List of judoka
Encyclopedia
This is a list of highly notable judoka (judo
practitioners).
.
Three judoka have been promoted to 10th dan by the IJF, though not recognised by the Kodokan. Some national (country) associations and continental unions have also promoted judoka to 10th dan.
Judo
is a modern martial art and combat sport created in Japan in 1882 by Jigoro Kano. Its most prominent feature is its competitive element, where the object is to either throw or takedown one's opponent to the ground, immobilize or otherwise subdue one's opponent with a grappling maneuver, or force an...
practitioners).
Founder
- Kano JigoroKano Jigorowas the founder of judo. Judo was the first Japanese martial art to gain widespread international recognition, and the first to become an official Olympic sport. Pedagogical innovations attributed to Kanō include the use of black and white belts, and the introduction of dan ranking to show the...
(Japan, 1860–1938) founded judo, and established the KodokanKodokan, or the Kodokan Institute, is the headquarters of the worldwide judo community. Literally, kō means "to lecture" or "to spread information," dō means "the way," and kan is "a public building or hall," together translating roughly as "a place for the study or promotion of the way." The Kodokan was...
in 1882. Judo was the first Japanese martial art to gain widespread international recognition, and the first to become an official Olympic sportOlympic GamesThe Olympic Games is a major international event featuring summer and winter sports, in which thousands of athletes participate in a variety of competitions. The Olympic Games have come to be regarded as the world’s foremost sports competition where more than 200 nations participate...
. Kano was also a pioneer of international sportSportA Sport is all forms of physical activity which, through casual or organised participation, aim to use, maintain or improve physical fitness and provide entertainment to participants. Sport may be competitive, where a winner or winners can be identified by objective means, and may require a degree...
s. Accomplishments included being the first Asian member of the International Olympic CommitteeInternational Olympic CommitteeThe International Olympic Committee is an international corporation based in Lausanne, Switzerland, created by Pierre de Coubertin on 23 June 1894 with Demetrios Vikelas as its first president...
(IOC). His official honours and decorations included the First Order of Merit and Grand Order of the Rising SunOrder of the Rising SunThe is a Japanese order, established in 1875 by Emperor Meiji of Japan. The Order was the first national decoration awarded by the Japanese Government, created on April 10, 1875 by decree of the Council of State. The badge features rays of sunlight from the rising sun...
and the Third Imperial Degree. He was inducted to the IJF Hall of Fame on 14 May, 1999.
Highest grades
Only fifteen people have been promoted to 10th dan by the Kodokan. Twelve were promoted between 1935 and 1984. The other three were promoted together on 8 January 2006, and they are the only living 10th dans recognized by the KodokanKodokan
, or the Kodokan Institute, is the headquarters of the worldwide judo community. Literally, kō means "to lecture" or "to spread information," dō means "the way," and kan is "a public building or hall," together translating roughly as "a place for the study or promotion of the way." The Kodokan was...
.
Three judoka have been promoted to 10th dan by the IJF, though not recognised by the Kodokan. Some national (country) associations and continental unions have also promoted judoka to 10th dan.
Male – Kodokan 10th dan
- Yamashita YoshiakiYamashita YoshiakiYamashita Yoshitsugu , was the first person to have been awarded 10th degree red belt rank in Kodokan judo. He was also a pioneer of judo in the United States....
(Japan, 1865–1935) (aka Yamashita Yoshitugu) promoted to Kodokan 10th dan in 1935, the first person ever awarded 10th dan by the Kodokan. He was also a pioneer of judo in the United States, where he taught judo to President Theodore RooseveltTheodore RooseveltTheodore "Teddy" Roosevelt was the 26th President of the United States . He is noted for his exuberant personality, range of interests and achievements, and his leadership of the Progressive Movement, as well as his "cowboy" persona and robust masculinity...
. - Hajime Isogai (Japan, 1871–1947) promoted to Kodokan 10th dan in 1937.
- Hidekazu Nagaoka (Japan, 1876–1952) promoted to Kodokan 10th dan in 1937.
