Who is Kozo Sudo?
Compared to the western nations, Asia doesn’t produce as many bodybuilding legends. But when it comes to Japan, there is only one name: Kozo Sudo.
Kozo Sudo not only established the sport in the far east, but he also cultivated one of the best bodies of his time.
For his looks, Kozo is still recognized today by fitness aficionados, and he has motivated other athletes to live a healthy lifestyle.
Body Measurements of Kozo Sudo
| Full Name: | Kozo Sudo |
| WEIGHT: | 165-175 pounds (74.8-79.4kg) |
| ERA: | 1970, 1980 |
| PROFESSION: | Professional bodybuilder |
| NATIONALITY: | Japan |
| HEIGHT: | 5’9″ (175cm) |
Accomplishments
Competitions
- 1972 JBBA Mr. Japan, 1st
- 1973 JBBA Mr. Japan, 2nd
- 1974 JBBA Mr. Japan, 1st
- 1975 NABBA Mr. Universe, Middleweight, 1st
- 1976 JBBA Mr. Japan, 1st
- 1976 NABBA Mr. Universe, Middleweight, 1st and Overall title
- 1977 JBBA Mr. Japan, 2nd
- 1977 NABBA Mr. Universe Middleweight, 4th
- 1981 IFBB Mr. International Championship, Middleweight
- 1983 IFBB World Pro Championships, 13th
Biography
Start of Career
Kozo Sudo, who was born in Japan, the land of the rising sun, had always been interested in fitness. He participated in well-known activities in his nation, such as baseball and wrestling, but he didn’t begin lifting weights until he was a teenager.
Kozo wasn’t encouraged to participate in a Japanese bodybuilding show until he had started to develop a muscular physique. He eventually entered the stage during the 1972 Mr. Japan performance.
The talented young athlete won the award in his first competition, which is impressive. But the ambitious pro’s situation would only get better.
Mr. World’s Champion
Kozo participated in two additional competitions over the following three years, the 1973 and 1974 JBBA Mr. Japan, finishing second and first, respectively.
However, he didn’t start establishing a reputation for himself until he participated in his first international competition.
Kozo triumphed against all odds to win the 1975 NABBA Mr. Universe contest. He had therefore succeeded in becoming the first bodybuilder from Japan to win the prestigious Mr. Universe competition.
At this moment, his talent in the field began to catch the attention of the general public.
Making Legends
Kozo Sudo returned to the Mr. Universe to defend his title a year later after winning another Mr. Japan championship, and he didn’t let anyone down.
By winning both the middleweight division’s trophy and the overall crown, he was able to surpass his prior success.
Kozo was now a legendary figure in his own Japan and a well-respected bodybuilder on a global scale.
Retirement
Kozo took part in 4 additional exhibitions during the following 7 years. He competed in the 1983 IFBB World Pro Championship and 1981 Mr. International Championship toward the conclusion of his career, finishing 13th in the latter.
However, Kozo decided to leave the stage for good in 1983 after a successful career lasting more than ten years. He made history and established bodybuilding in Asia, leaving the sport as a legend.
Training
Kozo Sudo was renowned for his rigorous workouts in the gym, and thanks to his extraordinary genetics, he recovered quite quickly. He exercised six days a week, skipping Sundays when he lifted weights.
For each muscle, he performed up to 20 sets with barely a minute of rest in between. Every session, the Japanese legend worked on his abs to shape his remarkable midsection.