IN MEMORY OF YOSH UCHIDA
April 1, 1920 - June 27, 2024
Dear Family, Friends & the Judo Community,
Thank you for visiting this special page dedicated to celebrating the life and enduring legacy of Coach Uchida. His impact extended far beyond the world of judo, touching the hearts and lives of everyone who knew him. See below for instructions on how to submit a memory about Mr. Uchida. Please come back and visit this page regularly to view submissions from others!
Support the YULF in Coach Uchida’s Honor: If you wish to further honor Coach Uchida’s legacy, consider making a donation to the YULF here. Your support will help continue the values he cherished and provide opportunities for future generations.
Thank you for being a part of this heartfelt tribute and for helping to keep Coach Uchida’s memory alive in our hearts.
How to Contribute:
Share a Memory: We invite you to use the form to share your personal memories, stories, or reflections about Coach Uchida. Whether it’s a heartfelt lesson, a fond memory, or how he made a difference in your life, your words are a cherished part of this tribute.
Submit Photos and Videos: Whether you’re capturing moments today or later, please email your photos or videos of Coach Uchida to info@yulf.org
For Videos: If you’re recording a video, please include a brief introduction of yourself, share a favorite memory or story about Coach Uchida, and express what he meant to you. We’ll feature these on this page to honor his legacy and impact.
Lenny Guerrero-Baez
“I met Mr. Uchida in 2013 and was his student until 2018. One of my very first memories of coach was him seeing my te-waza my first week on the team and telling me straight up “I had crappy judo”. As an 18-year-old kid I was shocked by the bluntness of this man but coming from a man who’s literally seen it all in the world of judo I took it and strived for better. Over the years under Mr. Uchida, I had many more conversations and interaction with him. Got to hear from a man who’s gone through things in life that we hear about in textbooks. Was honored to get my Shodan through Sandan by Mr. Uchida. Even earned a compliment from him towards the ends of my years at SJSU which is one my biggest highlights. Mr. Uchida was always straight forward with you whether it was good or bad. His honesty was something I cherished and respected. Thank you for always believing in me back when I was freshman and what I could become. Rest in peace Mr. Uchida.”
Marti Malloy
“Mr. Uchida was the best mentor I ever had. He taught and showed me through how we lived, that the circumstances of one’s birth are irrelevant. It’s what we do with every opportunity life gives us that determines who we truly are. I’ll never forget the numerous life lessons and all the joy we shared through a love for Judo at first, then as friends.”
Lawrence Kopp
“Great coach - Thank you for all your time and patience. God bless Sensei.”
Michael Manning
“I went to go see coach one day about a Japan trip that me and four other guys and three girls, our teammates, were fortunate to get funding from the student council as a training scholarship. He said to me, “Are you a good student?” I wasn’t the best student, but I wasn’t failing any classes either. When Yosh gives you that look, you feel inclined to tell the truth. It’s some sort of Jedi mind trick or something. I told him “I’m just average, not good but not bad either” and he said, in not so many words that I shouldn’t waste my time training judo when you can get tutoring and go to summer school. I don’t think he wanted me to go, but in the end the experience that I shared with these teammates is a memory that we talk about even to this day. Yosh didn’t quite give his blessing on this trip so a lot of it we had to figure out for ourselves, but when we got back, he was proud of us for accomplishing what we set out to do. He taught us that judo was more than just a sport—it was a way of life, grounded in respect, discipline, and education. His lessons went beyond the mat, shaping who we are as people. I shall honor his memory by carrying forward the values he has instilled in all of us.”
