Rank: Black Belt
Years Experience: 30

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Profile 

Willie began studying judo at age 10 under his father, Chiyuki “Chic” Nakahara (Chic had earned his black belt at age 16 under Toshitaka Yamauchi, a 7th Dan who learned judo directly from Jigoro Kano, the founder of Kodokan Judo). Willie spent 3 years training and did not get to compete in tournaments until he was almost 14. In his 4th tournament, he earned the rank of purple belt by winning the Monterey Bay (California) JO area qualifier to the Hokka (Northern California) regional championships. Over the next couple of years, Willie won several more area qualifiers. He won the Merced (California) Invitational in 1968 in his last tournament as a junior (USJF cut-off at age 16). Overall, he represented Hokka at several national tournaments including the Junior Nationals (1965-1967), and the High School Nationals (135# class, 1967-1969).

In 1969, Willie enrolled at Fresno State University (California), transferred membership to Chukka (Central California), and studied judo under Haruo Imamura (former US National Champion) and Toshitaka Yamauchi, now 8th Dan (Yes, he got to train under my dad’s sensei!). After receiving his black belt in September 1969, he entered and won the lightweight division (139#), and the overall black belt division championship at the Albany (California) Invitational defeating the heavyweight division (over 205#) winner, William McCauley.

In 1970, Willie represented Chukka at the Senior Nationals in the 139# class, only to lose to the eventual runner-up in the semi-finals.

In 1971 and 1972, he won the Chukka 139# championships, but the Association chose to send only two competitors and did not participate at the Senior Nationals. However, he did win the Judoka of the Year award in 1971.

While preparing for a tournament in 1975, Willie sustained an injury, which ultimately led to a 40 year lay-off during which time he got married and raised a family.

IWillie returned to judo in October 2015, joining Universal Judo and won the M8 (65-69 yo) 73 kg division National Championship in April 2016. 

Experience

2016 Veteran World Championships 5th place