KENNETH KANANE KUNIYUKI

Southern Pacific Yudanshakai

Kenneth Kanane Kuniyuki, Kudan, was born in Seattle, Washington on the 6th day of October, 1910. He started Judo training at the age of 16 at the Tontokukan Doja under Horoshi Kurosaka, 3-dall. From 1931 to 1932 Kenneth studied under Kunisaburo lizuka, 8-dan, and original student of Kano Sensei in Tokyo, Japan. Mr. Kuniyuki is one of the first Kudans promoted in the United States Judo Federation. He founded the Southern Pacific Judo Yudanshakai in 1990 and serves as one of the Board of Governors and as chairman on the Board of Examiners Promotion Comminec. Kenneth Kuniyuki joined the Seinan Judo Dojo in 1937 and was the Head Sensei for over 45 years. He is presently an Advisor to the Dojo.

Competitions and Awards

1935 Northwest Championships – Seattle, WA, Grand Champion

1936 Seattle vs Nanka Team Championships, Los Angeles, CA. Captain of the Seattle Team. First time these two area teams met in competition.

1954 Organized Judo Black Belt Federation – U.S. Judo Federation. Awarded 6th Degree Black Belt by Kodokan Judo Institute

1957 State Champion Sports Award

Offices Held

1950 SPA – AAU Judo Delegate

1952 Southern California Judo Association – Viee President

1955 Charter President, JBBF (elected flIst President)

1960 U.S. Olympic Judo Committee and National AAU Judo Committee – member of 9 years

1964-1972 Southcrn California Judo Association – President

1964-1978 SPA – AAU Judo Chairman

Referee Experience

1963 International Referee – World Judo Championships. Mexico City by invitation of Mexico Judo Committee

1964 International Referee – 1964 Olympic Game, Tokyo. Japan. Rdcn::c; Gccslink vs Kaminaga, final match of the Olympic Games

1965 International Referee – World Judo Championships, Sao Paulo. Brazil

Committees

USJF Technical Director and National AAU – TSFH – 4 years

USJF Chairman. Board of Directors – 8 years

USJF Chairman of Board of Examiners – 7 years

U.S. Judo. Inc. Interim Board of Directors – 1979 to present

Coaching

1956 1st World Judo Championships, Tokyo, Japan – U.S. National Judo Coach

1962 USA – European Goodwill Tour, U.S. National Judo Coach

1963 Pan American Championship Games, Sao Paulo, Brazil- U.S. National Judo Coach. U.S. Team (consisted of 4 members) won 3 Gold Medals and 1 Silver Medal

1967 Pan American Championship Games, Winnipeg, Canada – U.S. National Judo Coach U.S. Team (consisted of 6 members) won 3 Gold Medals, 1 Silver, and 1 Bronze Medal

1966 World Judo Championships, Salt Lake City, UT – U.S.A. Team Coach

Achievements

• 1953 Instrumental in organizing JBBF
• Developed flrst electrical timer for Judo matches in U.S.A.
• Instrumental in the merger of two existing Judo groups in Nanka Yudanshakai, southern California 1972
• Tournament Director for 3 National Judo Championships in Southern California
• SPA-AAU delegate in National Conventions for over 20 years