In Japan there is a saying among Judoka “No one before Kimura, no one after” When they say this, they are referring to Masahiko Kimura.

Kimura Bench press

Many Judoka who randoried with Kimura, would say that he was the strongest Judoka ever.

His osoto-gari (large outer reap) was performed so powerfully that many opponents suffered concussions and lost consciousness, prompting some to request that he never use this technique against them.

Here are just a few statistics of Kimura in judo:

height 170 cm
weight 84 kg

Promoted to yondan (4th dan) at the age of 15 after six years of Judo.

He had defeated six opponents (who were all 3rd and 4th dan) in a row.

In 1935 at age 18 he became the youngest ever godan (5th degree black belt) when he defeated eight consecutive opponents at Kodokan (headquarters for the main governing body of Judo).

Kimura pushups

At his best Kimura performed 1000 pushups and practiced for nine hours daily

Lost only 4 matches in his entire career, all in 1935, the year in which he turned 18 years old.

Masahiko_Kimura_vs_Helio_Gracie_ude-garami

His most notable fight was against Helio Gracie. In 1951 he easily defeated Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu co-founder Helio Gracie in a challenge match in Brazil.

He trained in karate, in particular with his friend Masutatsu Oyama, founder of Kyokushin karate.

His osoto-gari (large outer reap) was performed so powerfully that many opponents suffered concussions and lost consciousness, prompting some to request that he never use this technique against them. (SO COOL, HAD TO WRITE IT TWICE.)

“Kimura is the greatest fighter Japan ever produced,” “No one before Kimura, no one after”. Kimura is my judo inspiration. Who is yours?

Now go train. As always, Workout, Drink be Merry.