- Kyuzo MifuneKyuzo Mifunehas been categorized as one of the greatest exponents of the art of judo after the founder, Kanō Jigorō. He is considered by many to be the greatest judo technician ever, after Kanō.-Early life:...
(Japan, 1883–1965) promoted to Kodokan 10th dan in 1945. Considered to be the greatest judo technician ever after Kano Jigoro. - Kunisaburo Iizuka (Japan, 1875–1958) promoted to Kodokan 10th dan in 1946.
- Kaichiro Samura (Japan, 1880–1964) promoted to Kodokan 10th dan in 1948.
- Shotaro Tabata (Japan, 1884–1950) promoted to Kodokan 10th dan in 1948.
- Kotaro Okano (Japan, 1885–1967) promoted to Kodokan 10th dan in 1967.
- Matsutaro ShorikiMatsutaro Shorikiwas the father of Japanese professional baseball. Born in Daimon, Toyama, he was a media mogul, owned the Yomiuri Shimbun, one of Japan's major daily newspapers, and founded Japan's first commercial television station, Nippon Television Network Corporation...
(Japan, 1885–1969) promoted to Kodokan 10th dan in 1969. He was also known as the father of Japanese professional baseball. - Shozo Nakano (Japan, 1888–1977) promoted to Kodokan 10th dan in 1977.
- Tamio Kurihara (Japan, 1896–1979) promoted to Kodokan 10th dan in 1979.
- Sumiyuki Kotani (Japan, 1903–1991) promoted to Kodokan 10th dan in 1984.
- Ichiro Abe (Japan, c1923–) 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.
- Toshiro Daigo (Japan, 1926–) promoted to Kodokan 10th dan on 8 January 2006, at age 80. Daigo is a two-time winner of the All Nippon Judo Tournament (1951 and 1954), and a former manager of the Japanese national team, and is currently Chief Instructor at the Kodokan. Daigo is known by the nickname Mr Kodokan.
- Yoshimi Osawa (Japan, c1927–) 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 samuraiSamuraiis the term for the military nobility of pre-industrial Japan. According to translator William Scott Wilson: "In Chinese, the character 侍 was originally a verb meaning to wait upon or accompany a person in the upper ranks of society, and this is also true of the original term in Japanese, saburau...
who was small but quick.)
Male – International Judo Federation 10th dan
- Charlie PalmerCharles Stuart William PalmerCharles Stuart William Palmer , OBE was a martial artist. Palmer was a Judo Instructor, President of the Budokwai, President of the British Judo Association , President of the International Judo Federation and Chairman of the British Olympic Association...
(United Kingdom, 1930–2001), IJF 10th Dan (promoted in 1996), was the first non-Japanese to be the President of the IJF. He was inducted to the IJF Hall of Fame on 8 September, 2003. - Anton GeesinkAnton GeesinkAntonius "Anton" Johannes Geesink was a Dutch 10th-dan judoka from Utrecht. He was a three-time World Judo Champion , Olympic Gold Medalist and won 21 European championships...
(Netherlands, 1934–2010), IJF 10th Dan (promoted in 1997), was the first non-Japanese ever to have won a World Championship. He was inducted to the IJF Hall of Fame on 8 September, 2003. - George Kerr (United Kingdom, 1937–) IJF 10th dan (promoted in 2010).
Male – 10th dan, not recognised by the Kodokan or the International Judo Federation
- Mikonosuke KawaishiMikonosuke Kawaishiwas a master of Japanese Judo and Jujutsu, reaching for the life of the 7th Dan, who led the development of Judo in France and much of Europe. The application of belt colors associated with different degrees of learning resulted in a very effective teaching approach for the development of martial...
(Japan/France, 1899–1969) FFJDA (French Judo Federation) 10th dan - Philip S. PorterPhilip S. PorterPhilip S. Porter was a martial artist in the United States.-Biography:Porter began his Martial Arts career as a boxer in 1943 at age 18. He was later a member of the West Point Boxing Team and, in 1950, Light Heavyweight Boxing Champion of the Western Area of the Air Training Command, USAF...
