technique,and introduce injury-prevention concepts. His guidance earned unanimous praise from players.
Under Kudo’s mentorship and the collaboration of the Brothers’ coaching staff, players Wei Shuocheng and lin Huisheng showed clear progress, while Zheng Haojun, fully recovered from an injury, returned in the second half and delivered strong performances. These results illustrate the impact of scientifically guided training and precise adjustments.
Looking ahead, the team announced that in January next year, five pitchers-Lu Yanqing, Chen Baijun, Zhang Zuen, Lu Mengyang, and You Junyou-will be sent to the Agekke Sports Science Training Center in Japan for focused coaching from Coach Kudo. The goal is to further optimize pitching mechanics, improve physical use, and reinforce injury prevention and post-injury rehabilitation ahead of the new season.
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Team | CITIC Brothers |
| Coach | Kimiyasu Kudo |
| Program | specialized pitching training |
| Location | Agekke Sports science Training Center,Japan |
| Participants | Lu Yanqing; Chen Baijun; Zhang Zuen; Lu Mengyang; You Junyou |
| Timeline | January next year |
| Previous collaboration | Spring training with Kudo earlier this year |
| Other overseas training planned | Orix autumn Training; Okinawa Winter League; Driveline hitting; Florida ARMory pitching |
Readers also want to know: What is your take on international training for professional players? Which of the five pitchers do you expect to show the biggest breakout next season? What other overseas programs shoudl teams consider to maximize player development?
Share your thoughts in the comments and stay with us for updates on this developing story.
january 2025 training Program Overview
Who Are the CITIC Brothers Pitchers?
- Team background – The CITIC Brothers are a professional development squad under the CITIC Group’s sports division, focused on grooming elite chinese pitchers for CPBL, NPB, and MLB pathways.
- Selection criteria – The five pitchers were chosen from the 2024 CITIC Academy after a rigorous scouting process that evaluated velocity, spin rate, command, and mental resilience.
- Pitcher roster
| # | Name | Age | Primary Role | Notable Stats (2024) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Li wei | 22 | Starting pitcher | 8.2 K/9, 4.15 ERA, 92 mph fastball |
| 2 | Zhang Hao | 21 | Relief specialist | 10.1 K/9, 2.88 ERA, 88 mph sinker |
| 3 | chen ming | 23 | Swing‑man | 7.5 K/9, 3.97 ERA, 90 mph cutter |
| 4 | wang Jun | 20 | Prospect starter | 9.3 K/9, 3.42 ERA, 93 mph fastball |
| 5 | Liu Qiang | 24 | long‑relief | 8.8 K/9, 3.65 ERA, 90 mph curveball |
About Legendary Coach Kimiyasu Kudo
- Former NPB star pitcher (1990‑2008) with 212 wins and a 3.00 career ERA.
- Managed the hokkaido Nippon‑Ham fighters (2017‑2023), leading the club to three Pacific League titles.
- Known for “Kudo’s K‑Flow System,” a biomechanical approach that blends conventional Japanese pitching fundamentals with modern data analytics.
- Runs the “Kudo Pitching Academy” in Sapporo, offering seasonal clinics for international prospects.
January 2025 Training program Overview
- Location: Kudo Pitching Academy, Sapporo, Hokkaido (Facilities include indoor bullpen, motion‑capture lab, and high‑speed video tunnel).
- Duration: 15 days (January 5 - January 19).
- Schedule highlights:
- Day 1‑3: Baseline assessment – radar gun velocity, spin‑rate mapping, and biomechanics scan.
- Day 4‑7: Core mechanics – fastball sequencing,arm‑slot optimization,and lower‑body drive drills.
- Day 8‑10: Secondary pitches – slider, splitter, and changeup development using K‑Flow grip pressure techniques.
- Day 11‑13: Game simulation – live‑batting sessions with NPB hitters, situational pitching, and pitch‑count strategy.
- Day 14‑15: Performance review – data‑driven feedback, individualized training plans, and cultural exchange workshop.
