Kodokan 10th Dan Promotions

[Jonesy]

I believe the following to be true.

This morning at the Kodokan they had the 8 January (Sunday) Kagami Biraki Ceremony (New Year's rice-cake cutting ceremony), they had performance of several Kata, some Randori with members of the national team, then they had a Dan awards ceremony, where they awarded 3 10 Dans - Toshiro Daigo and Ichiro Abe were 2 of them. The dans were handed out by Jigoro Kano's grandson - also, Yamashita was in attendance.
Llyr

[Jonesy]

Confirmed by my friend in Japan.

Toshiro Daigo (80 years old), Ichiro Abe (83 years old) and Yoshimi Osawa(79 years old) - all three were promoted to 10 Dan.

There has been no Kodokan 10 Dan holder for 15 years since Sumiyuki Kotani died in 1991 - he was promoted to 10 Dan in 1984. It is first time 3 men have been promoted at the same time.

Mr. Daigo won All Nippon Judo Tournament twice, 1951 and 1954. He and Mr. Oosawa have been coaching at Kodokan, and still now. Mr. Abe was international chairperson of the All Nippon Judo Federation.

Llyr

[samuraibill]

ummmm...wow. :cool: