List of judoka
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This is a list of highly notable judoka (
judo is an unarmed gendai budō, modern Japanese martial art, Olympic sport (since 1964), and the most prominent form of jacket wrestling competed internationally.『日本大百科全書』電子版【柔道】(CD-ROM version of Encyclopedia Nipponi ...
practitioners).


Founder

* Jigorō Kanō (Japan, 1860–1938) founded judo, and established the Kōdōkan in 1882. Judo was the first
Japanese martial art Japanese martial arts refers to the variety of martial arts native to the country of Japan. At least three Japanese terms (''budō'', ''bujutsu'', and ''bugei'') are used interchangeably with the English phrase Japanese martial arts. The usag ...
to gain widespread international recognition, and the first to become an official
Olympic sport Olympic sports are contested in the Summer Olympic Games and Winter Olympic Games. The 2020 Summer Olympics included 33 sports; the 2022 Winter Olympics included seven sports. Each Olympic sport is represented by an international governing b ...
. Kanō was also a pioneer of international
sport Sport pertains to any form of Competition, competitive physical activity or game that aims to use, maintain, or improve physical ability and Skill, skills while providing enjoyment to participants and, in some cases, entertainment to specta ...
s. Accomplishments included being the first Asian member of the
International Olympic Committee The International Olympic Committee (IOC; french: link=no, Comité international olympique, ''CIO'') is a non-governmental sports organisation based in Lausanne, Switzerland. It is constituted in the form of an association under the Swiss ...
(IOC). His official honours and decorations included the First Order of Merit and Grand
Order of the Rising Sun The is a Japanese order, established in 1875 by Emperor Meiji. The Order was the first national decoration awarded by the Japanese government, created on 10 April 1875 by decree of the Council of State. The badge features rays of sunlight ...
and the Third Imperial Degree. He was inducted to the IJF Hall of Fame on 14 May 1999. The ''IJF Hall of Fame'' was established in 1999. Only three people have ever been inducted into it.


Highest grades

Only fifteen people have been promoted to 10th dan by the Kōdōkan. Twelve were promoted between 1935 and 1984. The other three were promoted together on 8 January 2006. However as of October 2022-end, all three of the 2006 promotion recivers are deceased, so presently there are no living 10th dan-holders with Kōdōkan grade recognition. Other judoka have been promoted to 10th dan by the IJF, though not recognised by the Kōdōkan, which recognises no grades other than its own. Some national (country) associations, continental unions and independent (often multi-style) bodies have also promoted judoka to 10th dan.


Male – Kōdōkan 10th dan

* Yoshitsugu Yamashita (Japan, 1865–1935) (his first name is sometimes mispronounced as ''Yoshiaki'') promoted to Kōdōkan 10th dan in 1935, the first person ever awarded 10th dan by the Kōdōkan. Although he was promoted posthumously his promotion was antedated to be effective two days before his passing. He was also a pioneer of judo in the United States, where he taught judo to President
Theodore Roosevelt Theodore Roosevelt Jr. ( ; October 27, 1858 – January 6, 1919), often referred to as Teddy or by his initials, T. R., was an American politician, statesman, soldier, conservationist, naturalist, historian, and writer who served as the 26t ...
. *
Hajime Isogai was an early student of judo and the second person to be promoted to 10th dan. He was considered to be a ''newaza'' expert, although was also famed by his '' tachiwaza'' as well. He was an early promoter of the kosen judo circuit. Biography Isog ...
(Japan, 1871–1947) promoted to Kōdōkan 10th dan in 1937. He was the first person to receive and actually hold this rank while still alive. * Hideichi Nagaoka (Japan, 1876–1952) (his first name is sometimes mispronounced as either ''Hidekazu'' or ''Shūichi'') promoted to Kōdōkan 10th dan in 1937. He was the last of only three people to be promoted to 10th dan by Kanō-shihan himself. * Kyūzō Mifune (Japan, 1883–1965) promoted to Kōdōkan 10th dan in 1945 under the presidency of Jirō Nangō. Mifune is considered to be one of the greatest judo technicians ever. Mifune also held the title of Meijin and the rank of 10th dan awarded by the Kokusai Budō Renmei/IMAF. * Kunisaburō Iizuka (Japan, 1875–1958) promoted to Kōdōkan 10th dan in 1946. * Kaichirō Samura (Japan, 1880–1964) promoted to Kōdōkan 10th dan in 1948. *Shotarō Tabata (Japan, 1884–1950) promoted to Kōdōkan 10th dan in 1948. *Yoshitarō Okano (Japan, 1885–1967) promoted to Kōdōkan 10th dan in 1967. *
Matsutarō Shōriki was a Japanese media mogul and politician. He owned the ''Yomiuri Shimbun'' newspaper, the main mouthpiece for the military dictatorship during the war, after the war it gained Japan’s highest readership while openly distributing nationalistic ...
(Japan, 1885–1969) promoted to Kōdōkan 10th dan in 1969. He was also known as the father of Japanese professional baseball. *Shōzō Nakano (Japan, 1888–1977) promoted to Kōdōkan 10th dan in 1977. *Tamio Kurihara (Japan, 1896–1979) promoted to Kōdōkan 10th dan in 1979. *
Sumiyuki Kotani 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 unti ...
(Japan, 1903–1991) promoted to Kōdōkan 10th dan in 1984. * Ichirō Abe (Japan, 1922–2022) promoted to Kōdōkan 10th dan on 8 January 2006, at age 83. Abe was international chairperson of the ''All Nippon Judo Federation'' and had strong links internationally through coaching in Europe. *
Toshirō Daigo 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 pro ...
(Japan, 1926–2021) promoted to Kōdōkan 10th dan on 8 January 2006, at age 80. Daigo was a two-time winner of the ''All Nippon Judo Tournament'' (1951 and 1954), and a former manager of the Japanese national team, and until his retirement was the Chief-Instructor at the Kōdōkan. Daigo was known by the nickname ''Mr. Kōdōkan''. * Yoshimi Ōsawa (Japan, 1926–2022) promoted to Kōdōkan 10th dan on 8 January 2006, at age 79. Ōsawa coached at the Kōdōkan for a long time, and was recognised for his support of women's judo. Ōsawa was known by the nickname ''Current Ushiwakamaru'' (
Ushiwakamaru was a military commander of the Minamoto clan of Japan in the late Heian and early Kamakura periods. During the Genpei War, he led a series of battles which toppled the Ise-Heishi branch of the Taira clan, helping his half-brother Yoritomo consol ...
was the childhood name of a legendary twelfth-century
samurai were the hereditary military nobility and officer caste of medieval and early-modern Japan from the late 12th century until their abolition in 1876. They were the well-paid retainers of the '' daimyo'' (the great feudal landholders). They h ...
who was small but quick.)


