Mrs. Judo: Be Strong, Be Gentle, Be Beautiful

Once in a long while, the life destiny of one woman lines up to make a radical shift for women around the world. In the summer of 2011, Keiko Fukuda broke through a glass ceiling for women when she was awarded the pinnacle of judo, the 10th degree (black belt).

Mrs. Judo: Be Strong, Be Gentle, Be Beautiful is the story of Keiko Fukuda, whose life commitment was to spread judo around the globe. The film offers a thematic exploration of profound shifts in Japanese society and the altered status of women on both sides of the Pacific, with a visual style that honors Fukuda’s motto, which is also the film’s subtitle. Fukuda explains the crux of judo – literally “way of gentleness” – is the flexibility to move with the energy of the moment.Fukuda’s life-long adventure is told through a special trip in 2009, when she was invited as an honored guest to at-tend the All-Japan Judo Tournament. Ironically, she was hosted and honored by the very organization that had held her back. Scenes from the trip cue moments from Fukuda’s rich 78-year career.