Michael Tamura Inducted into Judo Canada Hall of Fame

Montréal, May 19, 2025 – Ever since he first became involved in the sport in 1975, Michael Tamura has been an important figure in Canadian judo, particularly during his tenure as president of Judo Canada from 2021 to 2024. To honour his extensive contributions and infectious passion for the sport, he has now been inducted into the Judo Canada Hall of Fame.

Tamura became involved in judo fifty years ago, first as an athlete, then later as a coach, administrator, member of the executive committee, and referee. He was named head sensei of the Lethbridge Kyodokan Judo Club.

He was instrumental in establishing a Regional National Training Centre in Lethbridge, which led to the development of many young judokas who went on to achieve success at the national and international levels.

In June of 2021, Tamura was appointed sport director and member of the executive committee of the International Judo Federation (IJF), becoming one of only two Canadians to sit on the committee. He was subsequently appointed technical delegate for the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, UK.

As president of Judo Canada from 2021 to 2024, Tamura played a key role in restructuring the organization. Under his leadership, the organization hosted an IJF Grand Prix in Montréal, established the Canadian Judo Circuit featuring national tournaments that are livestreamed and backed by numerous sponsors, and expanded the development of high-performance sport through the Regional Training Centres in Toronto and Lethbridge.

This led to Canadian success on the tatamis, notably Christa Deguchi’s gold medal performance at the Paris Olympic Games in 2024. Her gold medal—a first for Canada in judo—followed the two Olympic bronze medals won by Catherine Beauchemin-Pinard and Jessica Klimkait in Tokyo in 2021.

Canada’s judokas have also captured fourteen Senior World Championship medals, including three world titles. Added to this are numerous junior and cadet world medals, as well as para judo medals at the World Championships and the Paralympic Games, won by Canadian judokas over the years.

Through his decades of dedication and leadership, Tamura has played an essential role in shaping judo, both within Canada and internationally, and has left a lasting impact on the sport.

“Few people have contributed as much to Canadian judo as Michael Tamura has. His leadership, vision, and commitment have shaped the organization and inspired a generation of athletes and builders. It’s an honour to induct him into the Hall of Fame,” concluded Gill.

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