Keiko Fukuda who in 2011 became the first and so far only woman ever to be awarded judo’s highest rank, the 10th dan in judo, died this weekend at the age of 99, reported Angry Asian Man
The United States Judo Association posted this on its website:
It is with a great deal of sadness that we report that Keiko Fukuda Sensei passed away at the age of ninety nine this past Saturday. Fukuda Sensei devoted nearly her entire life to leaning and then teaching the purest form of Kodokan Judo, personally taught to her by the Founder of Judo, Jigoro Kano. She was elevated to the highest rank of Judo, 10th Dan, the only woman in history to achieve that high honor. She continued to teach up until her final days. Fukuda Sensei be greatly missed by all Judoka throughout the world. On behalf of the USJA we ask for all everyone to take a moment and reflect on her departure. Rest in peace Sensei.
She came to the United States in 1966 so she could teach judo to others. ‘ A documentary on her life, Mrs Judo: Be Strong, Be Gentle, Be Beautiful debut last year.
