Movie: Judo Life

Top 10 Billed Cast

Sonny Chiba
千葉真一

Naoki Sugiura
杉浦直樹

Takashi Kanda
神田隆

Hideo Murata
村田英雄

Hisako Tsukuba
筑波久子

Harumi Sone
曽根晴美

Yoshiko Sakuma
佐久間良子

Fumitake Ōmura
大村文武

Tokue Hanazawa
花沢徳衛

Harue Tone
利根はる恵

  • HomePage

  • Overview

    Sonny Chiba's first martial arts film, a partially fictionalized judo biopic based on prominent judoka Shiro Saigo (Chiba), the second student of judo founder Jigoro Kano (Naoki Sugiura). Akira Kurosawa’s Sanshiro Sugata is based on the same character and shares some scenes, but Judo for Life focuses more on the martial arts philosophy and training, including scenes depicting how the protagonist learned his famous cat-like landing, coined the term judo, and trained with Tsunejiro Tomita (Hideo Murata). There’s also a slight yakuza film influence. The port street ambush scene is found in both films, but in Judo for Life it’s not Kano but a travelling yakuza that jumps out of the rickshaw. Entertaining and beautifully old fashioned, one does however with there were more shades of gray between good and evil, and a stronger ninkyo-like moral / honour conflict.

  • Release Date

    1963-04-21

  • Average

    0

  • Rating:

    0.0 starts
  • Tagline

  • Genres

  • Languages:

    日本語
  • Keywords

Recommendations Movies

Sanshiro Sugata, Part Two
60%

Sanshiro Sugata, Part Two(ja)

1945-05-03

A few years after his breakthrough, Sanshiro resumes his path to judo mastery—testing his discipline against an American prizefighter and later facing vengeful karate brothers. As rival schools and public spectacle push him toward violence, he must reconcile strength with restraint and the true spirit of his art.

Sanshiro Sugata
65%

Sanshiro Sugata(ja)

1943-03-25

A hotheaded youth in 1880s Meiji Japan apprentices to judo master Shōgorō Yano, trading brute jujutsu bravado for discipline and humility. As Sanshirō matures, he proves judo’s spirit against old-guard challengers—including a deadly duel—while falling for his vanquished opponent’s daughter. Based on the novel by Tsuneo Tomita, son of Tomita Tsunejirō, the earliest disciple of judo.

Hands of Stone
66%

Hands of Stone(en)

2016-08-26

The legendary Roberto Duran and his equally legendary trainer Ray Arcel change each other's lives.

To the Ends of the Earth
63%

To the Ends of the Earth(ja)

2019-06-14

A young Japanese woman named Yoko finds her cautious and insular nature tested when she travels to Uzbekistan to shoot the latest episode of her travel variety show.

Jane Got a Gun
58%

Jane Got a Gun(en)

2015-12-31

After her outlaw husband returns home shot with eight bullets and barely alive, Jane reluctantly reaches out to an ex-lover who she hasn't seen in over ten years to help her defend her farm when the time comes that her husband's gang eventually tracks him down to finish the job.

Bobby Jones: Stroke of Genius
59%

Bobby Jones: Stroke of Genius(en)

2004-04-30

The story of golf icon and legend, Bobby Jones, who retired from competition at the tender age of 28.

My Dinner with Hervé
63%

My Dinner with Hervé(en)

2018-10-20

An unlikely friendship evolves over one wild night in LA between a struggling journalist and actor Hervé Villechaize, the world's most famous gun-toting dwarf, resulting in life-changing consequences for both.

Born a Champion
70%

Born a Champion(en)

2021-01-22

After a blood- soaked jujitsu match in Dubai, fighting legend Mickey Kelley falls to superstar Blaine. But years later, an online video proves that Blaine cheated, and the world demands a rematch. Can the aging underdog get back into shape in time to vanquish his foe, get revenge, and claim his prize?

Taboo
66%

Taboo(ja)

1999-12-18

Set during Japan's Shogun era, this film looks at life in a samurai compound where young warriors are trained in swordfighting. A number of interpersonal conflicts are brewing in the training room, all centering around a handsome young samurai named Sozaburo Kano. The school's stern master can choose to intervene, or to let Kano decide his own path.

The Challenge
59%

The Challenge(en)

1982-07-23

Rick, a down-and-out American boxer, is hired to transport a sword to Japan, unaware that the whole thing is a set up in a bitter blood-feud between two brothers, one who follows the traditional path of the samurai and the other a businessman. At the behest of the businessman, Rick undertakes samurai training from the other brother, but joins his cause. He also becomes romantically involved with the samurai's daughter.

