Jiro Kase (加瀬 次郎, Kase Jirō; born 27 December 1954) is a retired Japanese judoka. Kase is from Sumida, Tokyo and began…Jiro Kase (加瀬 次郎, Kase Jirō; born 27 December 1954) is a retired Japanese judoka. Kase is from Sumida, Tokyo and began judo at Kodokan at the age of a 4th grader. He belonged to Keiyo Gas Co., Ltd after graduation from Meiji University in 1977. In 1981, he won a silver medal at the World Championships held in Maastricht. He also participated All-Japan Championships 5 times from 1977 to 1985. As of 2010, Kase coaches judo at Keiyo Gas.
Radomir Kovačević (20 March 1954 in Drvar — 14 June 2006 in Belgrade) was a Serbian and Yugoslav Olympic judoka and…Radomir Kovačević (20 March 1954 in Drvar — 14 June 2006 in Belgrade) was a Serbian and Yugoslav Olympic judoka and coach. He participated in three Olympic Games (Montreal 1976, Moscow 1980 and Los Angeles 1984) and was an Olympic medalist. He was well known in judo circles and was close friends with world-famous Japanese judo champion Yasuhiro Yamashita. He was a member of the NYC 2012 Olympic Bid Committee.
Seiki Nose (野瀬 清喜, Nose Seiki; born 10 August 1952) is a Japanese judoka who competed in the 1984 Summer Olympics. Nose…Seiki Nose (野瀬 清喜, Nose Seiki; born 10 August 1952) is a Japanese judoka who competed in the 1984 Summer Olympics. Nose was world finalist in Maastricht 1981 and won bronze in Moscow 1983. Nose won five consecutive All Japan titles from 1980 to 1984; won the US Open and Hungarian Open titles; and in 1981, won the Kano Cup in Tokyo.
Yasuhiko Moriwaki (森脇 保彦, Moriwaki Yasuhiko; born 7 May 1952) is a retired Japanese judoka. Moriwaki is from Kake…Yasuhiko Moriwaki (森脇 保彦, Moriwaki Yasuhiko; born 7 May 1952) is a retired Japanese judoka. Moriwaki is from Kake, Hiroshima and began judo at the junior high school days. When he was a member of judo club at Sotoku high-school (崇徳高校, Sōtoku Kōkō), alongside Takao Kawaguchi and Yoshiharu Minami. In 1974, When Moriwaki was a student of Kokushikan University, he won a gold medal at the World University Championships held in Brussels. He took office as the coach of Kokushikan University after graduation from there. In 1979, Moriwaki won a bronze medal of World Championships held in Paris. He was also expected to get medal of Olympic Games in 1980 but he couldn't because the 1980 Summer Olympic Games was boycotted by the Japanese Government. Moriwaki won a gold medal at the World Championships in 1981 at the age of 29. As of 2010, he coaches at Kokushikan Women's Judo Club.
Katsuhiko Kashiwazaki (Japanese: 柏 崎 克 彦; born 16 September 1951, Kuji, Iwate) – Japanese judoka, champion and medalist…Katsuhiko Kashiwazaki (Japanese: 柏 崎 克 彦; born 16 September 1951, Kuji, Iwate) – Japanese judoka, champion and medalist of championships Japan and the world, author of books and one of the leading judo specialists in the world.
Yoshiharu Minami (南 喜陽, Minami Yoshiharu; 10 September 1951 – 29 December 2024) was a Japanese judoka. He competed in…Yoshiharu Minami (南 喜陽, Minami Yoshiharu; 10 September 1951 – 29 December 2024) was a Japanese judoka. He competed in the men's lightweight event at the 1976 Summer Olympics. He was World Champion in 1973 and 1975, and Asia Champion in 1974.
Koji Kuramoto (蔵本 孝二, Kuramoto kōji; born 14 August 1951) is a Japanese former judoka who competed in the 1976 Summer…Koji Kuramoto (蔵本 孝二, Kuramoto kōji; born 14 August 1951) is a Japanese former judoka who competed in the 1976 Summer Olympics.
