Akio kaminaga biography samples

Japanese judoka (1936–1993)

Akio Kaminaga (神永 昭夫, Kaminaga Akio, December 22, 1936 – March 21, 1993) was a Japanese judoka who won a silver medal in the open weight category at the 1964 Summer Olympics.^[1]

Biography

Kaminaga was born in Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture,^[2] and began learning judo during high school; a considerably late start for a top competitor.

Kaminaga improved his techniques at a quick pace, and took a dan rank exam at the Kodokan Institute at the suggestion of his colleagues during his senior year in high school.

Akio kaminaga biography samples

Kaminaga defeated 19 straight opponents in the exam, and was awarded a third dan ranking on the spot.

However, Kaminaga was completely outclassed when he participated in the Meiji University judo team's sparring sessions. This convinced him to enter Meiji University,^[3] and he continued to practice judo at the Kodokan Institute.

Kaminaga had several career choices after graduating, but became an