JUDOFACTUM

JUDO - more than sport

PIONEERS OF JUDO

 

A-Z

“There are two people who never have enough time-

The very old and the very young

Unknown author”

For Reading

Harrison, E.J. (1946, July), Famous judo masters I have known. Budokwai Quarterly Bulletin (p. 16)

Abe Ichiro (1923–) KODOKAN 10th Dan

Promoted to KODOKAN 10th dan on 8 January 2006, at age 83. Abe was international chairperson of the All Nippon JUDO Federation and has strong links internationally through the coaching he has done in Europe.

ABE KENSHIRO (1915-1985)

Japanese JUDO champion and pioneer. A 5th DAN in JUDO by 16, Abe also studied aikido, kendo and jukendo. He taught at the JUDO College within the Butokukai in Kyoto in the late 1930s and by 1945 was a 7^th DAN. He became chief instructor at Doshisa University as well as instructor to the kyoto Police Department.

Abe went to England in 1955 at the invitation of the London JUDO society and opened his own club ane year later. A leader of the British JUDO Council he became a highly sought after instructor; however, because he believed that competition victory was not the ultimate goal of JUDO, he encountered opposition at a time when JUDO was gaining popularity as a sport. In 1970, he sufferd serious injuries in an automobile accidnet from which he had not fully recovered four year later when he returned to Japan.

CAMPBELL, BEN (1933 -)

American JUDO instructor and champion.

He graduated from San Jose State University where he trained under SENSEI UCHIDA. He started JUDO in 1952. He was three times National JUDO Champion; 1961, 1962 and 1963. He also won at the Pan-American Games in 1963. A pioneer in introducing JUDO in California high schools. He has written several articles for Black Belt Magazine and American Judoman. After moving to Colorado in 1977, he won his first Congressional campaign in 1986 and would go on to become a Colorado Senator from 1992-2004. (See BOOKS on JUDO)

CH’EN, YUAN PIN (1587-1672?)

Chinese martial artist and pottery master. According to lengend, in 1638, during the Tokugawa period, a Chinese pottery master named Yuan-pin Ch’en arrived from China to serve as a ceramics instructor for the daimyo of Owari, Japan. Among his other dutie, Ch’en instructed ronin in the art of seizing a man without the use of weapons. Some sources credit Ch’en with the introduction of ch’uan-fa and jujutsu to Japan, a theory that is disputed on the grounds that a weaponless technique called yawara was in existence long before Ch’en came to Japan. Ch’en probably introduced the Okinawan sai, later adopted and modified by the Japanese police into the jitte. Ch’en is also referred to as Chin Gempin, Chen Yuan Ping, Ch’en Yuan Pin, and Ching-Ping.

COURTINE, HENRY (1930- ) Non Kodokan 10^th Dan (FFDJA 10^th Dan; 2007)

French JUDO champion. He is three times individual European champion (1952, 1958 /+80kg/, 1959 /4^th Dan/ and four times with the French team (1952, 1954, 1955, and 1956.

At the 1956 WORLD JUDO CHAMPIONSHIP in Tokyo he received a bronze medal. At the INTERNATIONAL JUDO FEDERATION he served as sports director from 1979 to 1987. From 1982 to 1986 he was the Director of the French National Sporting and Olympic Committee (CNOSF).

DAIGO TOSHIRO (1926 -) KODOKAN10^th Dan

Japanese JUDO fighter and instructor who in 1950 was promoted to 6^th DAN, the youngest JUDOKA to be awarded this grade at the time. His powerful build and fine technique, particularly a neat KOUCHI-GARI brought him success in the early 1950’s. He won the ALL JAPAN JUDO CHAMPIONSHIPS twice /1951, 1954/ and the Tokyo Championship in 1950 and 1951. He graduated from the Tokyo University of Education, and later became the chief instructor at the KODOKAN for many years, and was the manager of the Japanese JUDO team at the 1976 Olympic Games in Montreal, and at the 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. In 1992, he received the rank of KODOKAN 10^th DAN. He has published several textbooks on JUDO.( See BOOKS on JUDO)

DRAEGER, DONN F. (1922-1985)

Martial arts author, historian, and pioneer Draeger is regarded as the foremost Western scholar of the Japanese classical disciplines, in which he holds numerous black belt ranks and teaching licenses Draeger has lived in Japan, China Mongolia, Korea, Malaysia, and Indoesia. His works include: Practical Karate (six volumes), JUDO for Young Man, Pentjak-Silat, Weapons & Fighting Art of the Indonesian Archipelago, Classical Bujutsu, Classical Budo, Modern Budo & Bujutsu, and with Robert W. Smith, Asian fighing Arts. Scientific weight training were introduce to the Japanese by Donn DRAEGER, who studying JUDO and training at the KODOKAN. He collaborated with Ishikawa Takahiko, one of KIMURA Mashiko’s great adversaries, on a book called ‘Judo Training Methods’.A number of high-level Japanese competitors came to DRAEGER for advice, among the first of them INOKUMA Isao. DRAEGER taught him to train with them in a planned and systematic progression. In 1967 Draeger doubled for actor Sean Connery and was a stunt choreographer for the James Bond film You Only Live Twice. He has for some time been engaged in research for his doctoral dissertation in hoplology, the science of weapons. (See BOOKS on JUDO)

ENDO, SUMIO (1950- )

Japanese heavyweight JUDO champion, winner of the 1975 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS. Winner of the 1974 and 1976 All Japan JUDO Championships, he was also a bronze medalist at the 1976 Montreal Olympics A former All Japan College Champion as well, Endo is famous for his seolnage, but is also respected for such moves as KOSOTOGARI, OSOTOGARI, and UCHIMATA.

FUKUDA HACHINOSUKE (1829-1880)

He was a chiropractor and a JU JUTSU master. He was over six feet tall. He began his study of JU JUTSU in the school of Okuyama-Nen ryu. Later he studied Kiraku Ryu and ás a young mán he moved to Edo (Tokyo) and became a student of Masamoto ISO, the master of TENSHIN-SHINYO RYU: It was said that no one could beat him. Fukuda became a SENSEI in a while and was the first teacher of Jigoro KANO. Fukuda was better át the techniques than át the formai exercises (KATA).

