Pioneers

Kenshiro Abbe (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 aikido to the UK and Europe.

Masahiko Kimura (Japan, 1917–1993), defeated founder of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and only lost four times in his entire career.

Gunji Koizumi (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.

Mitsuyo Maeda (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-Jitsu.  He was also a prize-fighter in no holds barred competitions.

Kenji Tomiki (Japan, 1900–1979), Kodokan 8th dan and Aikido 8th dan. Tomiki is perhaps best known in the judo world for development of the Kodokan Goshin Jusukata. His work Judo, published in 1956, is considered a classic.