How Rusty Kanokogi Helped Women’s Judo Become An Olympic Sport

Rena Kanokogi, née Glickman, known fondly as Rusty, was a pioneer in the world of women's judo. Born on July 30, 1935, and passing away on November 21, 2009, Kanokogi's legacy in judo is profound and far-reaching. Her determination and passion not only broke gender barriers but also paved the way for women's judo to be recognized on the global stage. This article explores her journey, contributions, and the lasting impact she left on the sport.

Early Life: A Rough Beginning

Born in Brooklyn, New York, Kanokogi's childhood was marked by instability. Her family lived in Coney Island, where economic hardship was a constant. From the tender age of seven, Kanokogi took on various jobs to support her family. Her adolescence was tumultuous; she led a street gang named the Apaches, which provided her with a sense of control and belonging amidst the chaos. Her mother sold hot dogs for a living.

In the 1950s, Kanokogi discovered weight training using her brother's equipment and found solace in physical activity. Her first marriage, to Rena Stewart, was short-lived but brought her a son, Chris Stewart. This period was marked by struggle, as she worked as a switchboard operator to make ends meet.

Discovering Judo: A Life-Changing Encounter

Kanokogi's journey into judo began in 1955 when a male friend introduced her to a judo technique. The martial art instantly captivated her, offering a sense of calm and self-control she had not experienced before. Despite her enthusiasm, she faced significant gender barriers, being barred from participating in local judo competitions.

Undeterred, she continued her training, earning the nickname "Rusty" after a local stray dog. Her dedication to the sport was unwavering, leading her to compete in the 1959 YMCA judo championship in Utica, New York, disguised as a man. Although she won, she was forced to return her medal upon revealing her true identity. This incident only fueled her determination to fight for women's inclusion in judo.

Breaking Barriers in Japan

In 1962, Kanokogi took a bold step by traveling to Japan to train at the Kodokan Judo Institute in Tokyo. Historically, the Kodokan had separate training groups for men and women, but Kanokogi's exceptional skill allowed her to break this tradition. She became the first woman to train with the men's group, achieving the rank of 2nd dan. During this time, she met her future husband, Ryohei Kanokogi, a highly skilled judo, karate, and jodo practitioner. They married in 1964, forming a partnership that would further strengthen her judo career.

Pioneering Women's Judo in the United States

Returning to the United States, Kanokogi continued to champion women's judo. In 1965, she directed the first junior judo tournament in New York, followed by the New York Women's Invitational Shiai in 1966. Her leadership extended internationally, as she organized a team of Jewish-American women to compete at the Maccabiah Games in Israel in 1977.

The pinnacle of her efforts came in 1980 when she organized the first women's judo world championship at Madison Square Garden's Felt Forum. Financing the event by mortgaging her home, Kanokogi demonstrated unparalleled commitment to the sport. Her advocacy led to women's judo being included as an exhibition sport in the 1988 Summer Olympics, where she coached the first United States Olympic Women's Judo Team.

Recognitions and Legacy

Kanokogi's contributions to judo did not go unnoticed. She was inducted into the International Women's Sports Hall of Fame in 1991 and served as a commentator for NBC during the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens. In 2008, Japan honored her with the Order of the Rising Sun, 4th Class, one of the country's highest civilian awards. The International Jewish Sports Hall of Fame inducted her in 2009. The New York State YMCA awarded Kanokogi a gold medal in 2009, rectifying the injustice of 1959. She passed away later that year, leaving behind her husband, children Ted and Jean Kanokogi, her eldest son Chris Stewart Kanokogi, and three grandchildren.

Rusty Kanokogi's life was one of perseverance and breaking barriers. Her relentless pursuit of gender equality in judo not only transformed the sport but also inspired countless women to follow in her footsteps. Known rightly as "The Mother of Women's Judo," Kanokogi's legacy continues to inspire and shape the world of martial arts.