Mitsuyo Maeda
Black Belt 7° Degree
Conde Koma Academy (Judô Clube) — Belém, Pará, Brazil
November 18, 1878 – November 28, 1941
About
Mitsuyo Maeda (1878–1941), known as “Conde Koma” (Count Combat), was a Japanese judoka and prizefighter who became one of the founding figures of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Born in Aomori Prefecture, Japan, he began training at the Kodokan under Jigoro Kano in 1895 and quickly emerged as one of the institute’s most talented practitioners.
In 1904, Maeda embarked on an international journey to spread judo, traveling through the United States, Europe, and Latin America while competing in over 2,000 professional fights against wrestlers, boxers, and martial artists of various styles—reportedly never losing. His emphasis on ne-waza (ground techniques) and real-world combat effectiveness distinguished his approach.
Maeda settled in Belém, Brazil in 1914, where he opened his own academy in 1921 and became a naturalized Brazilian citizen. His teaching of Carlos Gracie and Luís França planted the seeds for what would become Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. He also devoted his later years to promoting Japanese immigration to the Amazon region.
He died in Belém on November 28, 1941, and was posthumously promoted to 7th dan by the Kodokan. Often called “the toughest man who ever lived,” Maeda’s legacy endures through the millions who practice BJJ worldwide today.
Black Belts Promoted 2
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