In May 1879 former United States president U. S. Grant visited Japán. Eiichi Shibusawa, a noted politician of the Meiji éra, thought the visiting former president would enjoy a martial árts performance. The demonstration was favorably received by General Grant and his party, and widely reported in the American press. Just nine days after performing Master Fukuda died. He was 52 years old. KANO attempted tó keep the DOJO in operation by himself, bút soon realized that he needed more training. KANO continued hi study of the TENSHIN SHINYO RYU with Masamoto ISO, són of the school s founder.

FUKUDA KEIKO (1913-) Kodokan 9^th Dan

She is the highest-ranking female practitioner of JUDO in the world. She was born in Tokyo, and began the practice of judo in 1935 at the age of 21. She was invited to study judo by Jigoro KANO, the founder of the KODOKAN JUDO, because of his relationship with her grandfather, FUKUDA Hachinosuke, who had taught TENSHIN-SHIN’YO JU-JUTSU to Kano a number of years prior. FUKUDA is the last living pupil of KANO. In 1973, Fukuda published Born for the Mat, an instructional book intended for women about the KATA of KODOKAN JUDO. Fukuda currently holds a 9th degree black belt (9th DAN) in JUDO. She was awarded a rare red belt in judo by the UNITED STATES JUDO FEDERATION in 2001 for her lifelong contribution to KODOKAN JUDO^. In January 2006, at its annual Kagami Biraki New Years celebration, the KODOKAN JUDO Institute also awarded her the 9th degree black belt (9th DAN). She is the only woman to ever hold this high a rank from any recognized JUDO organization. In 2005, Fukuda published Ju-No-Kata: A Kodokan textbook, Revised and Expanded from Born for the Mat (Publisher: North Atlantic Books): A pictorial textbook for performing Ju no KATA, one of the seven KODOKAN KATA. She teaches at the Soko Joshi JUDO Club in the Noe valley district of San Francisco, California.

Fukuda also teaches at the annual Joshi Judo Camp, a camp she founded in 1974 to give women judoka an opportunity to train together. . (See BOOKS on JU

GLAHN, KLAUS (1942-)

West German JUDO heavyweight category at the 1964 Olympic Games in Tokyo. At the 1972 Olympics he captured a silver medal, losing the world champion Wilhelm Ruska. Glahn has been European JUDO Champion in 1963, 1968, and 1970, and has won silver medals at 1967 and 1969 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS. Glahn is noted for his devastating tai-otoshi and superiror matwork.

GLEESON, GEOFFREY ROBERT (1927-1994)

British JUDO instructor and coach of British National JUDO Team. He was the first non-Oriental to became a special research student at the KODOKAN, studying there from 1952 to 1955. In 1955, he was appointing chief instructor of the BUDOKWAI, and two years later, captained a British team that won the European JUDO Championships. He is the author of JUDO for the West, The Anatomy of JUDO, and Better JUDO.

HARRISON, ERNEST JOHN (1883-1961)

British journalist, author, diplomat, linguist, and martial artist. In 1919, Harrison joined London’s BUDOKWAI, England’s JUDO mecca, and remained an active member until his death at age 88. He was the first Caucasian to become a 3rd-degree black belt in JUDO, during the mid-1900s. The first Westerner to write prolifically about the martial arts, Harrison wrote his classic, The Fighting Spirit of Japan, in 1912. The book examines the esoteric principles of the Japanese martial arts. (See BOOKS ON JUDO)

For READING

Harrison, E.J. (1946-July). Famous judo masters I have known. Budokwai Quarterly Bulletin (p.16).

HOFFMAN, WOLFGANG (1941-)

West German middleweight JUDO champion. Many times a winner of the German JUDO Championships, he became an international star when he won silver medal at 1964 Olympics Games, losing only to All Japan Champion ISAO OKANO. At the 1965 Europan Games, he was a member of the winner West German Team, defeating Anatoly Bondarenbo, a strong Soviet competitor. Hoffman favors uchimata and seoinage, and is especially strong on the mat.

IIKUBO TSUNETOSHI (1835 -89)

KANO Jigoro ‘s second teacher of JU JUSU, ISO Masatomo took ill in 1881 and died. Later KANO met Iikubo, the master of KITO RYU JU JUTSU. Iikubo awarded KANO a licence of full transmission (menkyo kaiden) in 1883. In KANO’s time the KITO RYU focused primarily on throwing techniques (NAGE WAZA). Iikubo was already over fifty, he continued to train full time, and he was the most skilled martial artist under whom KANO ever trained. (In his memoirs KANO stated, ‘From Master FUKUDA, I learned what my life’s work would be: from Master MASAMOTO, I learned the subtle nature of KATA: and from Master Iikubo, I learned varied techniques and the importance of timing.

 

 

 

IIZUKA KUNISABURO (1875-1958) Kodokan 10^th Dan

Entered the KODOKAN in 1891 and was graded 10th DAN on April 5, 1946. As a young man he was very keen to go abroad but in 1906 was asked to become JUDO instructor at Keio (the oldest private University in Japan) and he remained there for more than fifty years, devoting his whole life to the work. He was a member of both the KODOKAN Council and the DOJO Consultative Group

INMAN,ROY (

British JUDO coach
Roy Inman hold the grade of 8th Dan, and was the High Performance Judo Coach at the University between 1999 and 2006, before moving to the role of Judo Technical Director.

He was the British Judo Association National Coach for over 15 years, has coached at 3 Olympic Games, and his players have won 6 Olympic medals and 13 World Championships.

He is a director of the British Judo Association, was awarded the U.K. coach of the year in 1991, the O.B.E. from H.M. the Queen in 1992 and a Full Blue from the University of Bath in 2001.

INOKUMA ISAO (1938-2001)

Japanese JUDO fighter.

In 1959 as a youngest JUDOKA to win the ALL JAPAN JUDO CHJAMPIONSHIPS at the age of 21. He uses SEOI-NAGE and TAI-OTOSHI upset KAMINAGA in 1959 but in the following two years finals he lost to KAMINAGA on both occasions. He regained the title in 1963 and at the 1964 Olympic Games he won the heavyweight gold medal, beating the Canadian, Rogers, in the final. In the 1965 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS he defeated the Russian Kibrotsashvili, for the open gold medal and his last major title. He

was a professor of physical education at Tokai University and an international referee.