Kazuo Yoshimura (吉村 和郎, Yoshimura Kazuo; born 6 July 1951) is a retired Japanese judoka. Yoshimura is from Kumamoto…Kazuo Yoshimura (吉村 和郎, Yoshimura Kazuo; born 6 July 1951) is a retired Japanese judoka. Yoshimura is from Kumamoto, Kumamoto. He belonged to Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department after graduation from Nihon University in 1973. In 1973, When Yoshimura was a student of university, he won a bronze medal at the World Championships held in Lausanne. He was expected to get gold medal of World Championships in 1977 or Olympic Games in 1980. But he couldn't because World Championship was cancelled and Olympic Games was boycotted by Japanese Government. Yoshimura retired in 1980 and took office as the coach of Kodogakusha (講道学舎, Kōdōgakusha). Among his students is former world champion, Toshihiko Koga and Hidehiko Yoshida. As of 2010, He has coached All-Japan women's judo team since 1997. In November 2012 he resigned as the women's trainer and was replaced by Hitoshi Saito.
Haruki Uemura (上村 春樹, Uemura Haruki; born 14 February 1951 in Uki, Kumamoto) is a judoka from Japan, who won the gold…Haruki Uemura (上村 春樹, Uemura Haruki; born 14 February 1951 in Uki, Kumamoto) is a judoka from Japan, who won the gold medal in the Open class at the 1976 Summer Olympics in Montreal. In the final of the Olympic tournament in Canada he defeated Great Britain's Keith Remfry. In 2009 Uemura was elected President of Kodokan and awarded the rank of 9th dan.
Sumio Endo (遠藤 純男, Endō Sumio; born 3 October 1950) is a Japanese judoka, Olympic medalist and world champion. Endo is…Sumio Endo (遠藤 純男, Endō Sumio; born 3 October 1950) is a Japanese judoka, Olympic medalist and world champion. Endo is from Kōriyama, Fukushima. After graduation from Nihon University, He belonged to Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department. Endo received a bronze medal in the heavyweight class at the 1976 Summer Olympics in Montreal. He is world champion from 1975 and from 1979. As of 2008, Endo coaches judo at North Asia University in Akita, Japan. He is also one of the 'Frontier Ambassadors' of his hometown Koriyama City.
Shozo Fujii (藤猪 省太, Fujii Shōzō; born 11 May 1950) is a Japanese judoka. He won a gold medal 4 times at the World…Shozo Fujii (藤猪 省太, Fujii Shōzō; born 11 May 1950) is a Japanese judoka. He won a gold medal 4 times at the World Championships. He is from Higashikagawa, Kagawa. After graduation from Tenri University in 1973, he belonged to Kuraray. One year after, He got a job at Kyoto Sangyo University and among his students was Olympic Games champion in 1984, Yoshiyuki Matsuoka. As of 2010, Fujii coaches judo at his alma mater, Tenri University, where he previously studied as an undergraduate.
Toyokazu Nomura (野村 豊和, Nomura Toyokazu; born 14 July 1949) is a retired judoka who competed in the half-middleweight…Toyokazu Nomura (野村 豊和, Nomura Toyokazu; born 14 July 1949) is a retired judoka who competed in the half-middleweight (–70 kg) division.
Kūdō (空道) (formerly known as Daido Juku) is a Japanese hybrid martial art. It is a full-contact combat sport that aims…Kūdō (空道) (formerly known as Daido Juku) is a Japanese hybrid martial art. It is a full-contact combat sport that aims to achieve safety, aggression and practicality, a style of mixed martial arts practised with headgear and gloves. It features stand-up striking, with throwing and grappling techniques being also allowed in the competition, including restraint, locks and chokeholds. Kūdō is a form of budō (modern martial arts) that originated in the Daido Juku school, an organization founded by Azuma Takashi in 1981. The relationship between the Daido Juku school and kudo is similar to that between the kodokan school and judo. Kūdō is found in more than 100 locations in Japan and is practised in more than 50 countries around the world. Although it is a martial art created by the Japanese, Russia currently has the largest number of Kūdō athletes, eclipsing the number of Japanese practitioners.
