Keiko Fukuda Quotes
Keiko Fukuda
Keiko Fukuda (1913-2013) was a Japanese martial artist and the highest-ranking female judoka in history. She was the last living student of Jigoro Kano, the founder of judo. Fukuda was a 9th dan in judo, the highest rank attainable, and the first woman to be awarded the rank. She was also the founde…Read More
Keiko Fukuda (1913-2013) was a Japanese martial artist and the highest-ranking female judoka in history. She was the last living student of Jigoro Kano, the founder of judo. Fukuda was a 9th dan in judo, the highest rank attainable, and the first woman to be awarded the rank. She was also the founder of the Sei Shin Kan dojo in San Francisco, the first judo dojo in the United States to be owned and operated by a woman. Fukuda was a pioneer in the martial arts world, and her legacy lives on through her students and the many awards and honors she received throughout her life.Read Less
Keiko Fukuda (1913-2013) was a Japanese martial artist and the highest-ranking female judoka in history. She was the last living student of Jigoro Kano, the founder of judo. Fukuda was a 9th dan in judo, the highest rank attainable, and the first woman to be awarded the rank. She was also the founder of the Sei Shin Kan dojo in San Francisco, the first judo dojo in the United States to be owned and operated by a woman. Fukuda was a pioneer in the martial arts world, and her legacy lives on through her students and the many awards and honors she received throughout her life.
Keiko Fukuda Career Highlights
- Fukuda began her judo training at the age of 21 under the guidance of Jigoro Kano, the founder of judo.
- In 1935, she became the first woman to receive a black belt in judo.
- In 1953, she moved to the United States and became the head instructor at the Soko Joshi Judo Club in San Francisco.
- In 1966, she was awarded the 5th dan (degree) by the Kodokan, the highest rank ever given to a woman at that time.
- In 1972, she was promoted to 6th dan, making her the highest-ranked female judoka in the world.
- In 2006, at the age of 93, she was promoted to 10th dan, the highest rank in judo and the first woman to ever receive this honor.
- She was also the first woman to be inducted into the Black Belt Hall of Fame in 1974 and the International Women’s Sports Hall of Fame in 2004.
Key Contributions by Keiko Fukuda
- Fukuda dedicated her life to promoting and teaching judo, especially to women.
- She was a pioneer for women in the martial arts world, breaking barriers and challenging gender stereotypes.
- She was a strong advocate for the inclusion of women in judo competitions and was instrumental in the creation of the women’s division in the World Judo Championships.
- Fukuda also played a crucial role in the development of the Danzan Ryu style of jujitsu in the United States.
What Sets Keiko Fukuda Apart
- Fukuda’s dedication and passion for judo were unparalleled. She continued to train and teach well into her 90s, inspiring generations of judokas.
- She was a living legend and a role model for women in martial arts, proving that age and gender are not barriers to achieving greatness.
- Fukuda’s perseverance and determination to break through the male-dominated world of judo made her a trailblazer and a true pioneer.
Takeaways
- Keiko Fukuda’s legacy continues to inspire and empower women in the martial arts world.
- Her achievements and contributions to judo have paved the way for future generations of female judokas.
- Fukuda’s story is a testament to the power of determination, hard work, and breaking through societal barriers to achieve one’s goals.
Other People
Mixed Martial Artist
1988
Mixed Martial Artist
· Sweden
1987
Mixed Martial Artist
1984
Mixed Martial Artist
· Netherlands
1980
