Tokugoro Ito

Ito's first wrestling match against someone not Japanese occurred in 1909.^[3] Ito defeated American Wrestler Eddie Robinson.^[5] In 1914, Ito engaged in many matches. He initially lost but later defeated Ad Santel in a wrestling match.^[6] The loss was a result of Ito being thrown on his head by Santel.^[3] Ito at the time was a 5th degree black belt in judo.^[7] He additionally defeated Joe Acton.

In his later years he founded the Rafu Judo Dojo in Los Angeles and previously was a leader of the Seattle Dojo from 1907 to 1911.^[8] His notable students included Tsutao Higami.^[9] Ito was also an instructor of Geo Omori and Sanpo Toku.