Mitsuyo Maeda
Japanese judoka (1878–1941)
前田光世 · Maeda Mitsuyo · 마에다 미쓰요
- Born
- 18 November 1878, Hirosaki
- Died
- 28 November 1941, Belém
- Citizenship
- Japan, Brazil
- Sport
- judo
- Occupation
- judoka, professional wrestler
Otávio Maeda (born Mitsuyo Maeda [Japanese: 前田 光世]; November 18, 1878 – November 28, 1941) was a Japanese and Brazilian judōka, catch wrestler, and prizefighter who is considered one of the fathers of Brazilian Jiu-jitsu. He was commonly known by the nickname Conde Koma.
Maeda was the head of the second generation of Kodokan judōka, and was integral to the martial art's expansion into the United States during the 1900's. Along with Soshihiro Satake, he pioneered judo in Brazil, the United Kingdom, and other countries during the following decades, eventually becoming a naturalized Brazilian citizen and a promoter of Japanese immigration to Brazil.
Maeda was fundamental to the development of Brazilian jiu-jitsu, including through his teaching of Carlos Gracie and others of the Gracie family. His accomplishments led to him being called the "toughest man who ever lived".
Teachers
Students
- Carlos Gracie
- Luiz França
External links
Facts from Wikidata Q2456537 (CC0); quoted introduction from English Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0). Data retrieved 2026-10-22.
Data: Wikidata (CC0 1.0); Wikipedia (English) (CC BY-SA 4.0). Retrieved 2026-10-22.