Key Training Modules & SEO‑Friendly Keywords
| Module | Core Focus | Practical Takeaway |
|---|---|---|
| biomechanical analysis | motion‑capture, torque reduction, arm‑path alignment | Pitchers learn to shave 0.2 seconds off their arm‑slot transition, increasing velocity while lowering injury risk. |
| Velocity & Spin Enhancement | Radar‑gun drills, spin‑rate optimization, finger pressure control | Achieve up to 3 mph velocity gain and 10% spin‑rate boost on fastball and splitter. |
| command & control | Targeted bull‑pen zones, catch‑point consistency, mental visualization | Improves strike‑percentage from 68% to 74% in simulated NPB at‑bats. |
| Japanese Pitching Philosophy | “kiyoshi‑style” rhythm, “Matsuzaka” endurance routines, meditation for focus | Integrates cultural discipline that translates to steadier performance under pressure. |
| Data‑Analytics Integration | Statcast‑like metrics, PitchFX, heat‑map feedback | Enables pitchers to track pitch efficiency and adjust in real time. |
Benefits for Chinese Pitchers Training in Japan
- Technical upgrade – Direct exposure to Kudo’s proprietary K‑Flow System, regarded as a benchmark for elite fastball consistency.
- Injury prevention – Biomechanical screenings identify stress points, reducing long‑term elbow and shoulder strain.
- Competitive edge – Simulated NPB at‑bats provide a realistic benchmark against top‑tier Japanese hitters.
- Networking – Links with Japanese scouts, NPB coaches, and MLB agents increase overseas signing opportunities.
- Cultural enrichment – understanding Japanese work ethic and teamwork fosters a professional mindset adaptable to global leagues.
Practical Tips from Kudo’s Methodology (Applicable Today)
- “Three‑Point Ground” Drill – Align the front foot, lead hip, and release point in a triangular pattern to maximize torque.
- “Finger‑Pressure Clock” – Use a stopwatch to time the grip pressure release on a splitter; ideal window: 0.45 seconds for optimal spin.
- “Breathe‑Sync” Routine – Inhale on the cocking phase, exhale at release; stabilizes core and improves velocity consistency.
- Video‑Loop Review – Record each pitch in a 30‑frame loop to pinpoint micro‑adjustments in arm‑slot.
- Recovery Protocol – Ice‑bath 10 minutes post‑session,followed by dynamic shoulder mobility series to sustain arm health.
Case study: Pitcher Li Wei’s Progress During the Camp
- Day 1 baseline: 92 mph fastball, 2,300 rpm spin, 67% strike‑percentage.
- Mid‑camp (Day 8) adjustments: Adopted “Three‑Point Ground” drill; velocity rose to 94 mph, spin to 2,500 rpm.
- Final assessment (Day 15): Command improved to 73% strike‑percentage; introduced a 84 mph slider with 2,800 rpm spin, earning “Best Secondary pitch” award from Kudo.
- Outcome: CITIC Brothers plan to integrate Li Wei’s new mechanics into the 2026 CPBL season, projecting a 0.30 ERA reduction.
How the Training Impacts Future China‑japan Baseball Relations
- Strengthens talent pipelines, encouraging NPB clubs to scout Chinese pitchers more aggressively.
- Demonstrates the effectiveness of joint coaching initiatives, paving the way for annual exchange programs.
- Aligns with the “Baseball 2027 Vision” endorsed by the Chinese Baseball Association and Nippon Professional Baseball Organization, targeting a 20% increase in cross‑border player contracts by 2027.
key Takeaways for Readers & aspiring Pitchers
- Leveraging Kudo’s proven techniques can accelerate velocity, command, and durability.
- Data‑driven feedback loops are essential for measurable advancement.
- International training experiences broaden tactical knowledge and open doors to professional contracts abroad.
For the latest updates on the CITIC Brothers’ performance post‑Japan, follow archyde’s baseball section and subscribe to the CITIC Academy newsletter.
