After 15 months of training, Mifune achieved the rank of "shodan" ("beginning "dan", indicating 1st "dan" ranking) in Kodokan judo, and after the remarkably short time of four more months, "nidan" (2nd "dan"). Through timing and speed, Mifune quickly gained a reputation, and was never defeated at the annual Red and White Kodokan tournament. By 1910, he was ranked "godan" (5th "dan") and an instructor. He was already being called the "God of Judo". He was 30. His father recommended a girl in his hometown and, for only the second time since he had left home, he returned, to marry.