(See Sec. BOOKS on JUDO)

ISO MASAMOTO (1818-1881)

He was a master of the TENSHIN SHIN’YO RYU JU JUTSU school, and son of the school’s founder (Iso Mataemon d. 1862). Iso ran a training hall in Kanda, Tokyo. He was a small man only 5 feet tall but his arms and legs were as strong as steel. In 1879 KANO Jigoro entered the Masamoto Iso JUJUTSU school. Masamoto was 62 years old at the time, he no longer engaged in RANDORI but he was still a grand master of KATA. KANO later told his own students that Masamoto’s KATA were ‘the most beautiful I ever saw executed’. When Masamoto died (1881) KANO went to train with IIKUBO Tsunetoshi (1835 -89) of the KITO RYU.

ISOGAI, HAJIME (1871-1947) Kodokan 10^th Dan

Entered the KODOKAN in 1891 and practised assiduously under Jigoro KANO. In 1899, he was selected to go to the Butokukai in Kyoto where he worked for many years spreading JUDO and training new teachers. On December 22, 1937, he was awarded the grade of 10th DAN directly by Jigoro KANO (only a few months before Jigoro KANO died). At the age of 66, he was the fourth youngest person to attain 10th DAN. He is considered to be one of the great figures in Kansai JUDO (Kansai is the mid-western portion of Honshu, the main island of the Japanese group.) Isogai died on April 19, 1947.

JACKS,BRIAN ( 1945-)

He is a British JUDOKA who won Britains first medal at a world championship, taking a bronze in Salt Lake City in 1967, and gained a second bronze at the 1972 Munich Olympics. He later achieved national fame for his outstanding "Gym Test" performances on the BBC programme Superstars.His victories in the British and European Superstars lead to the creation of the branded computer games: Brian Jacks Superstar Challenge and Brian Jacks UCHI-MATA... After retiring from judo he opened a fitness and martial arts club, and in 1990 he started a company hiring bouncy castles. (See BOOKS ON JUDO)

JIRO, NANGO (1876-1951)

Japanese JUDO administrator; past presidnet of the KODOKAN. He began studying JUDO with founder Jigoro KANO in JUDO’s embryonic era and received his black belt in 1884 while continuing a career in the navy, from which he retired as a rear admiral.

In 1938, when Prof. KANO died, the KODOKAN board of trustees unanimously chose Jiro his successor, a post he held until September, 1946, when he retired due to bad health. While president he established a system of JUDO for juveniles, fixed the KATA and self-defense for women, and founded the institute for the training of teachers of JUDO. He was one of the few juDANs, 10th-degree black belts.

KAMINAGA, AKIO (1936-1993)

Japanese JUDO champion. Kaminaga won the All Japan JUDO Championships three times, in 1960, 1961 and 1964 but lost the Olympics openweight finals in Tokyo to Anton Geesink. Altough extremely shortsighted, he was particulady proficient at the TAI OTOSHI (body drop) and UCHIMATA (inner-thigh trow) Kaminaga was an Olympics silver medalist in the open class at Tokyo in 1964.

KANOKOGI, RENA (“Rusty”) /1935-2009/

She was a Jewish-American JUDOKA from Brooklyn, New York. Born as Rena Glickman, she became the first woman to practise judo in the Kodokan dojo in Tokyo, Japan. In 1959 Rena competed at the YMCA championship in Utica, N.Y. disguised as a man^. To maintain her disguise she changed in a broom closet, cut her hair short, and taped down her breasts. She was an alternate on the team and had to step in when a male member was injured and unable to compete. She won the match against her male opponent and her team won the contest. She was then pulled aside and asked if she was a female. She told the truth and was stripped of her gold medal. 50 years later in August 2009 the New York State YMCA awarded Rena Kanokogi a gold medal to honor her lifetimes work. She sponsored the first womens judo competition and was the driving force behind the introduction of womens judo in the Olympics. Kanokogi met her husband, Ryohei Kanokogi, while in Japan in the 1960s. In 1988, Kanokogi was Coach of the first United States Olympic Womens Judo Team. In 2008, she was awarded the Order of the Rising Sun, one of Japans highest civilian honors.^[

KAWAGUCHI TAKAO (1950-)

Japanese JUDO chAmpion whose crisp throwing techniques won him the world lightweight titles in 1971. He was an Olympic gold medallist in 1972 and a silver medallist in the 1973 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS.

KAWAISHI MIKONOSUKE (1899-1969) Non-Kodokan 10^th Dan (FFDJA 10^th Dan)

Japanese-born French JUDO pioneer. He studied JU-JUTSU in Kyoto. It is not known exactly what style of JU-JUTSU he learnt. In England he continues to teach this form refer to his teaching as Kawaishi Ryu JU-JUTSU. In the mid 1920’s he left Japan and toured the United States. In 1928, he arrived in the United Kingdom and established a JU-JUTSU club in Liverpool. In 1931, he moved to London, founding the Anglo-Japanese JUDO Club and teaching JUDO at Oxford University. Around this time he was awarded his third DAN by JIgoro KANO. It was common at this time for JU-JUTSU instructors to teach, or call what they taught, JUDO. In 1936, then a fourth DAN, Kawaishi moved to Paris where he taught JU-JUTSU and JUDO. During World War II, he returned to Japan. After the war he returned to Paris to continue teaching. He introduced various coloured belts in Europe. He developed an intuitive style of instruction and a numerical ordering of the techniques that he felt was more suitable for the occidental. This seemed to catch on in France and there was a rapid growth of interest in JUDO. He placed special emphasis on KATA training. He promulgated KYUZO MIFUNE’s Gonosen No KATA (The KATA of Counters) in Europe and possibly his own version of Go No KATA. He also wrote the book “Seven KATAs of JUDO”. (See Sec. BOOKS on JUDO and Sec.: DICTIONARY of JUDO, KAWAISHI-RYU JU JUTSU)

KERR, GEORGE (1937-)

Scottish JUDO champion. Kerr won three Europan silver and two bronze medals during the 1960s. A member of the British team, in the middleweight category and open events. His excellent range of ground work techniques, superb UCHI-MATA(innerthigh throw) and knowledge of amateur wrestling (he represented Britain in the 1965 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS) contributed to his succes. Kerr won the 1966 and 1968 British Open middleweight titles before retiring.