Male – International Judo Federation 10th dan

* Charlie Palmer (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 Geesink Antonius Johannes Geesink (6 April 1934 – 27 August 2010) was a Dutch people, Dutch List of judoka#Highest grades, 10th dan judoka. He was the first non-Japanese judoka to win gold at the World Judo Championship, a feat he accomplished in 1961 ...
(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). * Yoshihirō ‘Yosh’ Uchida (United States, 1920–), USA Judo 10th dan, July 19, 2013 - subsequently acknowledged and recognized by the IJF. Head judo coach at San Jose State University for over 60 years, and served as the coach of the first US Olympic Judo Team at the 1964 Games held in Tokyo *
Franco Capelletti Franco may refer to: Name * Franco (name) * Francisco Franco (1892–1975), Spanish general and dictator of Spain from 1939 to 1975 * Franco Luambo (1938–1989), Congolese musician, the "Grand Maître" Prefix * Franco, a prefix used when ref ...
(Italy, 1938–) IJF 10th dan (promoted in August 2017). Capelletti is a former Technical Director (1975-1988) and (2004-2008) and Vice-President (2004-2016) of the Italian Judo Federation FIJLKAM, Sports Director of the EJU (1995-2003), and President of the IJF Kata Commission (2008-date). The intent to promote Capellettti to this rank was announced in July 2017, with the promotion being awarded in August 2017 at the Senior World Judo Championships in Budapest.


