Keiko Fukuda Becomes 98-Year-Old Black Belt (VIDEO)

A 98-year-old woman who dedicated much of her life to judo has earned the martial art's highest honor.

The San Francisco Chronicle reports that Sensei Keiko Fukuda was awarded a tenth-degree black belt. She is the first woman and one of only four people to achieve that rank.

When she lived in Japan as a young girl, Fukuda studied calligraphy, flower arrangement and tea ceremony, according to Nerve.com.

A clip from the documentary Be Strong, Be Gentle, Be Beautiful explained that Fukuda endured gender discrimination and chose Judo over marriage in order to pursue her dream. (Scroll down for video.)

"This was my marriage," Fukuda said through tears. "This is when my life destiny was set."

News of Fukuda's accomplishment comes one week after a story about an 82-year-old skydiving grandma and a separate piece about a 99-year-old woman who loves Nintendo.

WATCH a clip from Be Strong, Be Gentle, Be Beautiful:

Comments

[JessiChamberlin]

10:50 AM on 08/15/2011

Way to go Ms. Fukuda! Movement is medicine and probably contributes to her longevity. blog.mydiscoverhealth.com

[ZoeT]

12:18 PM on 08/09/2011

What a story she has! I wonder at all she has had to give up to do this, especially in Japan! She was born in an age when Japanese women were servants to men, period. She lived through WWII and Hiroshima. All this time, was she wooed? Did her family disapprove? Did she long for children? Society certainly was not with her. But she lived her dream. It took almost 100 years, but she finally got her due. She is truly strong, gentle and beautiful. My hero.

[Hope Richardson]

10:17 AM on 08/09/2011

I'd like to trade in my grandmother for this model, please.

[David Roman]

09:56 AM on 08/09/2011

The headline is very misleading but that's understandable as most reporters who are not Judoka don't understand the significance of this promotion. The headline says "Keiko Fukuda Becomes 98-Year-Old Black Belt." Fukuda-sensei didn't become a "black belt". She's probably been a yudansha (black belt holder) for 78 years. This promotion to 10th dan (Judan) is indeed rare but it seems she was promoted by USA Judo. She is not only one of four people to ever receive the rank of 10th dan. That's not true. She may be one of four people to ever receive that rank from USA Judo but I know for a fact the Kodokan has promoted 15 people to the rank of Judan.

Regardless, this is a remarkable achievement and in my opinion long overdue.

[Kire]

05:23 PM on 08/09/2011

Thanks for explaining this. I wonder if she'll ever get it from Kodokan. I wonder if it would matter if we started a letter writing campaign or not.

[ConfuciusSay-]

12:12 AM on 08/10/2011

Please do not do such a dishonourable thing.

[David Roman]

12:42 PM on 08/10/2011

I have my doubts she would be promoted by the Kodokan and a writing campaign would not change this. The Kodokan is essentially a private dojo. The Japanese as a whole do not seem to be the kind of people to care about doing something (or in this case promoting someone) on the basis of making history and I feel a Kodokan promotion to Judan would come off to a lot of people as a publicity stunt. Personally I would not have any objections.

[Lisa Kretschman]

09:45 AM on 08/09/2011

Just lovely

[Kire]

08:51 AM on 08/09/2011

This has got to be the hugest thing to happen in Women's News for many years, yet when I go to www.huffingtonpost.com/women, the headline is "WHAT IS SEXY, EXACTLY?' and this story isn't even on the page.

[TicTucTo]

08:44 AM on 08/09/2011

This makes me want to go back for my second Dan...

[Kire]

08:41 AM on 08/09/2011

Awesome. Simply awesome.

[BuckoForce]

07:57 AM on 08/09/2011

Good job Keiko. An inspiring story for anyone who feels they are "too old", I hear people in their thirties say that...look at Keiko.

[alipinskij]

10:21 PM on 08/08/2011

To those folks who left the negative comments,
Fukuda Sensei has trained in Judo her whole life. She was frozen at 5th Dan for 30 years, on the grounds that women did not need to hold a title over 5th Dan. In traditional Japanese martial arts (ie Judo,Aikido, Kendo, Iaido,etc) when you train, you first learn the art by training over and over, you then make the physical art part of yourself (your mind and body) and then use it to find your true self. There is code of ethics and philosophy. Yes, she is old, but she understands the art on a level that only few will ever achieve in a century . She is world's leading authority on Judo Kata and has spread the study of Judo worldwide. She still teaches, several times a week. At 98 years old! Training over 78 years does take a beating on the body, the 10th Dan title is not a "I can beat the tar out of everyone!" award, it's that they understand the art, understand themselves and taught others how training can improve our lives and our world.

[BuckoForce]

07:58 AM on 08/09/2011

There will always be h@ters among us, but they never win.

[ladywiccan]

02:33 PM on 08/11/2011

they will destory everyone and everything around them and they will not understand why the are alone. Karma is a powerfull thing

[David Roman]

11:15 AM on 08/09/2011

Wonderful comment and I agree. Fukuda-sensei is very deserving. The fact that she's a Kodokan kudan is remarkable as well.

[geo999]

06:54 PM on 08/08/2011

Belts should be awarded on skill and knowledge.

Keiko Fukuda has broken a barrier for others with her well deserved recognition.

[Rickyd47]

06:44 PM on 08/08/2011

concrates on the black belt well deserved

[ihuber1]

06:43 PM on 08/08/2011

Is she good or was this a make a wish event? I want to see her kick some butt.

[alipinskij]

09:50 PM on 08/08/2011

She dedicated her WHOLE LIFE TO JUDO.

[joanmalt914]

06:23 PM on 08/08/2011

Very sweet story. Pity those who are posting negatively, here, who have no concept of symbolism, reward and honor. Good for Keiko!

[snakemon]

06:22 PM on 08/08/2011

Ichi Bon Keiko san!!!!!