(United States, 1925–2011), USMA 10th dan Judan, January 1, 2005). - Henri CourtineHenri CourtineHenri Courtine is a French judoka. He received a bronze medal at the 1956 World Judo Championships in Tokyo, shared with Anton Geesink, after losing the semi final to winner Shokichi Natsui. He is three times individual European champion , and four times with the French team...
(France, 1930–), FFJDA 10th dan (promoted in 2007). - Jaap Nauwelaerts de Agé (Netherlands, 1917–), JBN 10th dan (promoted in 2008).
Female – 10th dan, not recognised by the Kodokan
- Keiko FukudaKeiko Fukudais the highest-ranked female judo practitioner in history, holding the rank of 9th dan from the Kodokan and the United States Judo Federation , and 10th dan from USA Judo, and is the last surviving student of Kanō Jigorō, founder of judo...
(Japan/United States, 1913–), USJA 10th dan (promoted in 2011), Kodokan 9th dan. The first woman to be promoted past 6th dan following the repeal of the rule banning woman from being awarded higher than 5th dan. The first woman to be promoted to 9th dan by the Kodokan. The last surviving direct student of Jigoro Kano.
Pioneers
- Kenshiro AbbeKenshiro Abbewas a prominent 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 famous Budo Senmon Gakko, having studied judo and kendo there. Following an illustrious early career in the martial arts, he...
(Japan, 1915–1985), Kodokan 8th dan, was the youngest student to gain his 4th Dan in Judo. Founded the British Judo Council. He also founded the British Kendo Council, the British Karate Council, and the International Budo Council, and is credited with the introduction of aikidoAikidois a Japanese martial art developed by Morihei Ueshiba as a synthesis of his martial studies, philosophy, and religious beliefs. Aikido is often translated as "the Way of unifying life energy" or as "the Way of harmonious spirit." Ueshiba's goal was to create an art that practitioners could use to...
to the UK and Europe. - Masahiko KimuraMasahiko Kimurawas a Japanese judoka who is widely considered one of the greatest judoka of all time. Kimura was born on September 10, 1917 in Kumamoto, Japan...
(Japan, 1917–1993), defeated Helio GracieHélio GracieHélio Gracie was a Brazilian martial artist who, together with his brother Carlos Gracie, founded the martial art of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu, known internationally as Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu...
, founder of Brazilian Jiu-JitsuBrazilian Jiu-JitsuBrazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a martial art, combat sport, and a self defense system that focuses on grappling and especially ground fighting...
and only lost four times in his entire career. - Gunji KoizumiGunji Koizumi, known affectionately by colleagues as G.K., was a Japanese master of judo who introduced this martial art to the United Kingdom, and came to be known as the 'Father of British Judo.' He was the founder of the Budokwai, a pioneering Japanese martial arts society in England. Koizumi helped...
(Japan, 1885–1965), Kodokan 8th dan, introduced judo to England. President and founder of the Budokwai. He spent over sixty-four years in judo, teaching it until the day before he died in April 1965. - Tsunejiro TomitaTsunejiro Tomita, born , was the earliest disciple of judo. His name appears in the first line of the enrollment book of the Kōdōkan. Tomita, together with Saigō Shirō, became first in history of judo to be awarded black belt grade by the founder of judo Kanō Jigorō, who established the ranking system...
(Japan, 1865–1937), Kodokan 7th dan, teacher of Mitsuyo MaedaMitsuyo Maeda,a Brazilian naturalized as Otávio Maeda,was a Japanese judōka and prizefighter in no holds barred competitions. He was also known as Count Combat or Conde Koma in Spanish and Brazilian Portuguese, a nickname he picked up in Spain in 1908...
. One of the first two students to be awarded Kōdōkan first grade (shodanShodan, literally meaning "beginning degree," is the lowest black belt rank in Japanese martial arts and the game of Go. The 2nd dan is higher than Shodan, but the 1st dan is called Shodan traditionally and the 1st dan is not called "Ichidan"...
