Kodokan 10th Dans

Yamashita Yoshiaki (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 Roosevelt.

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 Mifune (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 Shoriki (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.  VIDEO

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 recognized for his support of women’s judo. Osawa was known by the nickname Current Ushiwakamaru. (Ushiwakamaru was the childhood name of a legendary twelfth-century samurai who was small but quick.)