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The “Father of Portuguese Judo,” Sensei Kiyoshi Kobayashi, would have turned 100 years old on April 9, 2025. His former students, along with many others who wished to take part in the celebration, began the day of tribute at 7:00 a.m. At the Judo Clube de Portugal Dojo—long recognized as the Sensei’s club in Portugal—the day started with a joint training session where Sensei’s own descendants took part and many of his teachings, stories, and virtues were remembered.
This training session was attended by many of Mr. Kobayashi’s former students, as well as the Vice President of the Portuguese Judo Federation (PJF), Dr. Nuno Martins Carvalho, and the President of the National Grading Council, Sensei Fausto Martins de Carvalho.
Throughout the day, several commemorative events marking the 100th anniversary of the Sensei’s birth took place across the country.
In the afternoon, with the presence of the EJU Vice President, Mrs. Catarina Rodrigues and PJF President, Mr. Joaquim Sérgio Pina, a highlight of the celebration took place at the Filipa Cavalleri´s Judo Academy, she was the first Portuguese World Championship Medallist and is now a government sports advisor. Here also attended by more Mr. Kobayashi’s former students and many others prominent figures in Portuguese Judo.
The commemorations will conclude today, April 13, 2025, with a lunch and the unveiling of a monument in honor of Sensei Kiyoshi Kobayashi, near the sports center that bears his name, in the city of Torres Novas.
Author: EJU Media