). One of the four Guardians of the Kōdōkan. - Saigō Shirō (Japan, 1886–1922), Kodokan 5th dan. One of the first two students to be awarded Kōdōkan first grade (shodanShodan, literally meaning "beginning degree," is the lowest black belt rank in Japanese martial arts and the game of Go. The 2nd dan is higher than Shodan, but the 1st dan is called Shodan traditionally and the 1st dan is not called "Ichidan"...
). One of the four Guardians of the Kōdōkan. Inspiration for Akira KurosawaAkira Kurosawawas a Japanese film director, producer, screenwriter and editor. Regarded as one of the most important and influential filmmakers in the history of cinema, Kurosawa directed 30 filmsIn 1946, Kurosawa co-directed, with Hideo Sekigawa and Kajiro Yamamoto, the feature Those Who Make Tomorrow ;...
's 1943 directorial debut, Sugata Sanshirō. - Mitsuyo MaedaMitsuyo Maeda,a Brazilian naturalized as Otávio Maeda,was a Japanese judōka and prizefighter in no holds barred competitions. He was also known as Count Combat or Conde Koma in Spanish and Brazilian Portuguese, a nickname he picked up in Spain in 1908...
(Japan, 1878–1941), Kodokan 7th dan, pioneer of judo in Brazil, the UK, and other countries, teacher of the Gracie family, fundamental to the creation of Brazilian Jiu-JitsuBrazilian Jiu-JitsuBrazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a martial art, combat sport, and a self defense system that focuses on grappling and especially ground fighting...
. He was also a prize-fighter in no holds barred competitions. - Kenji TomikiKenji Tomikiwas a Japanese aikido and judo teacher and the founder of aikido style Shodokan.Tomiki was one of the early students of the founder of aikido Morihei Ueshiba, and also of Jigoro Kano, the founder of judo. In 1925, the year he joined Morihei Ueshiba, he obtained 5th dan in judo...
(Japan, 1900–1979), Kodokan 8th dan and AikidoAikidois a Japanese martial art developed by Morihei Ueshiba as a synthesis of his martial studies, philosophy, and religious beliefs. Aikido is often translated as "the Way of unifying life energy" or as "the Way of harmonious spirit." Ueshiba's goal was to create an art that practitioners could use to...
8th dan. Tomiki is perhaps best known in the judo world for development of the Kodokan Goshin JutsuKodokan Goshin JutsuKodokan Goshin Jutsu is a set of prearranged self-defence forms in Judo.It is the most recent kata of Judo, having been created in 1956. It incorporates techniques from aikido through the influence of Kenji Tomiki...
kataKatais a Japanese word describing detailed choreographed patterns of movements practised either solo or in pairs. The term form is used for the corresponding concept in non-Japanese martial arts in general....
. His work Judo, published in 1956, is considered a classic. - Keiko FukudaKeiko Fukudais the highest-ranked female judo practitioner in history, holding the rank of 9th dan from the Kodokan and the United States Judo Federation , and 10th dan from USA Judo, and is the last surviving student of Kanō Jigorō, founder of judo...
(USA, 1913– ), Kodokan 9th dan. The first woman to be promoted past 6th dan following the repeal of the rule banning woman from being awarded higher than 5th dan. The first woman to be promoted to 9th dan by the Kodokan. In August, 2011, she was awarded 10th dan by USA JudoUSA JudoUSA Judo is a non-profit organization which represents from all areas of U.S. judo practitioners, including athletes, coaches, referees and others. The organization is managed by a staff of six at the USA Judo National Office which is located at the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs,...
. The last surviving student of Jigoro Kano.
Male
- Teddy RinerTeddy RinerTeddy Riner is a French judoka. He's and and has been given the nickames Teddy Bear and Teddy Winner. At 18 years and 5 months Teddy Riner became the youngest world champion of the history of his sport. To date, he holds an unmatched record of six world titles obtained in the +100kg, Men's Team...
