Tatsukuma Ushijima | |
---|---|
Born | March 10, 1904 |
Died | May 26, 1985 | (aged 81)
Nationality | Japanese |
Style | Judo |
Occupation | Judoka |
Tatsukuma Ushijima (牛島辰熊, March 10, 1904 – May 26, 1985) was a Japanese judoka and former All-Japan judo champion, who was also known as a teacher of Masahiko Kimura, a famous judoka. His nickname was "The Demon Ushijima".
He was born in Kumamoto, Kumamoto Prefecture, Japan, a son of refiners family. He began judo at the age of 15. Ushijima won both the second and third All-Japan judo championships. In 1944, he attempted to assassinate Hideki Tojo, a general and the leader of the Empire of Japan, but it failed. He was arrested by the Military Police (Kempeitai). He was founder of the International Judo Association in 1950.