About

Nakashima Dojo

Founded in 1968, Nakashima Dojo is a traditional judo club in Vancouver dedicated to the philosophy, discipline, and teaching of Kodokan Judo. Our dojo is built on a long-standing legacy of respect, perseverance, and community, inspired by the life and values of Yasumatsu Nakashima.

Our History

Reprint from an article written by Ian R. Sisset, President of Nakashima Dojo (1977).

Yasumatsu Nakashima (1905–1972) came to Canada when 15 years of age. A proud and energetic fisherman, he spent many hours in the practice and promotion of judo. He believed in justice and stood up to his principles.

Yasumatsu met Miyuki Mukai, and after a romantic courtship they were married in 1928 and settled in Vancouver.

During the tragic period of World War II, the harsh laws of internment and relocation were passed forcing many families of Japanese descent to move inland. Yasumatsu was an unhappy victim of these laws. It took the persuasion of friends and family to have him give up peacefully the fishing vessels and home he had worked so hard to establish.

One incident that took place during these times was when Yasumatsu was about to unload his fish at the dock. He was met by three police officers. These police officers who attempted force rather than reason when they came to seize his boat were rewarded with free swims when tossed over the side.

After the war, Yasumatsu returned to the West Coast and the fishing he loved. While he was fishing in the waters off River Inlet, a coastal fishing area which is 200 miles north of Vancouver, an incident occurred while he was about to repair his fishing net. The white fishermen would not allow him to use the net racks needed to repair his net. Some of them gathered around and started to throw his net into the water. Whereupon, Yasumatsu told them if they were looking for a fight, he would be more than willing to oblige them.

A line up was formed to meet him one on one. It is recorded that after 20 boisterous fishermen were thrown into the “drink” (ocean), the matter was considered settled. He was a Canadian and refused to be treated otherwise.

In the 1950’s, he founded the Koenkai (Booster) Club for the assistance of the Vancouver Judo Club. In the fall of 1968, his children started the Nakashima Judo Club.

He was the father of 8 children. All of his boys Robert, Frank, Rick, Herb and Gary are Judokas. Several of his grandchildren continue on with the interest in Judo that he inspired. His spirit lives on through his family and friends and the club that bears his name.

The Early Years 1968 – 1980

Robert Nakashima picture taken in the Vancouver Sun in December 3 , 1966.
Gary Nakashima photo in Vancouver Sun. Photo op for Judo tournament at Exhibition Garden that year. Early 1960’s.
Rick Nakashima as a Junior throwing opponent in Morote Seionage in a Belt grading Shiai. Rick when he was a Junior was the Top Rank Judoist in the Pacific Northwest.
Rick throwing opponent at a Grading Shiai using his favorite technique Morote Seionage.
Photo of Nakashima Brothers, Rick, Frank, Bob and Gary taken with Ichiinouye Sensei. Ichiinouye Sensei’s tokuiwaza was Harai Goshi. Frank was taught the finer skills of Judo by Sensei during his competitor years.
Juniors taken with Robert Nakashima and Ichiinouye Sensei at the Hasting Community Center where the Dojo practiced from 1969 to 1975.
Photos of Ichiinouye Sensei demonstrating various techniques.
Vancouver Judo Club photo taken in 1957 at the Japanese Language School where the Dojo was located during this time. All the Nakashimas’ belong to the Vancouver Judo Club prior to opening up their own Dojo in 1968.
Junior group pictured here with the Gulf and Fraser Trophy won by Bill Adair who is in the back row, standing in front of Kano Shihan Picture.
Robert Nakashima with Ricky Laidlaw, Bobby Long, Paul Nakashima, Mark Nakashima and Michael Horii. These Junior students were part of the first group of our Juniors. Picture is 1972. These students are now in their early 40 ties and late 40ties.
The orginal members who started Nakashima Dojo in 1968. Seated next to Robert Nakashima (Head Instructor) is Ichiinouye Sensei 8 dan, who was a friend of Yasumatsu Nakashima.
Rick as a Junior winning the tournament held at the Exhibition Garden (PNE) in Vancouver.

Instructors

Frank Nakashima

Amir Khosravani

Ken Takagaki

Tetsu Takagaki

Alan Wong

Djuro Miladinovic