He was one of the first athletes to go to Japan, study there and brought the skills of physical training and the philosophy of judo to Britain and to Europe. He trained with Anton GEESINK, one of the seven 10th Dan graduates, and still a friend of KERR.

After his judo career where he won European individual medals and with the British Team in the late fifties and early sixties, Kerr developed himself as an international referee. He refereed at two Olympic Games (1972 and 1976) and at three World Championships between 1969 and 1975. He retired as international referee in 1976.

Later Kerr was a coach of many many fighters. At the Edinburgh Judo Club he had an exchange program with the Tokai University where champion came to Scotland to learn English and to train at Kerr’s club. Yoshi Nakamura, Hidetoshi Nakanishi, both world champions were trained by Kerr.

Later Kerr was a coach of many many fighters. At the Edinburgh Judo Club he had an exchange program with the Tokai University where champion came to Scotland to learn English and to train at Kerr’s club. Yoshi Nakamura, Hidetoshi Nakanishi, both world champions were trained by Kerr.

In 2010 he was awarded the grade 10^th DAN for international services to JUDO He is one of only five non-Japanese out of 19 people ever to be awarded this honour. He is the second Briton after Charles PALMER and the youngest person ever to have gained the rank of 10th DAN in JUDO.

KIKNADZE, ANZOR (1934-)

Russian judo champion. Kiknadze won eight European gold medals, four individually and four as a member of the Soviet contingent that won consecutive team titles from 1963-67 .He won a gronze medal at both the 1964 OLYMPIC GAMES and the 1965 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS, and a silver medal in the 1968 EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS before retiring.

KIMURA MASHIKO (1917-1993)

He was the greatest JUDO champion of all time, he won his first DAN at 15. He was second DAN at 16 and third DAN a year later. At the age of 20, he won the ALL-JAPAN JUDO CHAMPIONSHIPS for the first time. He was only 5’7”, but his favourite technique was OSOTO-GARI with combination of OUCHI-GARI, and strong NEWAZA. He also used IPPON-SEOI-NAGE and UCHIMATA. He won the ALL –JAPAN CHAMPIONSHIPS in 1937, 1938 and 1939. His training methods were extreme. Before he went to sleep that night he did 500 press-ups, 1 km of bunny hops, and 500 makiwara strikes. He learned Shotokan and Goju-ryu karate. In 1949, he reached the final of the ALL-JAPAN JUDO CHAMPIONSHIPS. He faced Takahiko Ishikawa and fought one of the hardest matches of his life. It was declared a draw after two periods of extra time. At the age of 40, he was still fighting professionally and remained outside the central JUDO environment, because professional JUDO was against KANO’s ethics. He won all his fights – but faded, and he started another professional fighting career abroad.

For READING

Chen, Jim. (1997). Mashahiko Kimura, the man who defeated Helio Gracie, http:// www.judoinfo.com/kimura.htm

KOIZUMI GUNJI (1885-1965)

Japanese JUDO master (8^th DAN) who was the father of European JUDO, founding the BUDOKWAI in 1918. He was first proficient in JUJUTSU but switched to JUDO. A dedicated instructor, he founded clubs all over Europe, leading to the establishment of both the British JUDO Association and the EUROPEAN JUDO UNION. He was an Oriental art expert, practiced calligraphy, and helped to introduce Buddism into Britain. He taught at the BUDOKWAI until the day before he died. (See Sec. BOOKS on JUDO)

For READING

1.Koizumi Gunji. (1947, April), Judo and the Olympic games. Budokwai Quarterly Bulletin (pp.7-8).

2.Bowen, Richard. (2002b) Koizumi Gunji, 1885-1965: Judo master. In Hugh Cortazzi (Ed.),

Britain and Japan: Biographical portraits 4 (pp. 312-322). London: Japan Society.

3. Bowen, Richard. (in press). Gunji Koizumi. In Oxford dictionary of national biography. Oxford: Oxford University Press.

KOTANI, SUMIYUKI (1903-1991) Kodokan 10^th Dan

He received the rank of 10th DAN in April 1984, the oldest person to be awarded this rank (until 2006 when Ichiro Abe was promoted at age 83). Graduated from Tokyo College of Education. He was one of Jigoro KANOs direct students, and only the 7th man to receive a 10th Degree Black Belt while he was still alive. He was very active in promoting JUDO all around the world and was the head instructor of the International Division of the KODOKAN for many years, and a professor of Tokai University. He was the KODOKANs top ranked official and Vice President of the All Japan JUDO Federation. During his student days, he would practice with every powerful and skillful JUDOKA he could lay his hands on, rather than avoid the "beating" he knew would be coming. To be thrown, immobilized, or strangled, was nothing but delight for him. The thing that really counted was practice. He died on October 19, 1991.

KURIHARA TAMIO (1896-1979) Kodokan 10^th Dan

Kurihara was born in May, 1896. He became the 11th person to be promoted to 10th Degree Black Belt after his death October 8, 1979. He graduated from the Kyoto Budo Senmon-Gako (Martial Art College) and became "shihan" (Master Instructor of JUDO) at Kyoto 3rd higher school. One of his impressive competitions was the May 1926 Emperors Cup final facing one of the young upcoming strong players, Ushijima Tatsukuma, a 26 year old 5th DAN. He won a decision here after a hard competition to take the title.

LEGGETT, TREVOR PRYCE (1914-2000)

British JUDO instructor. For many years the highest-graded non-Japanese JUDOKA and the first Englishman to go to Japan specifically to study JUDO. In 1932, he joined the BUDOKWAI and studied under Yukio TANI. He studied law at the University of London graduating in 1934. He was a 3^rd DAN and captain of the British team when he went to Japan in 1938; In 1946, he was appointed head of the Japanese section of the B.B. C. and during the following 15 years trained almost every leading JUDO fighter in Britain at the BUDOKWAI. He is a prolific writer on poetry, Buddhism He published 30 books. He was awarded the Order of the Sacred Treasure by the Japanese Government in 1984. (See Sec. BOOKS ON JUDO).

