“Ushijima was a ferocious fighter with an extensive competitive record who bred at least three legendary champions (Kimura, Ishikawa, Hirano).”
“Later on, I [ed. Kimura] got interested in karate, and learned Shorinji-ryu (Note: today’s Shotokan karate) under the guidance of Master Funakoshi for a little over 2 years.”
“His shichidan rank was frozen after disputes with Kodokan over becoming a professional wrestler, refusal to return the All Japan Judo Championship Flag”
“He was promoted to 7th dan at age 30”
“He remained in Japan, and went to the dojo of the famous Masahiko Kimura. Rogers was the only westerner Kimura ever handled, and handle the big man he did.”
“Kimura refused to recognize physical limitations, and his workouts with the team at Takudai University were legendary.”
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