Male – 10th dan, National Governing Body or Continental Union

*
Mikinosuke Kawaishi was a Japanese master of jujutsu and judo who achieved the rank of 7th Dan. He led the development of Judo in France, with Shozo Awazu, and much of Europe and is credited with introducing the colored belt system for differentiating early grades ...
(Japan/France, 1899–1969) FFJDA (French Judo Federation) 10th dan *Seok Jin-gyeong (Korea, 1912–1990) (his surname is also sometimes spelled ''Suk''), Korean Judo Association (KJA), 1990. First Korean to be promoted to the rank of 10th dan. *Shin Do-hwan (Korea, approx. 1920–2004), KJA 10th dan, promoted approx. 2000. *Chae Jung Gyum Suhn Sang Nim (Korea, date of birth currently unknown-2007 https://sites.google.com/site/kjainusa/2008-news) (his name is also sometimes spelled ''Lee Suhn Sang Nim''), KJA 10th dan, May 20, 2007. *
Henri Courtine Henri Courtine (11 May 1930 – 20 February 2021) was a French judoka. Career He studied with Mikinosuke Kawaishi, and his assistant, Shozo Awazu. He received a bronze medal at the 1956 World Judo Championships in Tokyo, shared with Anton Geesi ...
(France, 1930–2021), FFJDA 10th dan (promoted in 2007). * Jeremy L. Glick (United States, 1970–2001), USJA ''Honorary'' 10th dan, September 17, 2008. A press release in 2011 from the USJA mentions George Harris' 10th dan promotion as the first USJA 10th dan promotion hence suggesting that Glick's promotion was an honorary promotion. * Jaap Nauwelaerts de Agé (Netherlands, 1917–2016), Dutch Judo Federation (JBN), 10th dan, November 15, 2008. *Yi Bang-geun (Korea/USA, 1924–) (his surname is also sometimes spelled ''Lee''), KJA 10th dan, January 2010. *Jang Kyeong-sun (Korea, 1922-2022) (his name is also sometimes spelled ''Chang Kyung Soon''), KJA 10th dan, date of promotion unknown. * George Harris (United States, 1933–2011), USJA 10th dan, January 15, 2011. First 10th dan recognized by the three major judo organizations in the US. Placed 5th in the 1956 World Championships, won six Air Force judo championships, four US National titles, two Gold Medals in the Pan-American Games, and represented the United States in the 1964 Olympics, and was one of the leaders of the Armed Forces Judo Association (AFJA) that later evolved into the United States Judo Association (USJA), founded in 1968. *
Karl Geis Karl Geis (1933 – April 7, 2014) was an American judo, aikido, and jodo instructor. He died of prostate cancer. Karl Geis is a member of the Black Belt Magazine Hall of Fame, and the founder of Fugakukai International Association. Martial ar ...
(United States, 1933–2014), USJA 10th dan, March 12, 2014. Geis was one of the founders of the USJA. During the late 1950s and early 1960s Geis practiced in Japan where his judo sensei included Osawa, Daigo, Kotani, Kudo, Miyake, Kobayashi, and Ushijima. Miyake Tsunako and Tomiki Kenji were his primary Aikido teachers, from which he received Rokudan directly from Tomiki-shihan. Upon his return to the US he opened his own dōjō in Houston which he ran until shortly before his death on April 7, 2014. Geis contributed to the development of some of our early U.S. judo Olympians and many well-known American judo leaders. * Massao Shinohara (Brazil, 1925–2020), Brazilian National Federation 10th dan, 18 November 2017. * Haruo Imamura (1933–2017), previously a Kōdōkan 8th dan (since 2000) and a USJF 9th dan (since 2007), was posthumously promoted to judo 10th dan by the USJF on May 12, 2018. In 1956 Imamura was captain of Tenri University's successful judo team. He later moved to the US, where he won the 1960 US Nationals in the -180 lbs division and also won the overall Grand Champion title. *
Jim Bregman James Steven Bregman (born November 17, 1941, in Arlington, Virginia) was a member of the first American team to compete in judo in the Summer Olympics. He is an Olympic bronze medalist, a world championships bronze medalist, a Pan American Games ...
(United States, 1941–), USJA 10th dan, January 19, 2018. Bregman represented the U.S. at judo in the 1964 Tokyo Olympic Games, winning a Bronze Medal in the under 60 kg category. He was presented with his 10 dan certificate on July 7, 2018.
Harold E. Sharp
(United States, 4-9-1927 to 3-21-2021), Nanka 10th dan, November 12, 2020. The Nanka Judo Yudanshakai (SoCal Judo Association) recognized by Jigoro Kano in 1930, bestowed the highest rank on Sensei Harold E. Sharp 'Hal'. Known worldwide for his 1955 book 'The Sport of Judo' and subsequent books including his latest ' The Road to Black Belt', Sharp Sensei was gifted by the Prince of Japan in 1954 for great achievements in Japan for winning an international judo competition, and being instrumental to the growth of judo after WWII leading to its inclusion in the Olympics. The Hal Sharp Teacher's Foundation documents his 75+ years of dedication to spreading judo's positive philosophy.
Kyu Ha Kim
(United States, 1935–2021), USJA 10th dan, May 17, 2021. Kim was two-time Grand Champion of South Korea in the late 50's prior to his move to the United States in 1960 where he settled in Pittsburgh, PA. He ran his own judo school and developed a cadre of renown students includin

and was the US Olympic Judo Coach in 1980. He also taught judo at the University of Pittsburgh since 1972.


Independent Bodies, 10th dan

*Kazuo Itō (Japan, 1898–1974), Kokusai Budō Renmei/IMAF, 10th dan Meijin (promotion date unknown). Itō, a student of Mifune, also held the rank of Kōdōkan 9th dan. *Taksasue Itō (Japan, 1887–1981), Kokusai Budō Renmei/IMAF, 10th dan Meijin (promotion date unknown). Itō, a previous personal secretary to Jigorō Kanō, also held the rank of Kōdōkan 9th dan. *Tokuji Oshita (Japan, date of birth unknown) (in some sources his first name omitted and instead substituted by the initial ''K.''), Kokusai Budō Renmei/IMAF, 10th dan Meijin (promotion date unknown). * Philip S. Porter (United States, 1925–2011), USMA 10th dan, January 1, 2005. * Dieter Teige (Germany, 1939–), Deutsches Dan Kollegium, 10th dan, October 30, 2010. Teige, a former president of the Deutsches Dan Kollegium, is the first German 10th dan-holder. His rank is recognized neither by the national governing body, the German Judo Federation (DJB) nor was it homologated by the International Judo Federation. *
Brian Jacks Brian Jacks (born 5 October 1946) is a British judoka who won Britain's first medal at a world championship, taking a bronze in Salt Lake City in 1967, and gained a second bronze at the 1972 Summer Olympics, 1972 Munich Olympics. Superstars ...
(UK, 1946–), still listed with his official judo rank of 8th dan since November 1994, is now also listed by a British multi-martial arts organization called World Martial Arts Council, as a 10th dan. No specific promotion date was mentioned. Brian Jacks was the first judoka to win a medal in the World Championships for the UK (bronze, 1967, Salt Lake City). He also competed at three Olympic Games - winning bronze, 1972, Munich. *Jack Hearn (UK, 1923–), FESECAM 10th dan September 2020. Achievements unknown.