Bushido
74%

Bushido(ja)

2024-05-17

Kakunoshin, renowned for his skills with a sword and in the game of go, embodies the samurai code. Falsely accused of a theft, he is forced to become a lowly ronin. Years later, when a case of missing gold pulls him into a new web of intrigue, Kakunoshin uncovers the truth behind his downfall. With the real culprit exposed, the go board flips, and a hellstorm of righteous vengeance follows.

The Visit
72%

The Visit(en)

1964-05-06

Carla Zachanassian had a child by Serge Miller as a teenager. When Serge refused to marry her, she was driven out of town. By her own wit and cunning, she has returned as a multi-millionaire for a visit. The town lays out the red carpet expecting big things from Carla, only to learn that her sole purpose is to see Serge Miller killed...

Tokyo Fist
68%

Tokyo Fist(ja)

1995-10-21

A businessman, Tsuda, runs into a childhood friend, Kojima, on the subway. Kojima is working as a semiprofessional boxer. Tsuda soon begins to suspect that Kojima might be having an affair with his fiancée Hizuru. After an altercation, Tsuda begins training rigorously himself, leading to an extremely bloody, violent confrontation.

Samurai Rebellion
82%

Samurai Rebellion(ja)

1967-05-27

The mother of a feudal lord's only heir is kidnapped by the lord. Her husband and his samurai father must decide whether to accept the unjust decision, or risk death to rescue her.

TalhotBlond
63%

TalhotBlond(en)

2012-06-23

Thomas Montgomery, a married father of two young daughters, gets seduced by the world of online gambling and chat rooms where a virtual romance and sexual obsession ultimately leads to the murder of an innocent man.

Shootfighter: Fight to the Death
65%

Shootfighter: Fight to the Death(en)

1993-05-05

Nick and Ruben are hoodwinked into a "shootfighter" (no-holds-barred, to the death) martial arts match by the evil Mr. Lee, who has a grudge against world shootfighter champ(and teacher of Nick and Ruben) Shingo.

Resurrecting the Champ
63%

Resurrecting the Champ(en)

2007-06-14

Up-and-coming sports reporter rescues a homeless man ("Champ") only to discover that he is, in fact, a boxing legend believed to have passed away. What begins as an opportunity to resurrect Champ's story and escape the shadow of his father's success becomes a personal journey as the ambitious reporter reexamines his own life and his relationship with his family.

The Assault
68%

The Assault(en)

2014-09-20

After a cheerleader is sexually assaulted by the high school football team, she must overcome her shame and use the evidence gathered from the subsequent social media firestorm to piece together the night that she can't remember in her fight for justice. Based on the true story of the Steubenville, Ohio rape case.

Violent Saturday
68%

Violent Saturday(en)

1955-04-01

Three men case a small town very carefully, with plans to rob the bank on the upcoming Saturday, which turns violent and deadly.

Assassination
71%

Assassination(ja)

1964-07-04

In 1863, when American warships approach Japan, an enigmatic ronin becomes an important figure in a complex game of power between the Shogunate and the empire.

Similar Movies

Sanshiro Sugata, Part Two
60%

Sanshiro Sugata, Part Two(ja)

1945-05-03

A few years after his breakthrough, Sanshiro resumes his path to judo mastery—testing his discipline against an American prizefighter and later facing vengeful karate brothers. As rival schools and public spectacle push him toward violence, he must reconcile strength with restraint and the true spirit of his art.

Sanshiro Sugata
65%

Sanshiro Sugata(ja)

1943-03-25

A hotheaded youth in 1880s Meiji Japan apprentices to judo master Shōgorō Yano, trading brute jujutsu bravado for discipline and humility. As Sanshirō matures, he proves judo’s spirit against old-guard challengers—including a deadly duel—while falling for his vanquished opponent’s daughter. Based on the novel by Tsuneo Tomita, son of Tomita Tsunejirō, the earliest disciple of judo.

Girls Town
38%

Girls Town(en)

1959-10-05

Chip is killed accidentally while trying to rape a blonde girl, who runs. Silver becomes the number one suspect even though she has an alibi, but due to previous brushes with the law she's sent to Girls Town, a home for young women in trouble with the law which is run by nuns. Silver is rebellious and causes trouble at the school, and her friend Sarafina totters near the brink of self-destruction because of an infatuation with a young singer. Meanwhile Chip's father hires a detective to find out the truth, and Chip's friend Fred gets Silver's sister in trouble at a drag race. Silver has a lot of problems all right.