Chonosuke Takagi (高木 長之助, Takagi Chōnosuke; 26 October 1948 – 6 December 2016) was a Japanese judoka. Takagi is from…Chonosuke Takagi (高木 長之助, Takagi Chōnosuke; 26 October 1948 – 6 December 2016) was a Japanese judoka. Takagi is from Shirahama, Chiba and began judo when he was in junior high school. When he was a member of judo club at Awa high-school (安房高校, Awa Kōkō), the senior of club is Masatoshi Shinomaki. Takagi began working for the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department after graduation from Nihon University in 1971. He participated in the World Championship twice and won a gold medal in 1973 and a bronze medal in 1975. As of 2011, Takagi coached judo at his alma mater, Nihon University. Among his students are Jun Konno, Michiaki Kamochi, Makoto Takimoto and others. He died of a heart attack at the age of 68 on 6 December 2016.
Noriaki "Nori" Bunasawa (樗沢憲昭, Bunasawa Noriaki; born November 3, 1947) is a Japanese and American judoka, a former USA…Noriaki "Nori" Bunasawa (樗沢憲昭, Bunasawa Noriaki; born November 3, 1947) is a Japanese and American judoka, a former USA judo coach at the 1972 Olympic games in Munich and at the 1975 World Judo Championships in Vienna. He is also a judo and jujutsu researcher, Japanese martial arts historian, actor, and co-author of The Toughest Man Who Ever Lived, a novel based on the life of Mitsuyo Maeda. He founded the Judo Journal newspaper which became Judo Jiujitsu Pro-fighting Journal. He was also the press chief for the IJF at the 1996 Olympic games in Atlanta. He is also the founder of Jūkkendo (柔拳道), a martial arts system based on the prize fighting methods of Mitsuyo Maeda.
Motoki Nishimura (西村 昌樹, Nishimura Motoki; born 8 June 1947) is a Japanese former judoka who competed in the 1972…Motoki Nishimura (西村 昌樹, Nishimura Motoki; born 8 June 1947) is a Japanese former judoka who competed in the 1972 Summer Olympics.
Kazuhiro Ninomiya (二宮 和弘, Ninomiya Kazuhiro; 28 November 1946 – 4 May 2026) was a Japanese judoka who competed in the…Kazuhiro Ninomiya (二宮 和弘, Ninomiya Kazuhiro; 28 November 1946 – 4 May 2026) was a Japanese judoka who competed in the 1976 Summer Olympics.
Isamu Sonoda (園田 勇, Sonoda Isamu; 4 November 1946 – 16 July 2026) was a Japanese Olympic champion judoka who competed…Isamu Sonoda (園田 勇, Sonoda Isamu; 4 November 1946 – 16 July 2026) was a Japanese Olympic champion judoka who competed in the middleweight division (–80 kg) at the 1976 Summer Olympics.
Masatoshi Shinomaki (篠巻 政利, born October 6, 1946) is a retired Japanese heavyweight judoka, who won the world title in…Masatoshi Shinomaki (篠巻 政利, born October 6, 1946) is a retired Japanese heavyweight judoka, who won the world title in the open category in 1969 and 1971, placing third in 1967. He also competed at the 1972 Summer Olympics.
Oh Seung-Lip (Korean: 오승립; born 6 October 1946) is a Korean former judoka who competed in the 1972 Summer Olympics. He…Oh Seung-Lip (Korean: 오승립; born 6 October 1946) is a Korean former judoka who competed in the 1972 Summer Olympics. He won a bronze medal at the 1969 World Judo Championships.
Isao Okano (岡野 功, Okano Isao; born 20 January 1944) is a retired judoka who competed in the middleweight division…Isao Okano (岡野 功, Okano Isao; born 20 January 1944) is a retired judoka who competed in the middleweight division (–80 kg) in the 1964 Summer Olympics.