Female – 10th dan, National Governing Body

*
Keiko Fukuda was a Japanese American martial artist. She was the highest-ranked female judoka in history, holding the rank of 9th ''dan'' from the Kodokan (2006), and 10th ''dan'' from USA Judo (July 2011) and from the United States Judo Federation (USJF) (S ...
(Japan/United States, 1913–2013), USA Judo and USJF 10th dan (promoted in 2011), Kōdōkan Joshi 9th dan. She was part of a group of three women, including also Masako Noritomi, who were the first to be promoted to Joshi 6th dan after a ''glass ceiling'' prior to 1972 apparently held back women from being awarded promotions above Joshi 5th dan. Fukuda also was the first woman to be promoted to Joshi 9th dan by the Kōdōkan and the 32nd or 33rd person in the world ever to be promoted to 10th dan in judo.


Pioneers

* Kenshirō Abe (Japan, 1915–1985), Kōdōkan 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
aikido Aikido ( , , , ) is a modern Japanese martial art that is split into many different styles, including Iwama Ryu, Iwama Shin Shin Aiki Shuren Kai, Shodokan Aikido, Yoshinkan, Renshinkai, Aikikai and Ki Aikido. Aikido is now practiced in around 1 ...
to the UK and Europe. *
Shozo Awazu was a Japanese master of judo who achieved the rank of Kōdōkan 9th Dan. He led the development of judo in France. Biography Shozo Awazu was born in Kyoto in 1923. He came in France in 1950 and assisted Mikinosuke Kawaishi in introducing judo ...
(Japan/France, 1923–2016), Kōdōkan 9th dan, pioneer of judo in France. *Haku Michigami (Japan/France, 1912–2002), FFJDA (French Judo Federation) 9th dan, Kōdōkan 7th dan, sent in France by Tamio Kurihara (10th dan) in 1953. Teacher of Anton Geesink. *
Masahiko Kimura was a Japanese judoka and professional wrestler who is widely considered one of the greatest judoka of all time.Jim Chen, Theodore ChenThe Man Who Defeated Helio Gracie.July 3, 2003. He won the All-Japan Judo Championships three times in a row ...
(Japan, 1917–1993), Kōdōkan 7th dan, defeated
Helio Gracie Helio may refer to: * Helio AU-24 Stallion * Helio (wireless carrier), a defunct American wireless communications provider (2005–2010); originally a joint venture between SK Telecom and EarthLink, purchased by Virgin Mobile USA in 2008 * ...
, founder of
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ; pt, jiu-jitsu brasileiro ) is a self-defence martial art and combat sport based on grappling, ground fighting (ne-waza) and submission holds. BJJ focuses on the skill of taking an opponent to the ground, control ...
and only lost four times in his entire career. * Gunji Koizumi (Japan, 1885–1965), Kōdōkan 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. * Tsunejirō Tomita (Japan, 1865–1937), Kōdōkan 7th dan, teacher of
Mitsuyo Maeda ,Virgílio, pp. 22–25 a Brazilian naturalized as Otávio Maeda (),Virgílio, p. 9 was a Japanese ''judōka'' (judo practitioner) and prizefighter in no holds barred competitions, also being one of the first documented mixed martial artists of t ...
. One of the first two students to be awarded Kōdōkan first grade (
shodan SHODAN (Sentient Hyper-Optimized Data Access Network) is a fictional artificial intelligence and the main antagonist of the cyberpunk-horror themed video games ''System Shock'' and ''System Shock 2''. Character design SHODAN is an artificial in ...
). One of the four Guardians of the Kōdōkan. * Shirō Saigō (Japan, 1886–1922), Kōdōkan 5th dan. One of the first two students to be awarded Kōdōkan first grade (
shodan SHODAN (Sentient Hyper-Optimized Data Access Network) is a fictional artificial intelligence and the main antagonist of the cyberpunk-horror themed video games ''System Shock'' and ''System Shock 2''. Character design SHODAN is an artificial in ...
), and the first student to be promoted by Jigorō Kanō to Kōdōkan 4th dan. One of the four Guardians of the Kōdōkan. Inspiration for
Akira Kurosawa was a Japanese filmmaker and painter who directed thirty films in a career spanning over five decades. He is widely regarded as one of the most important and influential filmmakers in the history of cinema. Kurosawa displayed a bold, dyna ...
's 1943 directorial debut, Sugata Sanshirō. * Sakujirō Yokoyama (Japan, 1864–1912), Kōdōkan 8th dan. First person to obtain the rank of 8th dan (was also the first 6th and 7th dan but shared this honor together with Yoshitsugu Yamashita), and one of the earliest disciples of Jigorō Kanō, considered the most formidable of all judo experts of his time. One of the four Guardians of the Kōdōkan. *
Mitsuyo Maeda ,Virgílio, pp. 22–25 a Brazilian naturalized as Otávio Maeda (),Virgílio, p. 9 was a Japanese ''judōka'' (judo practitioner) and prizefighter in no holds barred competitions, also being one of the first documented mixed martial artists of t ...
(Japan, 1878–1941), Kōdōkan 7th dan, pioneer of judo in Brazil, the UK, and other countries, teacher of the Gracie family, fundamental to the creation of
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ; pt, jiu-jitsu brasileiro ) is a self-defence martial art and combat sport based on grappling, ground fighting (ne-waza) and submission holds. BJJ focuses on the skill of taking an opponent to the ground, control ...
. He was also a prize-fighter in no holds barred competitions. *
Kenji Tomiki 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) ...
(Japan, 1900–1979), Kōdōkan 8th dan and
Aikido Aikido ( , , , ) is a modern Japanese martial art that is split into many different styles, including Iwama Ryu, Iwama Shin Shin Aiki Shuren Kai, Shodokan Aikido, Yoshinkan, Renshinkai, Aikikai and Ki Aikido. Aikido is now practiced in around 1 ...
8th dan. Tomiki is perhaps best known in the judo world for his significant role in the committee that developed
Kodokan Goshin Jutsu is the most recent Judo kata of Kodokan and was established in 1956. Compared to Kime no kata it is a more modern set of self-defence techniques. Instead of attacks with swords, the kata contains defences against attacks with stick and pistol. ...
. His work ''Judo Appendix: Aikido'', published in 1956, is considered a classic. *
Minoru Mochizuki was a Japanese martial artist who founded the dojo Yoseikan. He was a 10th dan in Aikido, 9th dan in Jujutsu, 8th dan in Iaido, 8th dan in Judo, 8th dan in Kobudo, 5th dan in Kendo, 5th dan in Karate, and a 5th dan in Jojutsu. Mochizuki was ...
(Japan, 1907–2003), Kōdōkan 8th dan and
Aikido Aikido ( , , , ) is a modern Japanese martial art that is split into many different styles, including Iwama Ryu, Iwama Shin Shin Aiki Shuren Kai, Shodokan Aikido, Yoshinkan, Renshinkai, Aikikai and Ki Aikido. Aikido is now practiced in around 1 ...
10th dan. Under the tutelage of Jigorō Kanō, the founder of judo, Mochizuki became the youngest member of the Kobudō Kenkyūkai – an organization for the study, preservation and development of classical martial arts – established within the Kōdōkan. In 1930, he was sent by Jigorō Kanō to study aikijujutsu with Morihei Ueshiba. He was the uchi-deshi of Morihei Ueshiba at the Kōbukan dōjō for one year before opening his own dōjō in Shizuoka City in 1931. *Ryuzo Ogawa (Japan/Brazil, 1883–1975), Kōdōkan 8th dan, pioneer of judo in Brazil, founder of the Brazilian Budokan Association.


