Mrs. Judo (DVD)

By Yuriko Gamo Romer. The inspiring life journey of Keiko Fukuda who would defy thousands of years of tradition, choose her own path, and become judo history’s only woman to attain the pinnacle 10th degree black belt. Accepting an invitation by judo’s founder Jigoro Kano, Fukuda joins the newly formed women’s division of the Kodokan in 1934. Over thirty years later, she embarks on a journey to teach judo in the United States. Captured on film, Fukuda returns to her homeland to pay homage to her past, acknowledging her humble solitary life path to spread the art of judo. Fukuda continued teaching in her San Francisco dojo, until just before her death at 99 years of age. EXTRA FEATURES include a special farewell tribute, 2011 tenth degree celebration, Fukuda’s 20th kata tournament, judo as cultural transmission, additional interviews, additional archival film clips and others. Running time: 58 min. FOR HOME USE ONLY.