Tomita Tsunejirō
| Tomita Tsunejirō | |
|---|---|
Tomita Tsunejirō, the Guardian of the Kōdōkan. | |
| Born | Yamada Tsunejirō February 28, 1865 Numazu, Shizuoka, Japan |
| Died | January 13, 1937 (aged 71) |
| Native name | 富田 常次郎 |
| Nationality | Japan |
| Style | Judo, Jujutsu |
| Teacher(s) | Kanō Jigorō |
| Rank | Judo: 7th Dan |
| Other information | |
| Notable students | Mitsuyo Maeda |
Tomita Tsunejirō (富田 常次郎, February 28, 1865 – January 13, 1937), born Yamada Tsunejirō (山田 常次郎), was the earliest disciple of judo. His name appears in the first line of the enrollment book of the Kōdōkan. Tomita, together with Saigō Shirō, became the first in the history of judo to be awarded the rank of Shodan by the founder of judo, Kanō Jigorō, who established the ranking system that is now commonly used in various martial arts around the world. Tomita was known as one of the "Four Kings" of Kōdōkan judo for his victorious efforts in competing against jujitsu schools. He was awarded 7th dan upon his death on January 13, 1937.