Hajime Isogai

was an early student of judo and the second person to be promoted to 10th dan. He was considered to be a newaza expert, although was also famed by his tachiwaza as well.

He was famous for his rivalry with Fusen-ryū master Mataemon Tanabe, who was known for defeating multiple judokas in challenge matches thanks to his ne-waza mastery. They fought twice in Kyoto and Fukuoka in 1899, ending in a draw in both bouts. The second fight was specially notable, as Isogai, knowing the field of strength of his adversary, kept the fight standing and threatened him several times with his skill at hane goshi. Still, Isogai was left convinced of the importance of working on ne-waza in order to be a complete fighter.