Haruo Imamura Inducted 2019 Imamura Sensei began his study of judo when he was ten years old in Tamana, Japan under his first judo instructor, Hiroyuki Nishii. During his senior year as team captain, he led Tamana High School to a 3rd place finish in the All Japan...

Mitchell Palacio Inducted 2019 Beginning his judo journey at the age of 4 under the tutelage of his father, Ben Palacio, Mitchell continues to be a presence in the development of judo in the United States. First excelling in judo competition as a youth then going on...

Haruo Makimoto Inducted 2019 Judo 8th Dan – USJF Head instructor of the Okubo Judo Club in Sacramento, California Judo instructor for more than 50 years in the Sacramento area Former Judo instructor of Sacramento Judo Club Continental (IJF-B) referee license...

Jongoon Kim Inducted 2019 A native of Taegu, South Korea, Kim served as president of the National Collegiate Association, as well as the National Coaches Association in the early 1970s. He also participated in the Olympic as an official on three occasions – in...

Copyright 2019 Charles Medani. All rights reserved. Robert Fukuda Inducted 2019 Our mission is to serve and support our members in the American Judo community while upholding the principles of mutual welfare and benefit. This statement serves as the USJF’s motto and...

Kuniko Takeuchi Inducted 2019 Dr. Kuniko Takeuchi was born in Tokyo, Japan. She grew up in the small town of, Chiba Ken, Japan. When she was the age of 14, her desire was to practice kendo. Fortunately for us, her town (Sakura) did not have a kendo dojo, but they did...