(France, 1989–), five-time World Champion. - David DouilletDavid DouilletDavid Douillet is a French judoka and politician.Douillet was born in the city of Rouen. Standing at 1.90 meters and weighing 125 kilograms , he won the judo heavyweight gold medals in the 1996 and 2000 Olympic Games in Atlanta and Sydney. He also gained four world titles and a European crown...
(France, 1969–), two-time Olympic gold medalist and four-time World Champion. - Kosei InoueKosei Inoueis a Judo practitioner from Japan. He won the gold medal in the under 100 kg class at the 2000 Summer Olympics. He is well known for his specialty throws, Uchi Mata and Ōuchi gari ....
(Japan, 1978–), Olympic gold medalist and three-time World Champion. - Jeon Ki-YoungJeon Ki-YoungJeon Ki-young is a retired judoka who competed in the -78 kg and -86 kg divisions....
(South Korea, 1973–), Olympic gold medalist and three-time World Champion. - Toshihiko KogaToshihiko Kogais a retired judoka who competed in the -71 kg and -78 kg divisions.-Biography:Koga was born in Kitashigeyasu, Saga, Japan, and began judo in elementary school. He traveled to Tokyo during junior-high school to enter Kodogakusha, a judo school later attended by Olympic gold medalists...
(Japan, 1967–), Olympic gold medalist and three-time World Champion. - Wim RuskaWim RuskaWillem Ruska is a retired judoka from the Netherlands.During his career in the 1960s and 1970s he won seven European titles, five in the +93kg category and two in the open category . He furthermore won two world titles and two Olympic titles...
(Netherlands, 1940–), two-time World Champion and two-time Olympic gold medalist. - Hitoshi SaitoHitoshi Saitois a retired judoka who won two consecutive gold medals at the Olympic games.-Biography:Saito began judo in junior-high school, and in 1974, he was scouted to transfer to the Kokushikan junior-high school, located in Setagaya, Tokyo. He continued to practice judo at the Kokushikan high school, and...
(Japan, 1961–), two-time Olympic gold medalist and World Champion. Coached 2004 Japanese Olympic judo team. - Peter SeisenbacherPeter SeisenbacherPeter Seisenbacher is one of the most successful judo practitioners and participants of the Olympic Games from Austria....
(Austria, 1960–), two-time Olympic gold medalist and World Champion. - Yasuhiro YamashitaYasuhiro Yamashitais one of the most successful judo competitors of all time. He currently works as an instructor or advisor for numerous organizations, including Tokai University, the International Judo Federation, and the...
(Japan, 1957–), the most successful competitive male judoka of all time; four-time World Champion and Olympic gold medalist. Compiled a streak of 203 victories (with 7 draws) up until his retirement. - Hidehiko YoshidaHidehiko Yoshidais a Japanese gold-medalist judoka and retired mixed martial artist. He is a long time veteran of Japan's Pride Fighting Championships, competing in the light heavyweight and heavyweight divisions, also managing to fight in the semi-finals in the Pride 2003 Middleweight Grand Prix...
(Japan, 1969–), World Champion, Olympic gold medalist, and MMA fighter.
Female
- Noriko AnnoNoriko AnnoNoriko Anno is a Japanese judoka who won the gold medal in the women's -78 kg judo at the 2004 Summer Olympics. She has won gold in the World Championship at -78 kg four times, and was fifth in the -72 kg category at the 1996 Summer Olympics.-References:...
(Japan, 1976–), Olympic gold medalist and four-time World Champion. - Ingrid BerghmansIngrid BerghmansIngrid Berghmans is a judoka from Belgium who has eight times been named Belgian Sportswoman of the Year. A former world title holder, she is also an Olympic competitor....
(Belgium, 1961–), six-time World Champion. - Karen Briggs (England), four-time World Champion. Widely regarded as the most successful British woman in the sport.
- Driulis GonzálezDriulis GonzálezDriulis González Morales is a female Cuban judoka who has won four Olympic medals, including a gold medal in 1996. Because of pregnancy, she skipped the 2001 World Championships. After her son's birth González changed from weight category U57 to U63...