Kodokan Under a Morning Moon
0%

Kodokan Under a Morning Moon(ja)

1957-04-16

The picture tells of a tremendous conflict between ju-jitsu, an aggressive art practiced by vicious hoodlums led by Takamatsu, and judo, which is used only for self-defense and championed by Sugawara. All of which, comes to a mighty match between Sugawara and Takamatsu. It's loaded with dynamite, so to speak, and lasts five minutes on the screen, Sugawara, wins. Takamatsu, a poor loser, and his four ju-jitsu hoodlum companions later ambush Sugawara in the woods. This turns out to be a mortal combat. You'd like to learn the outcome, wouldn't you?

Patty Is Such a Girly Name
80%

Patty Is Such a Girly Name(el)

2025-11-01

Daphne, a teenage judo athlete from a remote Greek island, is ready to spread her wings and follow Sensei Yuri to the big city and ultimately to the next Olympic Games. Yuri, for unknown reasons, has been absent from the world of Judo for the last few years and he is looking for a new beginning, while Daphne transitions from the carefreeness of adolescence into the hard world of adults.

Dawn of Judo
75%

Dawn of Judo(ja)

1970-07-25

The story of Sanshiro Sugata, a young man who wants to learn the new art of judo. A wise teacher reveals to Sanshiro that judo is not merely a means of combat nor a demonstration of physical skill, but an art which reveals the artist to himself. This is a remake of Akira Kurosawa's films "Sanshiro Sugata" and "Sanshiro Sugata Part II"

Cold Showers
55%

Cold Showers(fr)

2005-06-22

Mickael's family is struggling (they don't have enough money to pay for hot water) however his life is full with Judo and his girlfriend Venessa. Then Mickael makes a decision to open up his relationship to include Clement his rich-kid Judo partner, starting a chain of events.

My Sister is a Tomboy
40%

My Sister is a Tomboy(ko)

1961-10-27

The master of a Judo dojo turns his daughter into a master of the martial art as she is growing up. But now that she has reached marrying age, he finds it difficult to find her a husband that can accept her tomboy ways.

Sanshiro Sugata
71%

Sanshiro Sugata(ja)

1965-05-29

Remake of Akira Kurosawa's films "Sanshiro Sugata and "Sanshiro Sugata Part II". A young man, Sanshiro Sugata, troubled by personal problems, takes up judo. His teacher, Shogoro Yano, is a devout man who has aroused the enmity of the local practitioners of jujitsu, the older and more accepted of the two sports. Sugata uses his newly learned prowess to gain a measure of respect from others; however, Shogoro insists that the sport has a spiritual side, a lesson Sugata has yet to learn. Eventually, in hand-to-hand combat with the father of a young woman he loves, he comes to understand the true meaning of judo.

Judo Hall Demon
0%

Judo Hall Demon(ja)

1964-02-02

Sequel to the movie Judo Ichidai (Judo Life) with Sonny Chiba

Yawara! Go Get 'Em, Wimpy Kids!!
60%

Yawara! Go Get 'Em, Wimpy Kids!!(ja)

1992-08-01

Yawara helps a group of timid grade school kids overcome their fears and compete in a judo competition.

Yawara! Atlanta Special
65%

Yawara! Atlanta Special(ja)

1996-07-19

Yawara Inokuma competes for Japan in the Atlanta Olympic Games as she meets with several familiar faces throughout the tournament.

Judo for Life
0%

Judo for Life(ja)

1970-07-19

Naoya Ichijo uses special judo techniques to succeed.

The Art of Falling
40%

The Art of Falling(bg)

2022-09-26

Bori (17) refuses to be harassed by the boys. Her artistic, but unstable mother does not give her the support she needs. Her caring grandfather enrolls her in a judo school. There, she realizes that before beating others, one must win the battles within oneself.

My Annoying Brother
80%

My Annoying Brother(id)

2024-10-24

When a gifted athlete loses his sight, his convict brother sees an excuse for early parole. But with their joyful reunion comes tragedy.

White Blessing
60%

White Blessing(mn)

2017-11-11

White Blessing is motivational sports drama and based on a true story.

My Annoying Brother
80%

My Annoying Brother(ko)

2016-11-24

A jailed swindler leaps at the chance to earn parole in return for taking care of his estranged brother, an athlete who recently lost his sight.

Heroes of the East
73%

Heroes of the East(zh)

1978-12-30

When a series of martial misunderstandings spirals into an international incident, a Chinese martial arts student struggling to relate to his new Japanese wife is forced to take on seven of Japan's most powerful martial arts masters, each an expert in a different discipline, ranging from karate to samurai to ninjitsu.

Mysterious Mr. Moto
62%

Mysterious Mr. Moto(en)

1938-09-17

The Japanese detective rounds up a league of assassins for Scotland Yard.