George Uchida (July 22, 1925 – August 6, 2004)[1] was a judoka, wrestler, author, and coach.[2] Uchida was the brother of San Jose Judo Coach Yosh Uchida.[3] Uchida and other family members were sent to the Poston internment camp during World War II, following the signing of Executive Order 9066.[4][5] He later served in the US Army in the field of military intelligence.[2] He got key intelligence about Russian involvement in the Korean War.[2] Upon his return he enrolled in San Jose State University majoring in physical education.[6]

Competition edit

Uchida was a bronze medalist in the 1954 US National Championship for the sport of Judo.[7] He wrestled at San Jose State in 1956, 1957, and 1958.[3]

Coaching edit

In 1962, he was selected to be the Wrestling Coach at the University of California at Berkley.[3] He hoped to establish Judo in the school as well.[8] By 1972 he served as the Olympic Coach for the US Judo Olympic Team.[9] He also served as the Coach for the US Pan American Team.[10] He also served as the head coach for the National High School Championships in Judo.[11]

Author edit

Uchida wrote Judo Contest Rules for the Amateur Athletic Union Judo Handbook.[12] He also co wrote Fundamentals of Judo.[12] In his later years he would be an IJF Level A referee.[13]

References edit

  1. ^ "Passing of George Uchida Sensei – United States Judo Federation". www.usjf.com.
  2. ^ a b c GRYGIEL, CHRIS (June 4, 2009). "George Uchida, 1924-2009: Soldier, spy, artist, father, friend". seattlepi.com.
  3. ^ a b c Inc, Active Interest Media (January 22, 1962). "Black Belt". Active Interest Media, Inc. – via Google Books. {{cite web}}: |last= has generic name (help)
  4. ^ Okimoto, Paul M. (2011). Oh! Poston, Why Don't You Cry for Me?: And Other Stops Along the Way. Xlibris. p. 59. ISBN 978-1465395917.
  5. ^ "Yosh Uchida". tessaku.com. 14 March 2020. Retrieved 2021-05-27.
  6. ^ Okimoto, Paul M. (December 15, 2011). Oh! Poston, Why Don't You Cry for Me?: And Other Stops Along the Way. Xlibris Corporation. ISBN 9781465395924 – via Google Books.
  7. ^ "George Uchida, Judoka, JudoInside". www.judoinside.com.
  8. ^ Inc, Active Interest Media (January 22, 1962). "Black Belt". Active Interest Media, Inc. – via Google Books. {{cite web}}: |last= has generic name (help)
  9. ^ "Kent Pe Teacher, 72, Claims Bias -- Man Has Been Investigated, Suspended | The Seattle Times". archive.seattletimes.com. Retrieved 2021-03-22.
  10. ^ Inc, Active Interest Media (November 22, 1970). "Black Belt". Active Interest Media, Inc. – via Google Books. {{cite web}}: |last= has generic name (help)
  11. ^ Inc, Active Interest Media (July 22, 1967). "Black Belt". Active Interest Media, Inc. – via Google Books. {{cite web}}: |last= has generic name (help)
  12. ^ a b "Aikido Shobukan Dojo". Archived from the original on 2016-03-04. Retrieved 2021-03-22.
  13. ^ Nishioka, Hayward (March 22, 2000). Judo Heart and Soul. Black Belt Communications. ISBN 9780897501378 – via Google Books.