Shizuya Sato

Nihon Jujutsu Founder

The following list of legendary masters of Japanese
traditional martial arts, Judo and Aikido particularly,
includes some of the most influential figures who provided
guidance and inspiration for Sato Senseis long career as a
proponent of Japanese culture and Budo (the traditional
martial arts of Japan).

Kyuzo Mifune (1883 1965)

Entered the Kodokan in 1903. Promoted to 10th dan in 1945.
Kyuzo Mifune was a permanent member of the Kodokan Dojo
Consultative Group, and author of the Canon of Judo. In 1964
the Japanese Government awarded him the honor of the
Order of the Rising Sun. Founding member Kokusai Budoin,
IMAF, awarded Judo Meijin 10th Dan.

Hidekazu Nagaoka (1876 - 1952)

Entered the Kodokan in 1893. Promoted to 10th Dan in 1937, he is one of only three
10th Dans promoted to that rank by the founder of Judo. Hidekazu Nagaokas legacy
as a teacher and an early supporter of the Kodokan is still recognized to this day.
Sumiyaki Kotani (1903 - 1991)
Promoted to 10th Dan in 1984. He was one of Jigoro Kano's
direct students, and was very active in promoting Judo
worldwide. Sumiyaki Kotani was the head instructor of the
International Division of the Kodokan for many years, and a
professor of Tokai University. He was the Kodokan's top
ranked official and Vice President of the All Japan Judo
Federation.

Kazuo Ito (1889 1974)

Awarded the title of Kyodo in 1941, and promoted to 8th
Dan in 1945 by the Kodokan. Kazuo Ito was a personal
student of Kyuzo Mifine, and dedicated his life to promoting
Judo and traditional Japanese culture. His work significantly
helped to restore Judo to the Japanese national education
curriculum following WWII. Awarded the Kunsho, Japanese
national medal for outstanding cultural contributions, by
the Japanese Government. Chief founding member of
Kokusai Budoin, IMAF, awarded Judo Meijin 10th Dan 1972.

Kenji Tomiki (1900 1979)

Promoted to 8 th Dan Aikido by Morihei Ueshiba in 1940, and 8 th
dan Judo by the Kodokan in 1971. Kenji Tomiki was a personal
student of both Jigoro Kano and Morihei Ueshiba. He was a
Professor of Physical Education at Waseda University, a
member of the committee responsible for the development of
Kodokan Goshin Jutsu (modern forms of self-defense), founder
of The Japan Aikido Association, and Vice President of The
Nippon Budo Gakkai (the Martial Art Society of Japan).
Hosokawa Kusuo (1918 1997) 9th dan judo, taihojutsu instructor of the Strategic
Air Commands combatives course at the Kodokan.
Ishikawa Takahiko (1917 2008) Judo Instructor of the Strategic Air Commands
combatives course at the Kodokan, 2 time All Japan Judo champion, who dedicated
thirty years of his life to establishing judo in North America.
The above list of distinguished martial artists comprises many of the most significant
influences on Sato-sensei, and the development of Nihon Jujutsu.

References:
Judo Information Site, Neil Ohlenkamp, Profiles of Kodokan 10th Dan Holders;
http://www.judoinfo.com/judan.htm
Hendric Stattmann, Kenji Tomiki Shihan; http://www.shodokan.ch/en/bio_tomiki.html