MAEDA MITSUYO (1878-1941)

He joined the KODOKAN in 1897. An extraordinary learner, by 1903, Maeda advanced to fourth DAN, winning several leading JUDO tournaments in the process. He went to USA with TOMITA in 1904. Maeda and Tomita soon opened a JUDO club in New York City.

Maeda turned to American professional wrestling in 1906. The 5’5”, 154-pound Maeda was said, some 1,000 challenge matches against all-comers, never once losing a JUDO-style competition. He settled in Brazil in 1915 and he was feted as Conte Comte (Count Combat) and now his system of fighting, now called “Gracie JUJUTSU”. In 1929, the KODOKAN promoted Maeda to sixth DAN in JUDO. He died in 1941, at the age of 63. His promotion to seventh DAN in JUDO was dated in 1941, so the certificate arrived after his death. The KODOKAN did not forget his contributions to the growth of JUDO to Brazil. Japan dedicated a stone memorial to him in Hirosaki City.

For READING

Gorsuch, Mark. (2002). Mitsuyo Maeda (Count Coma) biography, http: //bjj.org/interviews/maeda.html.

MIFUNE, KYUZO (1883-1965) Kodokan 10^th Dan

He joined the KODOKAN in 1903 and remained a member until his death. When he came to Tokyo to attend Waseda University, and became the close disciple of Jigoro KANO, the father of JUDO. After 15 months, he achieved ShoDAN (1^st Degree) in KODOKAN JUDO, and after the remarkably short time of four more months, NiDAN (2^nd Degree). Though timing and speed, Mifune quickly gained a reputation, and was never defeated. By 1912, he was a RokyuDAN (6^th Degree) and an instructor at a number of universities, high schools, and junior high schools. In 1945, he was elevated to JuDAN (10^th), the fourth of seven men to ever be so honored. After developing many new JUDO techniques and variations, he came to be known as the “God of JUDO”. In 1956, he wrote his classic book, Canon of JUDO, still a remarkable exposition of JUDO history, philosophy, and technical description. His influence on post-war JUDO cannot be underestimated. His skill was perhaps the most elegant ever seen at the KODOKAN. He passed away in 1965 at the age of eighty-two. At his hometown, Kuji, a Memorial Gymnasium was erected in his honor, called the MifunejuDAN. (See Sec. BOOKS on JUDO)

MUNAKATA ITSURO (1866-1941) 7^th DAN

Itsuro Munakata came to Tokyo in 1883, and entered Kodokan in 1884. At the same time, he also entered the Kano Juku Tutoring School and the Kobunkan.
In September of 1886, he became superintendent of the Kano Juku Juvenile School. He later taught at the Kyoto Nishi-hongan-ji Temples Daigakurins literary dormitory in Kyoto, followed by posts as a KODOKAN supervisor in September of 1891, headmaster at Omura Junior High School in Nagasaki Prefecture (1893), teacher at the Advanced Teachers Training School (Sept., 1896), headmaster at the Unebi Junior High School (May, 1900), teacher at the Tokyo Advanced Teachers Training School (July, 1907).
He later served at headmaster at the Shonai Junior High School and the Sendai First Junior High School where he actively promoted both education and Judo. In April of 1920, he returned to KODOKAN as a supervisor and dedicated himself to teaching JUDO and handling KODOKAN affairs.
Mr. Munakata died in 1941 at the age of 76.

NAGAOKA HIDEKAZU (1876-1952) Kodokan 10^th Dan

Came to Tokyo from his birth place, Okayama at the age of 16 to seek out the Shihan. Entered the KODOKAN in 1893 and practised so hard it was said of him, "The technique is Sutemi, the man is Nagaoka." Many of his contests are still the subject of countless reminiscences. All his efforts were poured into the training of young teachers and he was of the greatest assistance to the President of the KODOKAN. He did much to gain for the KODOKAN the secure position it enjoys today and was promoted 10th DAN on December 27, 1937 by Jigoro KANO, just a few months before Jigoro KANO died. He is one of only three 10th DANs promoted to that rank by the founder of JUDO. He and Isogai were the first students of KANO to be promoted to 10th DAN while alive, and he was the youngest man ever to be promoted to 10th DAN. He passed away on November 22, 1952.

NAKANO SHOZO (1888-1977) Kodokan 10^th Dan

He was born in January 1888. He was promoted to 10th Degree Black Belt after his death on December 22, 1977. He became master instructor at Tokyo Ikashika University (Medical School). He energetically promoted KODOKAN JUDO to the world. His uchimata throw was very famous. He said „My strategy is to let my opponent get his favorite satisfactory grip and then I find my own way of chance to throw my opponent.”

NISHIOKA, HAYWARD (1943- )

He is a pioneer of US JUDO. He was United States Division JUDO champion three times, in 1965, 1966 1970. In 1965 he retired as the National AAU (Amateur Athletic Union) Grand Champion. A member of four United States international teams, he won a gold medal in the Pan-American Games in 1967.NISHIOKA was also the British-Colombian Champion in1966, and placed 5^th in the WORLD JUDO CHAMPIONSHIPS in 1965 and 1967. He is also a black belt in Shotokan KARATE. After retiring from competition, he became a physical education instructor at Los Angeles City College in California, heading its martial arts program. He has authored several books on JUDO. (See Sec of BOOK ON JUDO)

OKANO, ISAO (1944-) (See Sec of CONTASTANTS OF JUDO)

OKANO KOTARO (1885-1967) Kodokan 10^th Dan

OKANO was born April 1885. He became the 9th man to be promoted to 10th Degree Black Belt after his death on June 2, 1967. He was the first graduated student from the Budo Senmon-Gakko (martial art school) and he became "shihan" (master of martial art) in 6th Okayama Higher School and Okayama Police. His mat technique was one of the best among the JUDO world at that time.

