Haruo Makimoto
Inducted 2019
Judo
- 8th Dan – USJF
- Head instructor of the Okubo Judo Club in Sacramento, California
- Judo instructor for more than 50 years in the Sacramento area
- Former Judo instructor of Sacramento Judo Club
- Continental (IJF-B) referee license from the International Judo Federation
- Continental Coaches Certificate, USA Judo
- National Coaches Certificate, USJF
- Life member of the United States Judo Federation and USA Judo
- Pacific AAU Champion
- US National Masters Champion
- Chairperson – Daiheigen Yudanshakai Board of Examiners
- Chairperson – USJF Board of Examiners 1992–1996
- Member – USJF National Promotion Committee
- Two terms as Chairman of the Board of Examiners for the United States Judo Federation
- Currently serving on the Promotion Committee of the USJF Board of Examiners
History
In 1957, Haruo came to the United States and settled in Loomis, California. At that time, he was a first degree brown belt. In 1959, he started a Judo club for Auburn Parks & Recreation, and in 1962 he began teaching Judo at Aerojet in Sacramento.
In 1965, Haruo went to the Sacramento Judo Club to train under Ben Campbell, who was team captain for the first U.S. Olympic Judo team at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics.
In 1971, Campbell Sensei moved to Colorado and passed the title of head instructor of the Sacramento Judo Club to Makimoto Sensei. Makimoto Sensei served as the head instructor at the Sacramento Judo Club for 25 years until his departure in 1992.
Haruo and Ben Campbell, November 2018
Three months later, he opened the Okubo Judo Club. Over the years, the Okubo Judo Club formed affiliations with the Sacramento Asian Police Officers Association (APOA) and the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Sacramento.
Makimoto Sensei was also teaching a judo program at Sacramento High School in their Visual and Performing Arts Center. He taught at the high school from 1999 until the school closed in 2003.
Makimoto Sensei has produced hundreds of Judo champions throughout the years.
Awards
- Letter of Recognition, Kodokan Judo Institute, Tokyo Japan
- Letter of Recognition, Consul of Japan
- Resolution in Recognition for over 60 Years of Service in Judo, Sacramento City Council
- Resolution in Recognition for over 60 Years of Service in Judo, Sacramento County Board of Supervisors
- Certificate of Recognition, California Legislature Assembly
- Community Service Award, Sacramento Asian Peace Officers Association
- Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition, U.S. House of Representatives
- Community Service Award, Boys and Girls Club of Greater Sacramento
Hobbies
- Golfing
- Fishing the ocean and fresh water
- Diving for Abalone
- Hunting Big Game
- Preparation of Sashimi and other exquisite dishes
Haruo Makimoto with his grandson, Sebastian.
Haruo Makimoto passed away peacefully at home on February 12, 2020 in Sacramento, CA at the age of 79 after a long battle with pancreatic cancer.
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