Shokichi_Natsui
Shokichi Natsui
Japanese judoka
Shokichi Natsui (夏井 昇吉, Natsui Shōkichi, 10 October 1925 – 13 September 2006) was a Japanese judoka from the Akita Prefecture. He became the first world champion in judo,[1] winning the title at the 1956 World Judo Championships in Tokyo, by beating Yoshihiko Yoshimatsu in the final.[2] As there were no weight classes in the world championships until 1965, Natsui was the only champion in 1956.[2]