Jim Kojima

Jim is a life-long judo advocate. He has been involved in the Steveston Judo Club since it’s inception in 1953. The club started out with a dedicated Judo Club room in 1957 within the at Steveston Community Center. Jim promoted and helped raise money for the new Martial Arts Center, which houses Kendo, Judo and Karate.

Richmond Roots Jim was born in Steveston, evacuated to Southern Alberta in 1942, and returned to Steveston in 1951. Jim started judo in 1953. He is still a part of the Steveston Judo Club and continues to instruct young athletes. He is a long-time Director at the Steveston Community Centre and current Director of the Minoru Senior Centre.

Did You Know Jim was Vice President of Judo Canada for 14 years and President of Judo Canada for 6 years.

Barriers Overcome Jim has been an advocate for women in Judo at the provincial, national and international level. He helped to promote the first Women’s World Judo Championships in New York in 1980, and helped with Women’s Judo at the 1992 Olympic Games in Barcelona.

Recognition Jim received the Order of Canada in 1983, the Order of the Rising Sun from the Japanese Government in 2011, the Queens Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2012, and the British Columbia Community Achievement Award in 2010. Jim was inducted into the Judo Canada Hall of Fame in 2004 and awarded Sport BC’s Official of the Year in 2002.

Championship Jim officiated at six Olympic Games and 22 World Judo Championships, numerous Pan American Games, and the Pacific Rim Championships.

Contribution to Richmond Sport During his time in the sport of judo, Jim has been part of the executive of both BC Judo and Judo Canada. He has officiated at the highest level in the sport, along with supporting and developing the next generation of judo referees.