(Cuba, 1973–), Olympic gold medalist and three-time World Champion. - Kye Sun-Hui (North Korea, 1979–), Olympic gold medalist and four-time World Champion.
- Marielle Caralipio (Philippines, 2011–), two-time Olympic gold medalist and seven-time World Champion. Youngest ever female World Champion in 2011.
- Masae UenoMasae Uenois a Japanese female judoka who competed in the Athens 2004 Olympics and the Beijing 2008 Olympics. Ueno was born January 17, 1979 in Asahikawa Hokkaidō. In 2004, she earned Japan's fifth Olympic Gold Medal in ten events, taking the 70 kg women's judo event...
(Japan, 1979–), two-time Olympic gold medalist and two-time World Champion. - Alice SchlesingerAlice SchlesingerAlice Schlesinger is an Israeli Olympic judoka. She is a former World Judo Championships bronze medalist, and European junior champion.-Biography:...
(Israel, born 1988), former World Judo Championships bronze medalist, and European junior champion - Ayumi TanimotoAyumi Tanimotoborn August 4, 1981 in Anjo, Aichi, is a Japanese female judoka. She was coached by Toshihiko Koga, who is a gold medalist at the BarcelonaOlympics and a silver medalist at the Atlanta Olympics Men's Judo....
(Japan, 1981–), two-time Olympic gold medalist - Xian DongmeiXian DongmeiXian Dongmei is a female Chinese Judo who competed in the 2004 Summer Olympics and the 2008 Summer Olympics.Born in Sihui, she won the gold medal in the half-lightweight class in both the 2004 and 2008 Olympics....
(China, 1975–), two-time Olympic gold medalist - Tong WenTong WenTong Wen is a Chinese judoka. Born in Tianjin she began training in Judo when she was 13.In 2008 Summer Olympics she won the gold medal...
(China, 1983–), Olympic gold medalist and three-time World Champion. - Ulla WerbrouckUlla WerbrouckUlla Werbrouck is a Belgian politician and former judoka.At the 1996 Summer Olympics, she won the gold medal in the women's half-heavyweight category. In January 2007, she joined the newly-established right-liberal List Dedecker party and in June 2007, she was elected member of the Belgian Chamber...
(Belgium, 1972–), Olympic gold medalist and six-time European champion.
Others
- Anthony ClarkeAnthony Clarke (athlete)Anthony Clarke OAM, ASM is a world class judoka who has been ranked in the top 10 worldwide, in the top 3 in Australia and as the top player in South Australia....
(Australia, 1961–), two-time World blind judo champion and gold medalist in the paralympicsParalympic JudoParalympic judo is an adaptation of the Japanese martial art of judo for visually impaired competitors. The rules of the sport are only slightly different from regular judo competitions...
. Two-time Australian champion against sighted opponents. - Gene LeBellGene LeBellIvan Gene LeBell is a former American Judo champion, instructor, stunt performer, stunt coordinator, and professional wrestler born in Los Angeles, California. LeBell has worked on over 1,000 films and TV shows, and has authored a number of books.In 2000, he was promoted to 9th Dan in US Ju-Jitsu...
(USA, 1932–), two time AAU Judo Champion. Later turned to wrestling, stunt work, and refereeing matches including Mohammed Ali v.s. Inoki. Prolific author. - Jason Morris (USA, 1967–), 7th dan with 20 gold medals in international competition, 2008 Olympic coach.
- Jan SnijdersJan SnijdersJan Snijders is a retired judoka from the Netherlands. Together with his twin brother Peter Snijders, Anton Geesink, Hein Essink, Tonni Wagenaar, Coos Bontje, Jan van Ierland, Martin Poglajen, Joop Gouweleeuw, Wim Ruska, Ernst Eugster, Henk Numan, Peter Adelaar, Willy Wilhelm, Ben Spijkers,...
