We, the undersigned, feel that it is in the best interest of the United States Judo Association and to the entire judo community to promote Dr. James Tanaka to the rank of Hachidan (8th degree black belt). His lifelong dedication to judo, both as a practitioner and an educator, has greatly influenced the lives of those who have had the opportunity to learn from him.
In essence, to say that with the dedication he poured into judo, it would be a great disservice to all past, current, and future judokas, if the USJA Board of Directors, after reviewing his application, deny us, his friends, family, and most importantly his students, from seeing him achieve this great honor.