Kenji Yamada

Sensei embraced the participation of my daughter and me in the Seattle Dojo. He was gentle and kind and made sure we felt welcomed since we were the only females in the Dojo at that time. He built us up until we could confidently participate and held us to the same standards as the men. I will forever hold him in my heart as someone who enriched our lives. He built our confidence. He had deep respect for people and his example as a person was a strong positive force. Thank you, Sensei, for what you did for us.

Kenji was my first Sensei, though I didn't last at Judo when I was a young boy, he imparted an unforgettable temperment that stays with me to this day. I ended up living in Japan for over a year, and am interested in East Asian and Pacific Island cultures. Besides everyday business, I practice and teach Tai Chi, and hold spiritual events in NYC now. Bless his life soul!

I am sorry to hear of Sensei's passing. He was a wonderful man who taught judo to my son, my two daughters, and me. As a teacher, he was patient, kind, and gentle. His sense of humor was always present. As a human being he was exemplary. End of an era.

Dear Harold Yamada,

How sadden I am to hear of the passing of my friend Kenji Yamada.

Each of us meets many people as we travel through life's journey but now and then we meet some one really special.

I met Kenjii in the 1950's in California at the U.S. Nationals Judo Championship where he was still knocking them down even though he was in his thirties. He was the best of judo skill, fighting spirit and quiet respectful demeaner.

Kenjii set a standard that was admired by all who met him and our only consolation in his passing is that he is in a good place and that his legacy will always be with us.

My deep sympathy goes out to his family.

Ben Nighthorse Campbell
1964 U.S. Olympic Judo Team
United States Senator, retired

To the Family and Friends of Kenji Yamada:
I have met many fine people in my 73 years of life but a few stand out in my memory and one of those is Kenji Yamada.  As a young man I become the Director of the Bellevue Boys and Girls Club and met  Kenji who was the judo instructor at the Club.  I can remember how once each week , always on time, always with his wonderful wife, Kenji for over 30 years would teach young people judo, but more important he was teaching some of lifes valuable lessons around discipline and self esteem.  He made all the participants wear the judo uniforms, and if they couldn't afford to buy one he made sure they still had their judo suit.   I always looked forward to seeing Kenji and to watch him work with his young people , he had a passion for his teaching and he loved the kids.  This community was better because of Kenji Yamada , my life was better because of Kenji Yamada, and we have lost a wonderful man and a better human being.  It was an honor to know Kenji Yamada. 
Cary Bozeman
Former Director of the Bellevue Boys and Girls Club
Former Mayor of Bellevue

Dear Yamada family,
We were deeply saddened to hear of Kenji's passing. He was always so happy, full of life, and through and through a wonderful person. Our family is truly blessed to have known him and many of you as well. His service today was wonderful, thank you for sharing so many wonderful stories of his life. Our thoughts are with you all!

Your co-workers here at Kinetic Books are so thankful to have Megan (grand child) as part of the team and thank God for Grand Pa and his amazing influence on the world. May his soul rest in eternal peace. ~Kate.

MY BEST WISHES AND SYMPATHY TO THE YAMADA FAMILY. I WENT TO FRANKLIN HI WITH KENJI AND
ALSO HAD ONE OF HIS DAUGHTERS IN GIRL SCOUTS.MY CHILDREN ALSO WENT TO SCHOOL=BRIGHTON WITH HIS. A NICE MAN AND
GOOD FRIEND.

Harold,
My deepest condolences are with you as you grieve for the loss of your father. You and your family are in my prayers during the time of sorrow.

We are sorry for the loss of Yamada Sensei. He was influential in shaping, not only Judo in the northwest, but also the lives that he touched. He will be missed, but his legacy will live on.

With sincere sympathy to the Yamada family. I have known Kenji for many years thru Judo. He had an outstanding Judo career, both in competition and teaching. He will be missed by his many friends.
Jim Takemori (Alexandria, VA)

My son, Ken, used to take judo lessons from Mr. Yamada. I always appreciated sensei's patience with his students and his devotion to the sport of judo.

Kenji was a wonderful man who influenced countless people in positive ways. His impact on this world is apparent. He will be missed.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the Yamada family.

John, Bridget and CopperRose

Harold, I'm very sorry for your loss. A great loss to the judo community.

My heart goes out to you and your family during this difficult loss. Please let me know if there is anything that I can do for you in this trying time.

Harold,
May God's blessing and peace rest upon your father, Kenji Yamada's memory.
Maynard Atik

I remember going to the US National Judo Championships in 1963 as a 13yr-old with my father, and after watching Kenji Yamada Sensei compete, he became one of my Judo idols.

Professor Yamada's Judo legacy and his spirit of giving lives on through his family, friends, students & all those that traveled the path with him...

A Great Kodokan Judo Pioneer has left us, but will never be forgotten...

Sincere respect & condolences to Hachidan, Professor Kenji Yamada Sensei's family...

Sensei Yamada was an incredible instructor that he lived, not taught. His Legacy is his children whom his son Harold has taken that passion to the same level. Harold to me, is my Sensei now and is a mirror of his father. Sensei Kenji Yamada was an icon in my life, he not only instructed me in Judo, but he also taught my father, God rest his soul. The generosity of Sensei Yamada to my family (much longer story) makes me know his spirit lives on. To the entire Yamada family, I'm sorry for your loss, but thank you for including me in the Yamada Family.

Judo Senseis live on forever through their students!

Very sorry for your families loss. Your Dad will be remembered as a valued member of the judo community and someone that will be missed for years to come. Sherrie Wilson

Condolences to the family. Sorry for your loss. <3