Notable competitors


Male

*
Anton Geesink Antonius Johannes Geesink (6 April 1934 – 27 August 2010) was a Dutch people, Dutch List of judoka#Highest grades, 10th dan judoka. He was the first non-Japanese judoka to win gold at the World Judo Championship, a feat he accomplished in 1961 ...
(Netherlands, 1934–2010), World Champion 1961 as first Judoka not from Japan, Olympic Champion 1964 in Tokio, 20-times European champion, First European Judoka with highest Dangrade 10th Dan. *
Ilias Iliadis Ilias Iliadis ( el, Ηλίας Ηλιάδης, born Jarji Zviadauri, ka, ჯარჯი ზვიადაური, on 10 November 1986) is a Georgian-born Greek judoka. He was named the 2014 Greek Male Athlete of the Year. He won a gold me ...
(Greece, 1984–), Olympic gold and bronze medalist and Gold medalist on Masters and three times world champion). *
Teddy Riner Teddy Pierre-Marie Riner (, ; born 7 April 1989) is a French judoka. He has won ten World Championships gold medals, the first and only judoka (male or female) to do so, and three Olympic gold medals (two individual, one team). He has also won ...
(France, 1989–), two-time Olympic gold medalist and ten-time World Champion. *
David Douillet David Donald Hubert Roger Douillet (; born 17 February 1969) is a French politician and retired judoka. Douillet was born in the city of Rouen. Standing at and weighing , he won the judo heavyweight gold medals in the 1996 and 2000 Summer Olym ...
(France, 1969–), two-time Olympic gold medalist and four-time World Champion. *
Isao Okano is a retired judoka who competed in the middleweight (−80 kg) division in the 1964 Summer Olympics.
(Japan, 1944–), Olympic gold medalist, World Champion, and two time All-Japan champion. * Kosei Inoue (Japan, 1978–), Olympic gold medalist and three-time World Champion. * Ole Bischof (Germany, 1979–), Olympic gold and silver medalist. *
Udo Quellmalz Udo Quellmalz (born 8 March 1967 in Leipzig) is a German judoka, who is nicknamed ''Quelle''. He won two Olympic medals in the half-lightweight (60–66 kg) division, in 1992 and 1996. After he retired from competitive judo in 1998, Ud ...
(Germany, 1967–), Olympic gold and bronze medalist and two times World Champion). *
Jeon Ki-Young Jeon Ki-young (전기영, born 11 July 1973 in Cheongju, Chungcheongbuk-do) is a retired judoka who competed in the -78 kg and -86 kg divisions. Jeon has won three consecutive world championships (1993, 1995 & 1997), twice beating ...
(South Korea, 1973–), Olympic gold medalist and three-time World Champion. *
Toshihiko Koga was a Japanese judoka, 9th degree black belt and Olympic champion who competed in the -71 kg and -78 kg divisions. Koga is regarded as having perhaps the greatest ippon seoi nage ever. He died of cancer on March 24, 2021 at the age of ...
(Japan, 1967–2021), Olympic gold medalist and three-time World Champion. * Wim Ruska (Netherlands, 1940–2015), two-time Olympic gold medalist and two-time Olympic World Champion. * Hitoshi Saitō (Japan, 1961–2015), two-time Olympic gold medalist and World Champion. Coached 2004 Japanese Olympic judo team. * Yasuhirō Yamashita (Japan, 1957–), four-time World Champion and Olympic gold medalist. Compiled a streak of 203 victories (with 7 draws) up until his retirement. *
Hidehiko Yoshida is a Japanese gold-medalist judoka and retired mixed martial artist. He is a longtime veteran of Japan's PRIDE Fighting Championships, competing in the Middleweight (93kg) and Heavyweight divisions. He won gold at the 1992 Summer ...
(Japan, 1969–), World Champion, Olympic gold medalist, and MMA fighter. * Tadahirō Nomura (Japan, 1974–), 3-times olympic gold medalist and one-time World Champion (under 60 kg) *
Antal Kovács Antal Kovács (born 28 May 1972 in Paks, Tolna) is a Hungarian judoka. He was elected Hungarian Sportsman of The Year in 1993 for winning a gold medal at that year's World Judo Championships The World Judo Championships are the highest l ...
(Hungary, 1972–), first Hungarian Olympic gold medalist and World Champion, ten-time World Cup Champion, six-time International Tournament winner. *
Peter Seisenbacher Peter Seisenbacher (born 25 March 1960) is a judo coach and retired judoka from Austria. Judo career He competed in the middleweight category (−86 kg) at the 1980, 1984 and 1988 Olympics and won two gold medals, in 1984 and 1988. He al ...
(Austria, 1960–), two-time Olympic gold medalist and one-time World Champion. *
Lukáš Krpálek Lukáš Krpálek (; born 15 November 1990) is a Czech heavyweight judoka. He is a former world champion (2019) and European champion (2014), former and current Olympic Champion (2016, 2020). He is the most successful judoka in Czech and Czecho ...