Osawa Yoshimi (1927–) Kodokan 10th DAN

Promoted to Kodokan 10th dan on 8 January 2006, at age 79. Osawa is also still coaching at the Kodokan, and is recognised for his support of women’s JUDO. Osawa was known by the nickname Current Ushiwakamaru (Ushiwakamaru was the childhood name of a legendary twelfth-century samurai who was small but quick.)

OTAKI TADAO ( 1908-1998)

High-ranking KODOKAN instructor, is one of the Japan’ s foremost JUDOists. He has instructed many Japanese national, world, and Olympic champions: he is also a popular teacher among non-Japanese JUDOists both in Japan and abroad. As a professor of physical education at Tokyo Education University, he is engaged in historical and technical research concerning the role of JUDO in education. His long experience in teaching JUDO to everyone from beginners to Olympic champions – and his contributions to its teaching methods brought him worldwide acclaim.

OSAKO, JOHN (1921-)

Japanese-born American judo instructor, champion, and referee. In 1939 Osako was Kagoshima State Champion.After moving to the U.S. .he won the heavyweight and grand championships at the 1956 AAU Nationals, in 1955 and 1958 he was the 180-lb. champion. He was also grand champion at the first two Pan-American championships, held in Havana, Cuba, in 1952 and 1954. The first certified referee of the IJF, he has since chaired several officiating committees. Osako wrote several handbooks on officiating. Member of Who’s Who in the Martial Arts.See also U.S: history of JUDO in.

OTANI, NAGASAKI (1898- 1977)

Japanese-born JUDO pioneer. He England in 1919 and practiced at the BUDOKWAI. In 1927 he began teaching JUDO at Oxford and Cambridge Universities, and in 1932 he became instructor at the Anglo-Japanese Club.After the war he taught the military and police forces. In 1958, Otani joined the British Judo Council under Kenshiro ABE becoming its leader in the mid-196s when ABE returned toJapan. He continued teaching in England until his deaath.

PALMER, CHARLES STUART (1930 – 2001) Non-Kodokan 10^th Dan; IJF 10^th Dan

British JUDO instructor. The President of INTERNATIONAL JUDO FEDERATION (1965-1979). He started JUDO when he was 15. The founder of British JUDO. Gunji KOIZUMI and 8^th DAN Trevor LEGGETT, were his teachers. He won a black belt in 1948 and went to Japan in 1951 to work at the British Embassy and study at the KODOKAN. During his four years in Japan, he studied under Kyoshi Kobayashi and the late 10^th DAN Kyuzo MIFUNE. In 1957, he was a member of the British team which won the European title for the first time and the following two years he captained the British JUDO team. As president of the INTERNATIONAL JUDO FEDERATION, he was chiefly responsible for the reintroduction of JUDO to the Olympic programme and for the standardization of the international contest rules which he carried out in collaboration with the KODOKAN

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PORTER, PHILIP (1924- )

American JUDO author, administrator, and referee. Porter did not begin studying the sport until he was 27, yet he competed regularly until age 41. In 1975 he won the 50-55 class competition at the National Masters Tournamnet. A graduate of West Point, Porter began his JUDO career while in the military and wrote the constitution of the United States Air Force JUDO association in 1959. He has founded clubs on Air Force bases all over the world, in 1973, he organized the All American JUDO Club in Sacramento. He presently seves as chairman of the U.S. JUDO Association National Coaching Staff. Porter refereed the historic world heavyweight match between Anton Geesink and Mitsua Matsunage in 1965. As technical director of the Pan-American JUDO Union, Porter rewrote the first international rules. In 1967 he trained referees for the Pan-American Games in Canada. Founder and editor of the American JUDOman Magazin (1960), he is author of the first two JUDO handbooks ever published in the U.S. He also published two instrutional books: JUDO from the Beginning, which he wrote, and Championships JUDO Drill Training, which he edited for author Ben Campbell. A member of the Who’s Who in the Martial Arts, he chaired the National AAU JUDO Committee and the U.S: Olympics JUDO Committee.

ROSS DR, ARTHUR JOHN (1893-1971)

Founder of Australian JUDO. Dr. ROSS brought JUDO to Australia in 1927. He founded the first JUDO club in Australia. He was born in London, England, but he moved to Japan when he was eight years old. In Tokyo he practiced JIU-JITSU and JUDO under Jigoro KANO. He wrote the first JUDO book in Australia (Textbook of Judo, Sydney, 1949). He was awarded 8^th DAN in 1968.

RUSKA, WILHELM (1940-)

National Dutch Champion (10 times) With fellow competitor Anton Geesink, Ruska helped to upset the Japanese domination of sport JUDO. The 6 foot 3 inc fighter from Amsterdam began JUDO at age 21. In 1967 he took the heavyweigt gold medal at the European Championships in Salt Lake City, he won the heavyweigt event by defeating Maejima in the finals. Ruska regained his world title in 1971 and took two Olympics gold medals the following year, one in the heavyweight, the other in the open category. After winning the Olympics medals he announced his retirement from the sport.

SAIGO SHIRO (1866 – 1922)

Shiro was adopted son of Aikmijutsu master Saigo Tanomo. He was known for his great ability and strength at a young age. He was particularly well known for his powerful YAMA ARASHI (“mountain storm”) technique (this not the same technique we know today as “YAMA ARASHI”). He was recruited by KANO Jigoro to be his “showman” for the KODOKAN system. He earned the rank of SHODAN in JUDO in 1883, but he was a GODAN (5^th degree ) by the age of 23. KANO Jigoro returned to Japan in January 1891. He had been abroad for sixteen months. Unfortunately, Saigo had gotten into trouble in the meantime. When KANO was informed of the incident he had no choice but to banish his most talented student. Saigo fled to distant Nagasaki. He took up KYUDO (Japanese archery, and mastered that discipline just as thoroughly as he had JUJUTSU. In a gesture of forgiveness, upon Saigo’s death KANO posthumously awarded his former student the rank of “KODOKAN JUDO Sixth DAN”. He is also is known to have been the model for the main chracter in Tomita Tsuneo’s 1942 novel Sugata Sanshiro. (The great movie director Kurosawa Akira /1920-1998/ began his career with Sugata Sanshiro /1943/, a film on JUDO.)Saigo died in 1922 at the age of 57.

