Four Guardians of the Kà Âdà Âkan refers to the four notable judo competitors of the early Kà Âdà Âkan: Tomita Tsunejirà Â, Yamashita Yoshitsugu, Yokoyama Sakujiro, and Saigà  Shirà Â.
" " (è¬ÂéÂÂ館åÂÂ天çÂÂ) literally translates as Four Heavenly Kings of the Kà Âdà Âkan. Shiten'nà  refers to four Devarajas, Hindu gods, historically adapted by Japanese Buddhism. Traditionally, the Four Heavenly Kings are the guardian gods that are worshipped as the protecting deities of Buddhist sanctuaries.
When Kanà  Jigorà  began to develop judo from jujutsu, his efforts met with opposition from jujutsu practitioners. However, Kano drew a loyal following that included exceptional fighters. Hence the term "Four Guardians of the Kà Âdà Âkan" came into existence referring to Tomita Tsunejirà  along with Yamashita Yoshitsugu, Yokoyama Sakujiro, and Saigà  Shirà Â.