Mikonosuke Kawaishi
Shihan / 7th Dan
Japanese judo master who introduced Judo to France and developed the European colored belt system.
Quick Facts
Date of Birth8/13/1899
Date of Death1/30/1969
Era20th century
Country of Origin
Japan / France
Japan / FranceRank / TitleFather of European Judo
Active Years1926–1969
Biography
Mikonosuke Kawaishi pioneered Judo across France and Europe. He adapted Kodokan Judo into the Kawaishi Method and introduced colored belt progression (white to brown) for Westerners.