Member News

June 7, 2006

Tsuruo Fukushima Passes Away in Hawaii

Tsuruo Fukushima, the coach of numerous Olympians and National Champions, passed away May 12.  Mr. Fukushima was operated on for a blockage in his intestines.  While recovering, he was stricken with pneumonia and died at the age of 81-years-old. 

Mr. Fukushima started teaching judo in Okinawa where his club became the only non-Japanese team ever to win the prestigious Team Tournament in Japan.  His students impressed senseis all over the United States with their strength, speed, and technical abilities. 

In 1978, he returned to Oahu where he continued to teach judo at the Pearl City Hongwanji Judo Club.  In 1981 he founded Leeward Judo Club, which received the Century Award in 2004.  In his 54 years of teaching, he produced hundreds of black belts, several of which were national champions, and, of course, two Olympians – Keith Nakasone and Kevin Asano. 

Mr. Fukushima’s favorite Japanese term was “Ongaeshi” – to give back.  He kept on preaching this to all of his students while dedicating his life to Judo.  His legacy and memory will live on as long as any of his students are giving back to the world by teaching judo.  His wife, Terry, and his two sons, Bobby and Scotty, survive him.  Words of condolence can be sent to

Terry Fukushima

2277 Aumakua Street

Pearl City, Hawaii 96782