This full-length documentary chronicles the life long journey of Keiko Fukuda’s decision to defy thousands of years of tradition, choose her own path, and become judo history’s only woman to attain the pinnacle 10th degree.

A live demonstration of “Ju-no-kata”, a signature form of Fukuda-Sensei, will precede the film screening and will be performed by Robin Fernandez and Charmaine Galvez, with narration by Greg Fernandez Jundokai Judo and Jujitsu Club of La Mirada. Q&A will follow screening with filmmaker and panelists who will discuss the legacy of Keiko Fukuda and the Japanese cultural traditions and relations that continue from Japan to the U.S. through judo.

PANELISTS:
Yuriko Gamo Romer is a director, producer, editor. Her film Occidental Encounters won numerous awards including The Jimmy Stewart Memorial Crystal Heart Award and The Silver Apple. Other filmmaking credits include: Dancing with God, Friend Ships, Reflection, Kids will be Kids, Sunnyside of the Slope, and Fusion. Yuriko is a graduate of Stanford University’s Masters program in documentary filmmaking.

Hal Sharp is associated with the Gardena Judo Club. While serving in the U.S. Army and stationed in Occupied Japan, he became intrigued by the rigorous judo training at the Kodokan headquarters in Tokyo. He returned to Japan in 1952 to study judo, establishing judo clubs at Johnson Airforce Base and Shiroi Airforce Base, participating in 20 goodwill tournaments, numerous competitive tournaments, and several exhibitions.

Kenji Osugi carries on the legacy of the Sawtelle Judo Dojo that was founded in 1927 and remains one of the oldest judo schools in the United States. Inititally established for the small Japanese American farming community in West Los Angeles, the Sawtelle Judo Dojo proudly received a historic visit in 1933 by Kodokan Judo’s founder Jigoro Kano. In addition to his role as head instructor, he provides instruction at UCLA, serves on the U.S. Judo Federation Board of Directors, and as judge and referee for USJF and USA Judo.

Robin Fernandez is associated with the La Mirada Jundokai Judo and Jujitsu Club a 4th degree black belt and has been practicing Judo for 28 years. She is member of the Jundokai Judo and Jujitsu Club in La Mirada, CA. Robin has won several national medals in Kata and won Gold and Bronze medals at the 2003 World Kata Championships in Tokyo, Japan. She has known Fukuda Sensei and competed at her tournament for many years.

For more information, visit www.mrsjudomovie.com

Read an interview with director Yuriko Gamo Romer on Discover Nikkei>>