Nobuyuki Sato (佐藤宣践, Satō Nobuyuki; born 12 January 1944) is a Japanese judoka, sambist, Japan national judo coach…Nobuyuki Sato (佐藤宣践, Satō Nobuyuki; born 12 January 1944) is a Japanese judoka, sambist, Japan national judo coach, author, educator and sports science researcher.
Hiroshi Minatoya (湊谷 弘, Minatoya Hiroshi; October 17, 1943 – June 15, 2016) was a Japanese judoka. He was born in…Hiroshi Minatoya (湊谷 弘, Minatoya Hiroshi; October 17, 1943 – June 15, 2016) was a Japanese judoka. He was born in Fukuno, Toyama and began judo at the age of 5. After graduating from Tenri University, Minatoya coached judo at the dojo wichi Anton Geesink managed in Netherlands. In 1969, Minatoya participated in the World Championships in Mexico City and won a gold medal, defending his world championship. Minatoya retired in 1972, when he was defeated by Toyokazu Nomura at the All-Japan Selected Judo Championships and missed the participation of the Olympic Games held in Munich. From 1967 to 2009, he also coached judo at Kanazawa Institute of Technology in Kanazawa, Ishikawa.
Shinobu Sekine (関根 忍, Sekine Shinobu; 20 September 1943 – 18 December 2018) was a Japanese middleweight judoka. He won…Shinobu Sekine (関根 忍, Sekine Shinobu; 20 September 1943 – 18 December 2018) was a Japanese middleweight judoka. He won a gold medal at his only Olympics in 1972.
Hirofumi Matsuda (松田 博文, Matsuda Hirofumi) is a Japanese judoka and world champion. Born in Fukuoka, Hirofumi is a…Hirofumi Matsuda (松田 博文, Matsuda Hirofumi) is a Japanese judoka and world champion. Born in Fukuoka, Hirofumi is a graduate of Kansai University. He received a gold medal in the lightweight class at the 1965 World Judo Championships in Rio de Janeiro, and a silver medal at the 1967 World Judo Championships in Salt Lake City.
Seiji Sakaguchi (坂口征二, Sakaguchi Seiji; born February 17, 1942) is a Japanese retired professional wrestler and judoka…Seiji Sakaguchi (坂口征二, Sakaguchi Seiji; born February 17, 1942) is a Japanese retired professional wrestler and judoka, Sakaguchi holds a 7th dan red and white belt in judo. Sakaguchi was a mainstay of New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) and also competed for the World Wide Wrestling Federation and the National Wrestling Alliance. His sons are professional wrestler and mixed martial arts fighter Yukio Sakaguchi and television actor Kenji Sakaguchi. Sakaguchi currently works for New Japan as an advisor.
Chiaki Ishii (Japanese: チアキ・イシイ; born 石井 千秋, Ishii Chiaki; 1 October 1941 – 16 October 2026) was a Japanese-born…Chiaki Ishii (Japanese: チアキ・イシイ; born 石井 千秋, Ishii Chiaki; 1 October 1941 – 16 October 2026) was a Japanese-born Brazilian judoka, who won Brazil's first Olympic medal in judo at the 1972 Summer Olympics in Munich, West Germany.
Takehide Nakatani (中谷 雄英, Nakatani Takehide; born 9 July 1941) is a retired judoka who won the first gold medal ever…Takehide Nakatani (中谷 雄英, Nakatani Takehide; born 9 July 1941) is a retired judoka who won the first gold medal ever awarded in judo at the Summer Olympics as the Japanese competitor in the lightweight division (–68 kg).
Kim Eui-Tae (Korean: 김의태, born 2 June 1941) is a South Korean former judoka who competed in the 1964 Summer Olympics…Kim Eui-Tae (Korean: 김의태, born 2 June 1941) is a South Korean former judoka who competed in the 1964 Summer Olympics (–80 kg) and in the 1972 Summer Olympics (–93 kg and open category).
