Ryohei Kanokogi was an early pioneer for judo in the United States. Ryohei is the grandson of a samurai. He had two children with Rusty Kanokogi, plus a step-son, Christopher, from his wife's previous marriage. Ryohei was also the high school Judo champion of Japan. Ryohei Kanokogi was former all-weights judo champion of southeastern Japan. He was also a champion in karate. Ryohei later attended Nichidai University as a member of the judo team. He was featured in a number of Sports Illustrated articles including Confessions Of A Judo Roll-Out. Kanokogi has appeared in commercials for Samsonite luggage and the after shave Hai Karate.