At 159cm (5’2″) tall, Kyuzo Mifune was not a big man. But as this amazing video of the judo master shows, strength doesn’t come from size alone. Mifune is considered to be one of the finest judo technicians ever, and this video of him accepting challenges from high-level younger students shows his incredible power and skill.
Join us after the jump for a sprightly energy burst, as the man they call the “God of Judo” skips, jumps and runs rings around his young challengers.
Mifune was born in 1883 in Iwate Prefecture and took up judo at 13. His energy and diligence saw him progress rapidly, and in 1945, at the age of 61, he was promoted to tenth dan, the highest rank. He was only the fourth judoka to achieve this honour. After Jigoro Kano, the founder of judo, Mifune is often considered to be the greatest judo practitioner ever.
And here he is in action! Mifune was 73 when this was filmed, apparently, which means the footage is from over 50 years ago:
Screenshots: YouTube
Some YouTube commenters have cried fake on the footage, suggesting that the younger practioners are going easy on their elderly sensei out of respect for him. There’s no denying Mifune’s skill and poise, though. And he’s not claiming to knock them down without touching them, like that guy with the magical “chi” blasting out of his eyes…
▼ Kyuzo Mifune (left) with Jigoro Kano.
Sources: Kotaro blog, Judoinfo.com
Japan now has a “for foreign tourists only” Mt. Fuji sightseeing train[Video]
Studio Ghibli releases the My Neighbour Totoro tea caddy, with a magical self-closing lid
Create a tiny Ghibli anime world on your bookshelf with new miniature papercraft art kits
A secluded British mansion in Chiba is a hidden holy land for afternoon tea lovers
Japanese onsen egg maker from 100-yen store Daiso needs to be on your shopping list
Japan now has a “for foreign tourists only” Mt. Fuji sightseeing train[Video]
Studio Ghibli releases the My Neighbour Totoro tea caddy, with a magical self-closing lid
Create a tiny Ghibli anime world on your bookshelf with new miniature papercraft art kits
A secluded British mansion in Chiba is a hidden holy land for afternoon tea lovers
Japanese onsen egg maker from 100-yen store Daiso needs to be on your shopping list
Godiva now makes tofu in Japan, and sakura chocolate tofu too![Taste test]
Starbucks Japan offers special sakura picnics at Reserve Roastery Tokyo beside Meguro River
The 10 best hotel hot springs in Japan, as chosen by Japanese travelers
Evangelion Shinkansen gets range of souvenirs, including its very own bullet train ekiben obento
Just when you thought you knew it all – 17 life-changing lessons learned in Japan
Starbucks Japan releases new My Fruit³ Frappuccino at only 34 stores around the country
Cherry blossoms begin blooming in Japan with record-early starts for sakura season
Tokyo government organizes food truck event to clear out delinquent/homeless teen gathering area
The next time you’re feeling stressed out, you could relax on a Pokémon Psyduck chair from Japan
Train station platform ramen store closes its doors on half a century of history in Tokyo
Nine amazing off-the-beaten-path cherry blossom spots in Japan for yaezakura and shidarezakura
Stunning central Japan wisteria festival is like a purple fantasy straight out of a Ghibli movie
When will the cherry blossoms reach full bloom in Japan this year?[Forecast]
Studio Ghibli adds new Mother’s Day gift sets to its anime collection in Japan
Starbucks Japan unveils new sakura cherry blossom collection for hanami season 2026
Studio Ghibli releases Catbus pullback keychain that runs like the anime character
Nine great places to see spring flowers in Japan, as chosen by travelers (with almost no sakura)
Starbucks Japan releases first-ever Hinamatsuri Girls’ Day Frappuccino
Virtual idol Hatsune Miku redesigned with look that adds new elements and brings back old ones
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
Godiva now makes tofu in Japan, and sakura chocolate tofu too![Taste test]
Starbucks Japan offers special sakura picnics at Reserve Roastery Tokyo beside Meguro River
The 10 best hotel hot springs in Japan, as chosen by Japanese travelers
Evangelion Shinkansen gets range of souvenirs, including its very own bullet train ekiben obento
Just when you thought you knew it all – 17 life-changing lessons learned in Japan
Studio Ghibli unveils new Rollbahn notebook in honour of Howl’s Moving Castle
Starbucks Japan releases new My Fruit³ Frappuccino at only 34 stores around the country
Enjoy a Pokémon tea ceremony with new matcha goods featuring Poltchageist and Sinistcha
This Japanese vending machine doesn’t sell drinks, but you can buy drinks through it
Why you should be adding Calpis to your beer in Japan
Starbucks Japan adds exclusive limited-edition Frappuccino drinks to the menu for spring
A look inside Amazon Japan’s lowest-rated lucky bag
Manga and anime, my how you’ve changed!