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.
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.
