Origins & Early Life

Masahiko Kimura (木村 政彦, Kimura Masahiko; 10 September 1917 – 18 April 1993) was a Japanese judoka and professional wrestler. He won the All-Japan Judo Championships three times in a row for the first time in history and had never lost a judo match from 1936 to 1950. In submission grappling, the reverse ude-garami arm lock is often called the "Kimura", due to his famous victory over Gracie jiu-jitsu co-founder Hélio Gracie. In the Japanese professional wrestling world, he is known for being one of Japan's earliest stars and the controversial match he had with Rikidōzan.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

Kimura was born on September 10, 1917, in Kumamoto, Japan. Masahiko Kimura began training judo at the age of 9, motivated by revenge to get back at his teacher Mr. Tagawa, who was a 1st dan Judo Black Belt and who often scolded Kimura. He believed that if he achieved the rank of 2nd Dan, he would be able to beat Mr. Tagawa.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

He first earned his black belt after transferring to Chinsei Junior High, where he underwent a promotion test. In the promotion test he threw 5 students of Kumamoto Junior High, passing his test and achieving 1st dan. For his 3rd dan promotion, he had to undertake a physical and written...

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