(Netherlands, 1943–), instructor and referee at the World Championships and Olympic games. Awarded a silver medal by the International Judo FederationInternational Judo FederationThe International Judo Federation was founded in July 1951. The IJF was originally composed of judo federations from Europe plus Argentina. Countries from four continents were affiliated over the next ten years. Today the IJF has 200 National Federations on all continents...
in 2003 for his contributions to judo. 8th dan grade holder. - Ron TrippRon TrippRon Tripp Battle Creek, Michigan, is a World Sambo and Judo champion and the current general secretary of USA Judo. He is also a member of the board of directors of the United States Olympic Committee....
(USA, 1953–), 6th dan. Competed in over 2,000 Judo, SamboSambo (martial art)Sambo is a Russian martial art and combat sport. The word "SAMBO" is an acronym for SAMooborona Bez Oruzhiya, which literally translates as "self-defense without weapons". Sambo is relatively modern since its development began in the early 1920s by the Soviet Red Army to improve their hand to hand...
, and WrestlingWrestlingWrestling is a form of grappling type techniques such as clinch fighting, throws and takedowns, joint locks, pins and other grappling holds. A wrestling bout is a physical competition, between two competitors or sparring partners, who attempt to gain and maintain a superior position...
matches. The only person ever to defeat the BJJ champion Rickson GracieRickson GracieRickson Gracie is a Brazilian 8th degree black and red belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and a retired mixed martial artist. He is a member of the Gracie family: the son of Hélio Gracie, brother to Rorion and Relson Gracie, and half-brother to Rolker, Royce, Robin and Royler Gracie.-Biography:Rickson...
. - Yosh UchidaYosh UchidaYoshihiro "Yosh" Uchida is an American businessman, entrepreneur, and educator who is best known for his contributions to judo...
(USA, 1920–), head judo coach at San Jose State University for over 60 years. Instrumental in the development of judo into a competitive sport. - Hank KraftHank KraftHenry Hank Kraft, born in Queens, NY attended Grover Cleveland High School and Pace College. In 1963 he received his 3rd Dan in Judo. At latest check he is a 6th Dan in Judo....
– trained over 55 national and international competitors who have ranked 1, 2, or 3 in their division http://www.usja-judo.org/GrowingJudo/GrowingJudo2009_06.pdf - Yoshio Senda (Canada, 1930–2009), Former head Judo coach for the Canadian Olympic team, first in North America to attain 9th Dan Black Belt, former head judo coach at Lethbridge Kyodokan Judo Club, Order of Canada. Died September 9th, 2009
- Rena KanokogiRena KanokogiRena "Rusty" Kanokogi , née Glickman, was a renowned Jewish-American judo expert from Brooklyn, New York. In 1959, disguised as a man, she won a medal at a YMCA judo tournament, but had to return it after acknowledging that she was a woman...
(USA, 1935–2009), 7th dan,dubbed "founding mother" of Judo for fighting for equal women's rights and competitions in the sport. - Kiyoshi Shiina (USA ) 8th dan, Coach of 2 US Summer Olympians.
- Murata Naoki, (Japan, 1949–), 7th dan. Authored many books on judo, curator of the KodokanKodokan, or the Kodokan Institute, is the headquarters of the worldwide judo community. Literally, kō means "to lecture" or "to spread information," dō means "the way," and kan is "a public building or hall," together translating roughly as "a place for the study or promotion of the way." The Kodokan was...
Judo Museum. - Bong Yul Shin, (South Korea ) 9th Dan. Authored many books on judo, Also a work out regime. Grandmaster Shin holds a 9th degree Black Belt in TaekwondoTaekwondoTaekwondo is a Korean martial art and the national sport of South Korea. In Korean, tae means "to strike or break with foot"; kwon means "to strike or break with fist"; and do means "way", "method", or "path"...
, Judo and HapkidoHapkidoHapkido is a dynamic and also eclectic Korean martial art. It is a form of self-defense that employs joint locks, techniques of other martial arts, as well as kicks, punches, and other striking attacks...
.
See also
- List of celebrity judoka
- List of Olympic medalists in judo
- Records related to the World Judo Championships
External links
- Judo Legends – Jason Morris Judo Center (realjudo.net)
- 1984 Los Angeles Summer Games Judo Event Magazine