Takeshi Koga (古賀 武, Koga Takeshi; born 11 May 1939) is a retired Japanese judoka. Koga is from Kokura, Fukuoka and…Takeshi Koga (古賀 武, Koga Takeshi; born 11 May 1939) is a retired Japanese judoka. Koga is from Kokura, Fukuoka and began judo at the junior high school days. In 1961, When he was a student of Nihon University, was chosen to represent Japan in the World Championship held in Paris and got a bronze medal. Koga began working for the Yawata Steel after graduation from university in 1962. Koga also participated All-Japan Championships 8 times and won a bronze medal in 1965.
Isao Inokuma (猪熊 功, Inokuma Isao; February 4, 1938 – September 28, 2001) was a Japanese judoka. He won a gold medal in…Isao Inokuma (猪熊 功, Inokuma Isao; February 4, 1938 – September 28, 2001) was a Japanese judoka. He won a gold medal in the heavyweight division (above 80 kg) at the 1964 Summer Olympics in Tokyo and a world title in 1965.
Yoshisada Yonezuka (米塚 義定, Yonezuka Yoshisada; May 19, 1937 – October 18, 2014), was a Judo instructor and two time…Yoshisada Yonezuka (米塚 義定, Yonezuka Yoshisada; May 19, 1937 – October 18, 2014), was a Judo instructor and two time U.S. Olympic Judo Team coach.
Akio Kaminaga (神永 昭夫, Kaminaga Akio; December 22, 1936 – March 21, 1993) was a Japanese judoka who won a silver medal…Akio Kaminaga (神永 昭夫, Kaminaga Akio; December 22, 1936 – March 21, 1993) was a Japanese judoka who won a silver medal in the open weight category at the 1964 Summer Olympics.
Koji Sone (曽根 康治, Sone Kōji; November 14, 1928 – April 27, 1981) was a Japanese judoka and world champion. He was born…Koji Sone (曽根 康治, Sone Kōji; November 14, 1928 – April 27, 1981) was a Japanese judoka and world champion. He was born in the city Chichibu, Saitama and started judo in his childhood. His father was a 6th Dan in judo and his uncle a 9th Dan. Sone is a university-trained judoka from Meiji University. After that he belonged to Fuji Iron & Steel. As fifth dan, measuring 5 feet and 10 1/2 inches in height and weighing 215 pounds, he received a gold medal at the 1958 World Judo Championships in Tokyo against teammate and 4th dan Akio Kaminaga. Sone was surprisingly eliminated in the second round of the 1960 All-Japan Judo Championships, a contemporary report by the martial artist Donn F. Draeger calling his performance there a "pitiful sight" and mentioning that he was aging. Sone won a silver medal at the 1961 World Judo Championships in Paris, behind Anton Geesink. His loss against Geesink, 5th dan, was heralded as the end of the era in which the best Japanese judokas could not be defeated by foreigners. Within nine minutes of the 20-minute contest, a foot sweep forced Sone onto the ground where he was held for the necessary 30 seconds with a Mune-gatame. Despite that, many believed that Sone was the technically better judoka. At the age of 33 Sone was relatively old for a judoka. It would be the last World Championship without a division into weight classes. After the loss against Geesink, Sone became coach of the Japanese judo team. Sone was accused by Geesink's teammates in the 1965 World Judo Championships of having Seiji Sakaguchi lose against the more rested Matsunaga to have Matsunaga take on the weary Geesink in the final round. Matsunaga still lost, Geesink winning the heavy-weight title by decision. But the Japanese team hoped to beat him with Isao Inokuma in the all-weight class the next day. Before the match, however, Geesink quit. The jubilant Japanese team carried Sone on their shoulders and paraded him around the gym. In 1977 he achieved the rank of 8th Dan. In 1981 he died of cerebral hemorrhage in Tokyo.
Yoshimi Ōsawa (大澤慶巳, Ōsawa Yoshimi; 6 March 1926 – 21 October 2022) was a Japanese judoka. Before his death, he was the…Yoshimi Ōsawa (大澤慶巳, Ōsawa Yoshimi; 6 March 1926 – 21 October 2022) was a Japanese judoka. Before his death, he was the only living Kodokan 10th dan (and one of only 15 to have attained this rank), having been promoted at the New Year Kagami Biraki Ceremony, 8 January 2006 along with Toshiro Daigo and Ichiro Abe.