SAMURA, KAICHIRO (1880-1964) Kodokan 10^th Dan

One of the two longest living 10th DANs, he joined the KODOKAN in 1898 and received the grade of 10th DAN on April 5, 1948. In 1899, he became the head of the JUDO Section of the Butokukai and later traveled extensively teaching at schools and police establishments. In 1931, he began teaching at the KODOKAN and was a member of the DOJO Consultative Group

SHORIKI, MATSUTARO (1885-1969) Kodokan 10^th Dan

Born April 11, 1885 in Toyama Prefecture, educated at Takaoka Middle School, Fourth National Higher School, and Tokyo Imperial University. Director of the Police Affairs Section of the Metropolitan Police Board, President of the Yomiuri Shimbunsha (Japanese newspaper) and later its owner. Appointed Member of the House of Peers and elected Member of the House of Representatives. Served as State Minister. Established Japans first commercial television station Nippon Television Network Corporation. Started professional baseball in Japan and contributed to its development. President of the Franco-Japanese University JUDO Association, Chairman of Nippon Budokan, and President of National Dietmans JUDO Federation. He is the only non-professional in the history of the KODOKAN to hold the 10th DAN. He was promoted after his death on October 9, 1969.

SMITH, ROBERT W. (1926-)

American martial arts instructor, writer and author. He received his first judo instruction while in the Marine Corps (1944-46), then joined the Chicago JUDO Club under John Osako in 1946. By 1960 Smith held a third-degree black belt from the KODOKAN . As a rersult of his studies in Taiwan (1959-62) he became a leading authority on Chinese fighting forms and techniques. Among his books are A Complete Guide to Judo (1958), Asian Fighting Arts (with Donn Draeger, 1969), Pa-kua: Chinese Boxing (1967), Chinese Boxing, Masters and Methods (1974), Hsing-I, Chinese Mind-Body Boxing, Secrets of Shao-lin Temple Boxing (1964), and under the pseudonym John F. Gilbey, Secret Fighting Arts of the World (1964). He is one of the faremost Western authorities of the Eastern fighting arts-.(See BOOKS ON JUDO)

SONE, TAIZO (-1972)

American JUDO instructor. Sone began judo in 1914 at KODOKAN .Sone’s work for a trading company brought him to the U.S. in the 1930s, wherever he went he instructed in JUDO. In 1958 Sone founded the Florida Yudanshakai. At the time of his death he was Florida AAU JUDO Chairman, as well as charman of the board of examiners of the Florida Black Belt JUDO Association. Sone was named Sensei of the Year and inducted into the Black Belt Hall of Fame in 1972.

SONODA, ISAMU (1946- )

Japanese JUDO champion.. He attended the Fukuoka Institute of Technology, and won a gold medal at the 1969 World Judo Championships along with his older brother, Yoshio, who won the gold medal in the lightweight (-63 kg) division. He joined the Fukuoka prefectural police force in July, 1972, at the invitation of the police forces judo instructor. Sonoda had competed in the ALL-JAPAN JUDO CHAMPIONSHIPS 10 times from age 19, but Shozo FUJI had won the competition for three consecutive years prior to 1976, when the championship served as the qualifier for the 1976 OLYMPIC GAMES, and was seen as a lock for Japans Olympic judo team. However, Sonoda defeated FUJI by a very close decision, gained his first appearance at the Olympics at age 29.. He defeated Valeriy Dvoinikov of the Soviet Union. Sonoda retired after competing in the 1978Jigoro Kano Cup along with Kazuhiro Ninomiya. He and Ninomiya were rivals and friends for over 30 years, having been born on the same year, entered the same police force, competed in the same World Championships and Olympics, and having retired at the same time^. He worked as a judo instructor for the Fukuoka prefectural police, and one of his pupils, Kie Kusakabe, appeared in the 2000 and 2004 OLYMPIC GAMES^.

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STARBROCK, DAVID COLIN (1945-)

British JUDO champion. In 1971, he was a member of the British team that captured the European title, and he won the bronze medal at 1971 World JUDO Championships. In 1972 he captured the silver medal in the light- heavyweight division of the Munich Olympics and also the European title. The following year, he won a silver medal at EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS and a bronze in the WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS In 1976 he won a bronze in the Montreal Olympics. Now retired. He currently lives in France where he is a judo instructor and is a credited cliff jumper. His son, Leon, is also a JUDOKA. In November 2007 at the Judo World Cup in Birmingham he was awarded his 9th DAN by Densign White, chairman of the British Judo Association. (See BOOKS ON JUDO)

TABATA SHOTARO (1884-1950) Kodokan 10^th Dan

Entered the KODOKAN in 1900 and was promoted to 10th DAN on April 5, 1948. He was the third youngest person to receive a 10th DAN. From 1905, he taught at the Butokukai in Kyoto where he trained many new instructors and contributed greatly to the development and diffusion of JUDO. Together with Isogai, 10th DAN, he occupies a special place in Kansai JUDO. He died on May 25, 1950.

TANI YUKIO (1881-1950)

Japanese JUDO pioneer. With Gunji Koizumi, Tani introduced JUDO to England and Europe. He studied the shin-no-shindo style of jujutsu and went to England in 1989, where he gained fame by defeating all comers in wrestling matches. When in 1918 Koizumi founded the BUDOKWAI he appointed Tani Chief instructor. Tani remained at the BUDOKWAI until his retirement in 1937 following a stroke. Toni and Taro Miyake wrote one of the first English-language books on jujutsu, The Game of Jujutsu, published in 1906.

For READING

Noble, Graham. (2000b). The odyssey of Yukio Tani. InYo, http: // ejmas.com/jalt/jaltart_ Noble_1000.htm.

TUKU SANBO (1887-1945)

After being discovered by Jigoro KANO, Sanbo Toku came to Tokyo in 1906, and entered KODOKAN in May of that year.
In 1909, Mr. Toku entered the Tokyo Advanced Teachers Training School (literature and physical education fields, specializing in Japanese and Chinese classics) while continuing his keiko (training) at KODOKAN. He withdrew from school in 1911 in order to devote all his time to Kodokan.
He was known for arriving earliest at the dojo for keiko despite the fact that trains were not yet running at that hour, forcing him to walk 10 kilometers from Komatsugawa (Edogawa Ward). In addition to being the first in the dojo, Mr. Toku achieved a perfect attendance record.
He later became a JUDO instructor at Waseda University, Nippon University, and Takushoku University. Although he founded his own facility for training apprentices, he was killed in a Tokyo air raid on March 10, 1945 at the age of 59.