(Czechia, 1990–) current world champion, former European champion and current Olympic Champion. He is the most successful judoka in Czech and Czechoslovakian history. *


Female

*
Noriko Anno Noriko Anno (, born May 23, 1976 in Fukue, Yamaguchi, Fukue, Yamaguchi Prefecture, Yamaguchi) 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 ...
(Japan, 1976–), Olympic gold medalist and four-time World Champion. *
Ingrid Berghmans Ingrid Berghmans (born 24 August 1961 in Koersel), also known as Ingrid Vallot, is a judoka from Belgium who has eight times been named Belgian Sportsman of the year, Belgian Sportswoman of the Year. A former world title holder, she is also an O ...
(Belgium, 1961–), six-time World Champion. *
Driulis González Driulis González Morales (born 21 September 1973 in Guantánamo) is a Cuban judoka who has won four Olympic medals, including a gold medal in 1996. She carried the flag for her native country at the opening ceremony of the 2007 Pan American G ...
(Cuba, 1973–), Olympic gold medalist and three-time World Champion. * Kye Sun-Hui (North Korea, 1979–), Olympic gold medalist and four-time World Champion. * Ryōko Tani (Japan, 1976–), two-time Olympic gold medalist and seven-time World Champion. * Masae Ueno (Japan, 1979–), two-time Olympic gold medalist and two-time World Champion. *
Ayumi Tanimoto born August 4, 1981, in Anjo, Aichi, is a Japanese judoka. She was coached by Toshihiko Koga, who is a gold medalist at the Barcelona Olympics and a silver medalist at the Atlanta Olympics Men's Judo. Tanimoto won the Women's -63 kg c ...
(Japan, 1981–), two-time Olympic gold medalist * Xian Dongmei (China, 1975–), two-time Olympic gold medalist *
Tong Wen Tong Wen (; born 1 February 1983 in Tianjin) is a PR China, Chinese judoka. Born in Tianjin, she began training in Judo when she was 13. In the 2008 Summer Olympics she won the gold medal. She also won gold medals at the world championships of ...
(China, 1983–), Olympic gold medalist and three-time World Champion. *
Ulla Werbrouck Ulla Werbrouck (born 24 January 1972 in Izegem) is a former Belgian politician and judoka. At the 1996 Summer Olympics The 1996 Summer Olympics (officially the Games of the XXVI Olympiad, also known as Atlanta 19 ...
(Belgium, 1972–), Olympic gold medalist and six-time European champion. *
Majlinda Kelmendi Majlinda Kelmendi (; born 9 May 1991) is a Kosovan-Albanian former judoka and judo coach. In 2014, Majlinda topped the IJF Women's Prestige World Ranking List. On 7 August 2016, she became the first Kosovan athlete to win a medal at the Olymp ...
(Kosovo, 1991−) Olympic gold medalist, two-time world Champion, two-times European champion; as of 2013, first in the international rankings by the International Judo Federation in the −52 kg category, 1st Kosovar Olympic gold medalist in Judo. *
Kayla Harrison Kayla Jean Harrison (born July 2, 1990) is an American professional mixed martial artist and former Olympic and world champion judoka, currently signed to the Professional Fighters League (PFL). Harrison competed in the weight category in jud ...
(United States, 1990–), two-time Olympic Gold Medalist, World Champion, three-time National Champion and Jr. World Champion. 1st American Olympic gold medalist in judo. *
Ronda Rousey Ronda Jean Rousey (; born February 1, 1987) is an American professional wrestler, actress, former judoka and mixed martial artist. She is currently signed to WWE, where she performs on the SmackDown brand and is the current SmackDown Women’s ...
(United States, 1987–), Rousey became the first American woman to earn an Olympic medal in Judo at the Summer Olympics in Beijing in 2008 and first female UFC champion. *
Paula Pareto Paula Belén Pareto (born 16 January 1986) is an Argentine retired judoka and physician. She was the flag bearer for her country at the closing ceremony of the 2016 Summer Olympics held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. She competed at the 2020 Summer ...
(Argentina, 1986–) She was world champion in 2015 and winner of a bronze medal at the 2008 Beijing Olympics and a gold medal at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics. She became the first Argentine woman to be Olympic champion and the first athlete Argentina that won two Olympic medals in individual disciplines. In 2021, she became the first Argentine to carry the Olympic flag at the opening ceremony of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, representing the American continent. * Yvonne Bönisch (Germany, 1980–), Olympic gold medalist, two-time silver world Champion, two-time silver European champion, 1st German Olympic gold medalist in Judo * Clarisse Agbegnenou (France, 1992–), Olympic gold medalist, five-time World Champion and five-time European champion.


