My name is Fukuda Keiko, a judoka and teacher of the art I have devoted my entire life to.

I was born in Tokyo in 1913, a time and place where women rarely pursued martial arts, much less with the seriousness and commitment of men.

In this room, where I am practicing in San Francisco, I feel an ancient connection to the dojo in Japan where I once trained under Kanō Jigorō himself, the founder of judo.

The sunlight through the window is different from Japan’s – softer, more open somehow, as if America itself feels curious and hopeful, ready to let women like me find a place.

I arrived here decades ago, a young woman eager to teach but anxious, knowing that judo was still considered a men’s pursuit.

Yet, through teaching, I found students who looked to me not just to learn judo’s techniques but to discover its principles – the patience, resilience, and adaptability it demands, the ways it fosters inner strength beyond physical moves.

Here in San Francisco, I teach women, children, and men alike, each one coming to understand how this art can become a way of living.

My rank, my achievements – they are not just marks of personal pride, though I do honor them.

They are stepping stones for future women in judo.

My life is dedicated to carrying forward the vision of Kanō, who believed judo is for all, a “gentle way” to live and grow stronger, to contribute to society.

As I meditate after each session, I feel pride, humility, and resolve.

Society here is changing, yet the art I teach remains grounded in Japanese tradition, in connecting with others through respect, discipline, and trust.

If I can inspire the next generation to embody these principles, I will have lived fully.

A Judo-Inspired Approach to Startups

In startups, as in judo, resilience and adaptability are paramount.

Just as in a judo match, where an opponent’s energy can be used to create an advantage, a startup should learn to adapt to market changes and unexpected challenges.

This requires more than just strategy; it demands a foundation of values – trust, discipline, and patience – the qualities that build strong connections between founders, teams, and clients.

A startup founder should also remember judo’s principle of mutual welfare and benefit, a philosophy of working collaboratively for shared success.

This can inspire teams to support one another rather than compete, creating an environment where each member’s strengths are honored, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.

In practice, approach each challenge as an opportunity for growth, and be willing to shift your strategy to fit the needs of the situation.

With these principles in mind, startups can not only succeed but also create lasting positive impacts on the people and communities they touch.