USJA Coach - Judo Information Site

USJACOACHREMEMBERING MITSUHO KIMURAFebrua ry 22, 1916 - Jan ua ry 28, 2001Kimura Sensei, survived by his loving wife of over 60 years, was born in San Francisco, the oldest of eightbrothers and sisters. He worked for Simmons Mattress Company for 35 years, but his greatest work was in Judo.About 1931, Kimura Sensei and his family moved to San Gabriel in Southern Califomia, where at the age of l5he began his study of Judo; it would be a life long commitment. In 1935, he obtained his competitive Nidanrank, and in the very same year he received his Sandan from Kotani Sensei, Head Instructor ofJapan's KodokanJudo. By 1949, as a Godan, he had returned to San Francisco and opened his first dojo on Post Street. Around1950, he moved his dojo to Kimmon Hall on Bush Street.In 1956, he entered the World Championships, then the equivalent of today's Olympics. In 1966, he changed thename of his dojo to the San Francisco Judo Institute and moved to Taraval Street, where he continued to tutorand mentor many judoka. In 1997 , he received his Kudan rank (9th Degree).Judo students, young and old, came to respect Kimura Sensei's quiet wisdom. He was a world class individual,who served Judo well.Photo taken at the Vineland Judo Club (Vineland, NJ) October 2000 clinic which commemoratedits 40th Anniversary. Ray Marquez, Head Coach, standing fifth from left. Mike Szrejter (standing,right of Sensei Marquez) and Elaine Meyer (standing, end right) conducted the clinic.