My father entered the United States Army on February 2, 1950 at the very young age of 16. He was promoted to Sergeant Military Police Investigator in Kokura Kyushu Japan after a year of service.

Around the same time he began practicing Judo and was awarded the rank of Shodan (first degree) by the Kodokan Judo Institute in 1953. During this time he became acquainted with Mr. Yumio Nawa.