Others

* Trevor Leggett (
United Kingdom The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, commonly known as the United Kingdom (UK) or Britain, is a country in Europe, off the north-western coast of the continental mainland. It comprises England, Scotland, Wales and North ...
), (1914–2000) was one of the first Europeans to study martial arts in Japan, and the first Western ever to hold the rank of 6th dan in
judo is an unarmed gendai budō, modern Japanese martial art, Olympic sport (since 1964), and the most prominent form of jacket wrestling competed internationally.『日本大百科全書』電子版【柔道】(CD-ROM version of Encyclopedia Nipponi ...
awarded by the Kōdōkan (or any other organization) (January 1955). Leggett was also a scholar and prolific writer on Japanese culture. He was honoured for this by being awarded the Order of the Sacred Treasure by the Emperor of Japan in 1984. * Willy Cahill (USA, 1935–), has been teaching and coaching
Judo is an unarmed gendai budō, modern Japanese martial art, Olympic sport (since 1964), and the most prominent form of jacket wrestling competed internationally.『日本大百科全書』電子版【柔道】(CD-ROM version of Encyclopedia Nipponi ...
since 1963. His pupils have captured more than 1200 national and international titles A former judo coach at
Stanford Stanford University, officially Leland Stanford Junior University, is a private research university in Stanford, California. The campus occupies , among the largest in the United States, and enrolls over 17,000 students. Stanford is considere ...
, Cahill was the U.S. Olympic judo mentor in 1988. He also coached the U.S. national judo team from 1980 to 1990. * Anthony Clarke (Australia, 1961–), two-time World blind judo champion and gold medalist in the
paralympics The Paralympic Games or Paralympics, also known as the ''Games of the Paralympiad'', is a periodic series of international multisport events involving athletes with a range of physical disabilities, including impaired muscle power and impaired ...
. Two-time Australian champion against sighted opponents. *
Gene LeBell Ivan “Judo” Gene LeBell (October 9, 1932 – August 9, 2022) was an American martial artist, stunt performer, actor, and professional wrestler. Nicknamed "The Godfather of Grappling", he popularized grappling in professional fighting circ ...
(USA, 1932–2022), two time AAU Judo Champion. Later turned to wrestling, stunt work, and refereeing matches including Muhammad Ali vs. Antonio Inoki. Prolific author. *
Gokor Chivichyan Gokor Chivichyan ( hy, Գոքոր Չիվիչյան; born May 10, 1963) is an Armenian-born American judo, submission grappling, and mixed martial arts instructor. Chivichyan currently trains professional and amateur fighters at the Hayastan MMA A ...
(
Armenia Armenia (), , group=pron officially the Republic of Armenia,, is a landlocked country in the Armenian Highlands of Western Asia.The UNbr>classification of world regions places Armenia in Western Asia; the CIA World Factbook , , and ''Ox ...
, 1963–), United States Ju-Jitsu Federation 7th dan in judo, mostly known from sambo, MMA, and popular Internet websites. * Jason Morris (USA, 1967–), 8th dan 92 Olympic Silver Medalist with 20 gold medals in international competition, 2008 Olympic coach. *
Jan Snijders Jan Snijders (born 14 September 1943 in Eindhoven, North Brabant) 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, ...
(Netherlands, 1943–), instructor and referee at the World Championships and Olympic games. Awarded a silver medal by the
International Judo Federation The International Judo Federation (IJF) was founded in July 1951. The IJF was originally composed of judo federations from Europe and Argentina. Countries from four continents were affiliated over the next ten years. Today the IJF has 200 National ...
in 2003 for his contributions to judo. 8th dan grade holder. * Ron Tripp (USA, 1953–), 6th dan. Competed in over 2,000 Judo,
Sambo , aka = Sombo (in English-speaking countries) , focus = Hybrid , country = Soviet Union , pioneers = Viktor Spiridonov, Vasili Oshchepkov, Anatoly Kharlampiev , famous_pract = List of Practitioners , oly ...
, and
Wrestling Wrestling is a series of combat sports involving grappling-type techniques such as clinch fighting, throws and takedowns, joint locks, pins and other grappling holds. Wrestling techniques have been incorporated into martial arts, combat ...