Toshirō Daigo (醍醐敏郎, Daigo Toshirō; 2 January 1926 – 10 October 2021) was a Japanese judoka who was the Chief…Toshirō Daigo (醍醐敏郎, Daigo Toshirō; 2 January 1926 – 10 October 2021) was a Japanese judoka who was the Chief Instructor at the Kodokan and a manager of the Japanese national team. Before his death, he was one of only three living Kodokan 10th dan (and one of only 15 to have attained this rank), having been promoted at the New Year Kagami biraki Ceremony, 8 January 2006, along with Ichiro Abe and Yoshimi Osawa.
Shokichi Natsui (夏井 昇吉, Natsui Shōkichi; 10 October 1925 – 13 September 2006) was a Japanese judoka from the Akita…Shokichi Natsui (夏井 昇吉, Natsui Shōkichi; 10 October 1925 – 13 September 2006) was a Japanese judoka from the Akita Prefecture. He became the first world champion in judo, winning the title at the 1956 World Judo Championships in Tokyo, by beating Yoshihiko Yoshimatsu in the final. As there were no weight classes in the world championships until 1965, Natsui was the only champion in 1956.
Shozo Awazu (粟津 正蔵, Awazu Shōzō; April 18, 1923 – March 17, 2016) was a Japanese master of judo who achieved the rank…Shozo Awazu (粟津 正蔵, Awazu Shōzō; April 18, 1923 – March 17, 2016) was a Japanese master of judo who achieved the rank of Kōdōkan 9th Dan. He led the development of judo in France.
Ichiro Abe (安部一郎, Abe Ichirō; 12 November 1922 – 27 February 2022) was a Japanese judoka. He was head of the Promotions…Ichiro Abe (安部一郎, Abe Ichirō; 12 November 1922 – 27 February 2022) was a Japanese judoka. He was head of the Promotions Panel at the Kodokan and former international chairperson of the All Nippon Judo Federation. He was one of only fifteen judoka to have attained Kodokan 10th dan rank, having been promoted at the New Year Kagami biraki Ceremony, 8 January 2006 along with Toshiro Daigo and Yoshimi Osawa.
Yoshihiko Yoshimatsu (吉松 義彦, Yoshimatsu Yoshihiko; November 16, 1920 – July 5, 1988) was a Japanese judoka. Born in…Yoshihiko Yoshimatsu (吉松 義彦, Yoshimatsu Yoshihiko; November 16, 1920 – July 5, 1988) was a Japanese judoka. Born in Kagoshima, Japan, he received a silver medal at the 1956 World Judo Championships in Tokyo, behind winner Shokichi Natsui. He won the All-Japan Judo Championships three times.
Masahiko Kimura (木村 政彦, Kimura Masahiko; 10 September 1917 – 18 April 1993) was a Japanese judoka and professional…Masahiko Kimura (木村 政彦, Kimura Masahiko; 10 September 1917 – 18 April 1993) was a Japanese judoka and professional wrestler. He won the All-Japan Judo Championships three times in a row for the first time in history and had never lost a judo match from 1936 to 1950. In submission grappling, the reverse ude-garami arm lock is often called the "Kimura", due to his famous victory over Gracie jiu-jitsu co-founder Hélio Gracie. In the Japanese professional wrestling world, he is known for being one of Japan's earliest stars and the controversial match he had with Rikidōzan.
Takahiko Ishikawa (石川隆彦, Ishikawa Takahiko, 1917–2008) was an All Japan Judo Champion. In the 1949 All-Japan Judo…Takahiko Ishikawa (石川隆彦, Ishikawa Takahiko, 1917–2008) was an All Japan Judo Champion. In the 1949 All-Japan Judo Championships Tahahiko fought Masahiko Kimura to a draw. In the following year he became the champion and subsequently placed three more times in the semi-finals and then retired.
