Kyuzo Mifune Photo Album Collection Book (Preowned)

Very rare book with previously unpublished photos 9th dan Kyuzo Mifune in his Judo and personal life.

About the Author:

Kyuzo Mifune (1883–1965), born in Kuji City, Iwate Prefecture, Japan, was a judo legend, revered as the "God of Judo" and considered the greatest technician after Jigoro Kano, judo’s founder. Introduced to judo at 13 in Sendai, he joined the Kodokan in 1903, earning shodan in just 15 months and nidan four months later. Known for his speed, precision, and innovative techniques like the "airplane" throw (kuki nage), Mifune was never defeated in Kodokan’s Red and White tournaments. He reached 10th dan in 1945, one of only 15 judoka to achieve this rank. His 1956 book, The Canon of Judo, remains a definitive work on judo’s history, philosophy, and techniques. Mifune’s small stature—5’2”, 100 pounds—belied his ability to dominate larger opponents, including a 6-foot, 240-pound sumo wrestler. He taught globally, shaping judo’s post-war resurgence, and died of throat cancer in Tokyo.

89 pages

Language: Japanese

Published in 1957