matches. The only person ever to defeat the BJJ champion
Rickson Gracie Rickson Gracie (; born November 21, 1958) is a Brazilian 9th-degree red belt in Gracie Jiu-Jitsu and a retired mixed martial artist. He is a member of the Gracie family: the third oldest son of Hélio Gracie, brother to Rorion and Relson Grac ...
* Rena Kanokogi (USA, 1935–2009), 7th dan, dubbed "founding mother" of Judo for fighting for equal women's rights and competitions in the sport. *
Vladimir Putin Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin; (born 7 October 1952) is a Russian politician and former intelligence officer who holds the office of president of Russia. Putin has served continuously as president or prime minister since 1999: as prime min ...
(
Russian Federation Russia (, , ), or the Russian Federation, is a List of transcontinental countries, transcontinental country spanning Eastern Europe and North Asia, Northern Asia. It is the List of countries and dependencies by area, largest country in the ...
, 1952–), Putin was awarded 8th dan in 2012 and became the first Russian to have been awarded the eighth dan, joining a handful of judo fighters in the world who have achieved such status. Putin was awarded 7th dan in 2009 and 6th dan (prestigious red & white belt) at the Kodokan in 2000.Black-Belt President Putin: A Man of Gentle Arts
by
Yasuhiro Yamashita is a Japanese judoka. He currently works as an instructor or advisor for numerous organizations, including Tokai University, the International Judo Federation, and thAll Japan Judo Federation He retired from competitive judo on June 17, 1985 a ...
In the 1970s, he was awarded a ''
Master of Sports Unified Sports Classification System of the USSR (russian: Единая Всесоюзная спортивная классификация) is a document which provided general Soviet physical education system requirements for both athletes an ...
'' in both judo and
sambo , aka = Sombo (in English-speaking countries) , focus = Hybrid , country = Soviet Union , pioneers = Viktor Spiridonov, Vasili Oshchepkov, Anatoly Kharlampiev , famous_pract = List of Practitioners , oly ...
. Putin has described judo as "my favorite sport", and he continues to practice it. * Naoki Murata, (Japan, 1949–2020), 8th dan. Authored many books on judo, curator of the Kōdōkan Judo Museum. *
Ilham Zakiyev Ilham Azizaga oglu Zakiyev ( az, İlham Zəkiyev, born 3 March 1980, Sumgayit) is an Azerbaijani blind judoka. He began studying judo when he was 11 years of age. In 1998, when he was 18, he went to serve in Azerbaijani army in the Aşağı Əbd ...
(Azerbaijan, 1980–), two-time World and five-time blind judo champion and two-time gold medalist in the
paralympics The Paralympic Games or Paralympics, also known as the ''Games of the Paralympiad'', is a periodic series of international multisport events involving athletes with a range of physical disabilities, including impaired muscle power and impaired ...
. *
Kyu_Ha_Kim Kyu Ha Kim (February 24, 1935- May 14, 2021) was a South Korean judoka. He was the youngest judoka to get his kudan (9th degree black belt). He was posthumously promoted to , ''jūdan'' the 10th degree black belt. He also practiced in the Korea ...
(Korea, 1935–2021) 10th dan two-time Grand Champion of South Korea in the late 50's *
Katsuko Umezu Katsuko (written: 克子 or 勝子) is a feminine Japanese given name. Notable people with the name include: *, Japanese volleyball player *, Japanese politician *, Japanese scientist {{given name Japanese feminine given names ...
(Japan), Kodokan Joshi 9th Dan.


See also

* List of celebrity judoka *
List of Olympic medalists in judo The following is the list of Olympic medalists in the sport of judo. Men Extra lightweight *60 kg Half lightweight *65 kg (1980–1996) *66 kg (2000–) Lightweight *68 kg (1964) *63 kg (1972–1976) *71 kg ...
* List of world champions in judo *
List of Canadian judoka This is a list of prominent Canadian judoka, including members of the Judo Canada Hall of Fame, lifetime members of Judo Canada, ''kōdansha'' (high ''dan''-holders), all participants in the Olympics, Paralympics, and World Judo Championships, a ...


References


External links


Judo Legends
– Jason Morris Judo Center (realjudo.net)

{{DEFAULTSORT:Judoka * Lists of martial artists Judo-related lists