Kenshiro Abbe (阿部 謙四郎, Abe Kenshirō; 15 December 1915 – 1 December 1985) was a Japanese master of judo, aikido, and…Kenshiro Abbe (阿部 謙四郎, Abe Kenshirō; 15 December 1915 – 1 December 1985) was a Japanese master of judo, aikido, and kendo. He introduced aikido to the United Kingdom in 1955, and founded the Kyushindo system. Abbe was a graduate of the Budo Senmon Gakko, having studied judo and kendo there. Following an early career in the martial arts, he served in the Imperial Japanese Army before and during World War II. He then trained in aikido under its founder, Morihei Ueshiba, for a decade. Abbe held dan ranks in several martial arts, most notably 8th dan in judo, 6th dan in aikido, and 6th dan in kendo. After introducing aikido to the UK, he established several Japanese martial arts councils there during the late 1950s. He returned to Japan in 1964 and remained there for most of the remainder of his life. There are contradictory accounts of Abbe's final years, but it appears that he was in poor spirits and poor health towards the end.
Tatsukuma Ushijima (牛島辰熊, March 10, 1904 – May 26, 1985) was a Japanese judoka and former All-Japan judo champion. he…Tatsukuma Ushijima (牛島辰熊, March 10, 1904 – May 26, 1985) was a Japanese judoka and former All-Japan judo champion. he was also known as a teacher of Masahiko Kimura, a famous judoka. His nickname was "The Demon Ushijima".
Sumiyuki Kotani (小谷 澄之, Kotani Sumiyuki; August 3, 1903 – October 9, 1991) was a Japanese martial artist. He was a…Sumiyuki Kotani (小谷 澄之, Kotani Sumiyuki; August 3, 1903 – October 9, 1991) was a Japanese martial artist. He was a member of the 1932 Japanese Olympic wrestling team. He was one of the highest-ranked judoka, and was awarded a 10th dan in April 1984 by the Kodokan. He was for a long time the oldest 10th dan until Ichiro Abe was awarded the rank age of 83 years. Kotani studied at the Tokyo College of Education and studied judo directly under Jigoro Kano. As a young man, he was known to take on any challenges. Kotani was very active in promoting judo throughout the world and was the director of the international division at the Kodokan for many years. He was also a professor at Tokai University. He was the Kodokan's top representative and vice president of the All Japan Judo Federation. He died on October 19, 1991.
Kenji Tomiki (富木 謙治, Tomiki Kenji; March 15, 1900 – December 25, 1979) was a Japanese martial artist who specialized in…Kenji Tomiki (富木 謙治, Tomiki Kenji; March 15, 1900 – December 25, 1979) was a Japanese martial artist who specialized in aikido and judo family of martial arts. He was a pedagogue of martial arts theory (武道論, Budo-ron). He is the founder of Japan Aikido Association and the competitive aikido (aikido kyogi) style. Tomiki was a professor at Kenkoku University in Manchuria and later at the Faculty of Education at Waseda University. Tomiki is credited in devising and introducing new forms of Randori practice in Aikido. He founded his own Aikido system, which has many differences from other Aikido styles, mainly in randori training, and is referred by several names including Tomiki Aikido, Shodokan Aikido and Sport Aikido.
Mikinosuke Kawaishi (川石 酒造之助, Kawaishi Mikinosuke; born 13 August 1899 – 30 January 1969) was a Japanese master of judo…Mikinosuke Kawaishi (川石 酒造之助, Kawaishi Mikinosuke; born 13 August 1899 – 30 January 1969) was a Japanese master of judo who achieved the rank of 7th Dan. He led the development of Judo in France, with Shozo Awazu, and much of Europe. He is credited with introducing the colored belt system for differentiating early grades. However, written accounts from the archives of London's Budokwai judo club, founded in 1918, record the use of colored judo belts at the 1926 9th annual Budokwai Display, and a list of ranked colored judokas appears in the Budokwai Committee Minutes of June 1927. Kawaishi visited London and the Budokwai in 1928, and was probably inspired to bring the colored belt system to France. The Fédération Française posthumously awarded him 10th Dan in judo and jujutsu.