Passing of Onchi Sensei

I regret to inform the judo community that Onchi Sensei, of Obukan Judo in Portland, Oregon passed away this morning. When I received further information, I will post again.

Jerry Hays wrote:I regret to inform the judo community that Onchi Sensei, of Obukan Judo in Portland, Oregon passed away this morning. When I received further information, I will post again.

My condolences to his wife Fumi and his family, particularly his grandson who for many years was a valued contributor to the JudoForum, as well to Forum member Taigyo.

Sadaki 'Jim' Onchi was born in March 1918, and for many decades was the thriving force behind his club Obukan Judo where he mentored numerous judoka. He must have taught thousands of them. His club was one of the oldest in the US, going back to 1926, and was visited twice by Kanô-shihan himself.who gave the name to the club in 1938. Joe Svinth in his very fine book "Getting a grip" discusses in detail the history of the club and judo in the larger region.

Jim became sensei of the club in 1955 and would not miss a practice for decades, though an serious injury soon after left a mark.

Jim received many awards throughout his long career, including the 5th Class Order of the Rising Sun, Gold & Silver Rays from the Emperor of Japan back in 2002, the Jeremy Glick Lifetime Achievement Award from the USJF in 2005 and several others. In December 2010 he received the Congressional Medal for Veterans. There is a beautiful picture of this here:

http://www.oregonlive.com/portland/index.ssf/2010/12/sen_ron_wyden_honors_japanese.html

In 2003 the Kôdôkan promoted Jim to 8th dan, and in April 2009 the USJF promoted Jim to USJF 9th dan.

Onchi-sensei, thank you for the many lives you have touched, and for devoting your life to judo. The commitment to your club set an example to those attempting to fill your footsteps. You have formed numerous enthusiastic young jûdôka. Rest in peace.

From Rod Conduragis

Onchi Sensei's family
have asked me to post as all are welcome to come. There will be a viewing @
Rose City Funeral home tomorrow, Jan. 25th from noon to 5pm, Sat. From 9 - 4pm,
Sun. 1pm - 4pm & Mon. - Thurs 9:30am - 5pm.
http://www.rosecityfuneralhome.com/
5625 NE Fremont St Portland, OR 97213
(503) 281-3821

... There will
be a honor guard service on February 1, 2013 @ 12 noon @ Willamette Natl
Cemetery & a burial across @ Lincoln Memorial @ 12:30pm.
Willamette National Cemetery
11800 SE Mt. Scott Boulevard
Portland, OR 97086-6937
Phone: (503) 273-5250
FAX: (503) 273-5251
http://www.cem.va.gov/cems/nchp/willamette.asp

Lincoln Memorial Park Cemetary
11801 SE Mt Scott Blvd Portland, OR 97086
(503) 771-1117
http://www.dignitymemorial.com/lincoln-memorial-park-cemetery/en-us/index.pageSee More





Rose City Cemetery & Funeral
Home, Portland, Oregon | Home


www.rosecityfuneralhome.com



Rose City Cemetery & Funeral
Home was founded in 1906. We have been serving Portland and the surrounding
communties with professional care and respect to each and every family we serve
for over 100 years.

So sorry to hear. My condolences to family and those at the dojo as well. -mike (pacific judo academy, spokane)

I would like to pass my Deepest condolences to the family and judo comunity with the passing of Sensei Jim Onchi. Jim dedicated his life to judo and was part of the greatest generation that put their life on hold to protect their nation in WWII as part of the 442 in europe. It was my honor to know Mr Onchi for over 40 years and spend 20 of thoes years tarveling with Jim and hearing many stories of his family and dojo he was a very proud gentelman. Jim will be missed and his legacey will live on in the rich tradition of Northwest judo and his family. Sensei Jim Onchi, Thank you very much.

My condolences to the family and the Judo community in his area.

I leave early tomorow for Mr Onchi's services they will be full military honors. I am actualy looking forward to his funeral it will be great to honor Jim one last time. Thanks for all you have done for your country as part of the "Greatest Generation" Sensei rest in peace. I was proud to know you.

My condolences to the friends, family, students, and loved ones of Onchi-sensei.

http://obits.oregonlive.com/obituaries/oregon/obituary.aspx?n=jimmie-sadaki-onchi&pid=162846799

http://www.oregonlive.com/sports/oregonian/john_canzano/index.ssf/2013/02/canzano_a_sensei_is_laid_to_re.html

I'm sad to hear this, particularly since I think he's related to an old judo friend. I emailed Tad, an old friend from the original Judo Forum, to find out if there's a relation. My best wishes to all.

Mongo wrote:I'm sad to hear this, particularly since I think he's related to an old judo friend. I emailed Tad, an old friend from the original Judo Forum, to find out if there's a relation. My best wishes to all.

I believe Tad was his grandson sensei lived a long life he was 95 years old. [list][*]

judoratt wrote:

Mongo wrote:I'm sad to hear this, particularly since I think he's related to an old judo friend. I emailed Tad, an old friend from the original Judo Forum, to find out if there's a relation. My best wishes to all.

I believe Tad was his grandson sensei lived a long life he was 95 years old. [list][*]

Yeah, Tad wrote me back and said it's true. After he responded, a bunch of family photos have started to show up in my Facebook stream. It's both nice and sad to see it all. I wish him and his family the best.