Masao Yamashita Shihan
Hachidan
1916-2008
Masao Yamashita Shihan held his first judo practice in 1938, in a shed with eight students. Over the course of his years of teaching, Yamashita taught thousands of judo enthusiasts throughout the Treasure Valley and all of Idaho. During his life, he was actively involved in the creation of judo opportunities, either directly or indirectly responsible for the formation of several judo clubs in the area. Specifically, Yamashita formed the College of Idaho Judo Club and brought several students from Keio University in Tokyo, Japan to the college to assist with the class. Yamashita also served as the representative for the Amateur Athletic Union on the U.S. Olympic Committee, for eight years. He helped to found Idaho Judo, Inc. and served as its President for several terms. Yamashita was also the past President for Intermountain Yudanshakai and he served on the promotion committee for the United States Judo Federation. Yamashita was inducted into the USJF Judo Hall of Fame in 1994 as he lived with and embodied the spirit of judo. Yamashita once said, “We take kids who can’t stand up……and help them stand up.” Masao Yamashita Shihan was great man, a great mentor, and a great friend to judo.
A life well lived! Masao Yamashita savored his 92nd birthday on Jan. 5, 2008, and then passed away quietly on Jan. 9, 2008.
One of nine children, he was born on Jan. 5, 1916, in Kent, Wash. He married Rina Yamamoto on Dec. 18, 1940, and with her raised three children - Ted, Carol and Nancy.
Beyond his devotion to family, he had two passions: judo and service to youth. For more than 70 years, Mas combined these two passions as an instructor of judo to the youth of Treasure Valley.
In 1939, Mas was instrumental in founding the Boise Valley Judo Club. In the 68 years since, he has given innumerable hours of instruction to literally thousands of Treasure Valley young people in the art and discipline of judo.
Mas was a devoted sensei, routinely leading classes twice a week at the Boise Valley Dojo. In addition, he often took numerous students under his wing for private instruction at no charge. He was instrumental in bringing Judo notables to the Boise Valley and hosted some of the Keio University Judoka, thereby providing the impetus for beginning the College of Idaho Judo curriculum, with Mas as the instructor.
Widely recognized for his contributions, he received a national award from the Japanese American Citizens League in 1966 for his service to youth in acquainting them with their cultural heritage through the sport of judo. He was inducted into the USA Judo Federation Hall of Fame in 1994 and served as the sole northwest representative on the US Olympic Committee for 8 years, 1968-1976. Having attained the hachi-dan (eighth degree black belt), he set the example for excellence in his own dojo and throughout the Northwest.
Mas' sense of service was not been limited to judo. He also chaired camp activities for the Ore-Ida Council of the Boy Scouts of America for a decade; served as clerk of the former Maple Grove School District 53 Board of Trustees for six years; and belonged to the Japanese American Citizens League Boise Valley Chapter since 1944, serving as president for three terms.
Having mentored many students, now grown and mentoring others, Mas' legacy will continue to affect the lives of judo enthusiasts as many more young people choose to study this art and learn its meaningful application to the wholeness of their lives.
Hachidan
1916-2008
Masao Yamashita Shihan held his first judo practice in 1938, in a shed with eight students. Over the course of his years of teaching, Yamashita taught thousands of judo enthusiasts throughout the Treasure Valley and all of Idaho. During his life, he was actively involved in the creation of judo opportunities, either directly or indirectly responsible for the formation of several judo clubs in the area. Specifically, Yamashita formed the College of Idaho Judo Club and brought several students from Keio University in Tokyo, Japan to the college to assist with the class. Yamashita also served as the representative for the Amateur Athletic Union on the U.S. Olympic Committee, for eight years. He helped to found Idaho Judo, Inc. and served as its President for several terms. Yamashita was also the past President for Intermountain Yudanshakai and he served on the promotion committee for the United States Judo Federation. Yamashita was inducted into the USJF Judo Hall of Fame in 1994 as he lived with and embodied the spirit of judo. Yamashita once said, “We take kids who can’t stand up……and help them stand up.” Masao Yamashita Shihan was great man, a great mentor, and a great friend to judo.
A life well lived! Masao Yamashita savored his 92nd birthday on Jan. 5, 2008, and then passed away quietly on Jan. 9, 2008.
One of nine children, he was born on Jan. 5, 1916, in Kent, Wash. He married Rina Yamamoto on Dec. 18, 1940, and with her raised three children - Ted, Carol and Nancy.
Beyond his devotion to family, he had two passions: judo and service to youth. For more than 70 years, Mas combined these two passions as an instructor of judo to the youth of Treasure Valley.
In 1939, Mas was instrumental in founding the Boise Valley Judo Club. In the 68 years since, he has given innumerable hours of instruction to literally thousands of Treasure Valley young people in the art and discipline of judo.
Mas was a devoted sensei, routinely leading classes twice a week at the Boise Valley Dojo. In addition, he often took numerous students under his wing for private instruction at no charge. He was instrumental in bringing Judo notables to the Boise Valley and hosted some of the Keio University Judoka, thereby providing the impetus for beginning the College of Idaho Judo curriculum, with Mas as the instructor.
Widely recognized for his contributions, he received a national award from the Japanese American Citizens League in 1966 for his service to youth in acquainting them with their cultural heritage through the sport of judo. He was inducted into the USA Judo Federation Hall of Fame in 1994 and served as the sole northwest representative on the US Olympic Committee for 8 years, 1968-1976. Having attained the hachi-dan (eighth degree black belt), he set the example for excellence in his own dojo and throughout the Northwest.
Mas' sense of service was not been limited to judo. He also chaired camp activities for the Ore-Ida Council of the Boy Scouts of America for a decade; served as clerk of the former Maple Grove School District 53 Board of Trustees for six years; and belonged to the Japanese American Citizens League Boise Valley Chapter since 1944, serving as president for three terms.
Having mentored many students, now grown and mentoring others, Mas' legacy will continue to affect the lives of judo enthusiasts as many more young people choose to study this art and learn its meaningful application to the wholeness of their lives.