TOMIKI KENJI (1900-1979)

Japanese aikido pioneer and JUDO instructor. Tomiki studied JUDO under its found, Jugor KANO, and after achieving a high level of competence, was asked in 1926 by KANO to learn aikido under founder Morihei Ueshiba. After extensive study he formulated a self-defense system called goshin-jutsu-KATA. Tomiki had delved into the possibilities of aikido as a form of physical exercise, while still respesting Ueshiba’s spiritual principles. Already a recognized authority of aikido instruction existed. Tomiki formulated a series of extended his system (originally of 15 basic techniques), adding two more techniques to the KATA and slightly altering some of the others; he called in the randori-no-KATA, or techniques suitable for freestyle fighting. He later devised a series in freestyle situations, thereby introducing a sport element into aikido. Tomiki further extended the formal side of aikido, modifying several koryus, or ancient forms, techniques against various weapons used in other martial arts. Tomiki was teaching at Waseda University between 1950-1979 where he was professor of Physical Education. He authored JUDO with Aikido in 1956, which was the first English text explaining the principles of aikido. (See BOOKS on JUDO)

Tokio Hirano (1922-1993)

Tokio Hirano (5’5”, 75 kg), obtained Godan (5^th dan) at age 19, is perhaps the greatest JUDO technician of all time. He is probably the best known Japanese JUDOKA in Europe. In 1952, Hirano went to teach JUDO in Europe. Within six years, he had accumulated over 4,300 wins.

Hirano revolutionized the order to tsukuru, kumu, kakeru and nageru. This is the current European style JUDO. This is a proven method to defeat bigger opponents, as demonstrated by Hiranos stunning success. Wilhelm Ruska (Holland) 192 cm, 115 kg, was his most accomplished student. Ruska was the world heavyweight champion in 1967 and 1971 and runner up in 1969 (open weight). Wilhelm was the dual gold medallist in heavy and open weight class at the 1972 Munich Olympics.

TSUNETOSHI IIKUBO (1835-89)

KANO Jigoro ‘s second teacher of JU JUSU, ISO Masatomo took ill in 1881 and died. Later KANO met Iikubo, the master of KITO RYU JU JUTSU. Iikubo awarded KANO a licence of full transmission (menkyo kaiden) in 1883. In KANO’s time the KITO RYU focused primarily on throwing techniques (NAGE WAZA). Iikubo was already over fifty, he continued to train full time, and he was the most skilled martial artist under whom KANO ever trained. (In his memoirs KANO stated, ‘From Master FUKUDA, I learned what my life’s work would be: from Master MASAMOTO, I learned the subtle nature of KATA: and from Master Iikubo, I learned varied techniques and the importance of timing.

UCHIDA YOSHI ( ?)

He graduated from San Jose State University in 1947, he has remained a fixture in the both the San Jose and international JUDO communities for more than 60 years. After graduation, he continued to coach at San Jose and organized the first Collegiate JUDO National Championships in 1962 – two years before being named as the head coach of the first U.S. Olympic JUDO Team in 1964. Most recently, he was the president of USA JUDO from 1996-2000 and remains the head coach of the USA JUDO National Training Site at San Jose State University. In 1986, he receiv ed in Japan – the highest honors – the Order of the Sacred Treasure with Golden Rays by Emperor of Japan.

YAMASHITA YOSHIAKI (1865-1935) Kodokan 10^th Dan

The son of a minor samurai he received some martial art training as a youth. In 1884, he became the nineteenth member of JIGORO KANO’s KODOKAN. After three months he earned his first DAN ranking at KANO’s school. After two years he received his fourth DAN. In 1898, he received sixth DAN. He was a member of the KODOKAN teams that wrestled the Tokyo Police JUJUTSU club in 1883 and 1884. He was an excellent instructor. He spoke very good English and wrote beautiful Japanese. In 1903, he went to the USA where he taught JUDO to President T. Roosevelt. Three years later he left the USA for Japan, he attended an important JUDO conference held in Kyoto. JIGORO KANO awarded him the first 10^th DAN after his death on October 26, 1935, although he dated the certificate two days before the death.

For Reading

Yamashita, Yoshiaki. (1903, August 26). Letter to Sam Hill in Maryhill Museum of Art collection.

YOKOYAMA SAKUJIRO (1864-1912)

After studying the TENSHIN SHINYO RYU style under Keitaro Inoue of Yushima Tenjin, Mr. Sakujiro Yokoyama entered KODOKAN in April of 1886.
Naturally adept at Jujutsu, Mr. Yokoyama had both a powerful physique and a diligent attitude toward training, and he quickly became a skillful JUDO practitioner. In 1887, he became a zealous JUDO instructor, taking positions as supporter of the JU-JUTSU department for the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department, and as a KODOKAN supervisor.
He also trained instructors by teaching Judo at the Tokyo Advanced Teacher Training School, etc.
Mr. Yokoyama died in 1912 at the age of 49. (See BOOKS ON JUDO)

YOSHIDA GEORGE (1897- ?)

Japanese-American JUDO pioneer. He came to the USA. In 1917 from Japan, settled in New York City, and joined the Nippon Athletic Club, where he began his JUDO training. In 1923, he had attained his first Black Belt rank and his second in 1934. In 1939 the month before World War II began in Europe, he was made Third DAN. When the Honorable Risei Kano, President of the KODOKAN (1952-1965) Institute, visited the New York DOJO in 1952, he personally promoted Mr. Yoshida to Fourth Degree, and on his return in 1961 promoted him to Fifth Degree.

YOSHIMATSU YOSHIHIKO (1921-1988)

Japanese JUDO fighter who won three ALL JAPAN CHAMPIONSHIPS (1952, 1953, and 1955) and was second in the first WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS in 1956. He was second to DAIGO Toshiro in the 1951 ALL-JAPAN CHAMPIONSHIPS.