American judoka
Ryohei Kanokogi was an early pioneer for judo in the United States.
Personal life
Ryohei is the grandson of a samurai.[1] He had two children with Rusty Kanokogi,[2] plus a step-son, Christopher, from his wife's previous marriage.
Martial arts career
Ryohei was also the high school Judo champion of Japan.[1] Ryohei Kanokogi was former all-weights judo champion of southeastern Japan.[3] He was also a champion in karate.[2] Ryohei later attended Nichidai University as a member of the judo team.[1] He was featured in a number of Sports Illustrated articles including Confessions Of A Judo Roll-Out.[4]
Martial arts coaching career
He was known for his courtesy and expected good behavior from his students.[5] Along with his wife Rusty Kanokogi, he was influential in the establishment of women's judo. Ryohei was the judo coach for Japan during the Judo at the 1964 Summer Olympics,[6][7] and later immigrated to the United States with the help of Jerome Mackey.[6] While in New York, he initially taught at Judo, Inc,[6] where he and his wife were featured in an article in Sports Illustrated.[6] He served as a coach for Olympic Bronze Medalist Allen Coage.[8] Later, Ryohei taught at the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy.[9] He later served as a US Olympic Team judo coach.[9]
Kanokogi has appeared in commercials for Samsonite luggage and the after shave Hai Karate.[10]
References
