As reported in my previous article, I had visited Oklahoma alone for a Judo Clinic requested by USA Judo.
Being excited to visit a place where I have never been before, but was anxious at the same time for my First Solo Judo Clinic in the US. 2 days, 3 sessions – here’s my experience.
〜Day1〜
Friday, March 25th 8:50AM, I was on a 2 hour 15 minute flight from Chicago to Oklahoma City. I had the kids class until 8:30PM the previous night which put me to sleep in flight which made it feel very short.
At the arrival gate, Girls from host organization USA STARS welcomed me. I was worried on how to get to the destination, but the welcome with smiles helped me relax.
After lunch, checked in to the hotel and studied Judo English for the session scheduled at 5~7PM. I told myself to speak out loud!!
Had the Korean Bulgogi for lunch, the girls’ favorite. Asian meals are alive in the US!!
#1 Dojo in Oklahoma USA STARS!!
A ring adjacent to the Dojo
And the 2nd floor is for wrestling
The event site, although a local dojo, it was fantastic.
Oklahoma is located in the Center of the Continental US where legacies of the “Western” days including cowboys remain. Filled with wild nature.
Oklahoma City, its capital, is where USA STARS – the largest Dojo in the state is located.
【Session Content】
- 20 min warmup
- 100 min Technical Class – One on One
This time it was the advanced class, so it was mainly the One-on-One techniques. I even taught my forte, High grip.
Members of the advanced class on Day 1.
There is a candidate for the LA Olympics in the 63kg women’s class
Can you tell who it is?
After the 2 hour technical session (with no sparring) they invited me to Cattlemen’s Steakhouse, a legendary Steakhouse in Oklahoma. I challenged my self to an All American Steak.
Although it was the first time we met, everyone was friendly and I felt at home.
All American Steak!!
Oklhoma, the state of cowboys. While waiting for the table, I visited a cowboy shop across the street.
〜Day2〜
Day 2 is the main clinic, the real deal. “I wanna make kids in Oklahoma smile!!” with this, I made my way to the Dojo. Judokas ranging from 8 to 50 years old gathered at the Dojo. Let’s get started!!
【Morning Session〜Standing Techniques〜】 10:00~12:00
- 20 min warmup – let’s have fun and get acquainted
- Practice of Kuzushi(Break of balance) – a very important technique in Judo – the key on how to do this.
【Afternoon Session】 13:00~15:00
- 20 min warmup (in pairs)
- Exercise needed for Ground Techniques
- Ground Technique 1(Turnover)：Harazutumi (Belly wrap)
- Popular Technique in Japan – Uta Abe did this in the Tokyo Olympics)
- Ground Technique 2(Turnover)：Sankaku (Triangle)
- Demonstration
made my way to the Dojo. Judokas ranging from 8 to 50 years old gathered at the Dojo. Let’s get started!!
〜Photos from the Sessions〜
Detailed training for kids
English is Easy!!
This is best
You must enjoy while working out. Smiles are important
Demo of Uchimata(Innner Thigh Reapin Throw)
12 year old Charlie!! Great!!
Teaching my weapon
Ground Technique
Trying difficult moves
Go for it!!
Teaching each other. This is the sprits of Judo!
Friendly Dojo Lunch
Thumbs up with acquiring one WAZA.
Good Job Everyone!!
And so I was able to complete my mission. Accomplishments? Teaching basics of my fortes – 内股 and Ground Techniques.
Even with my broken English, everybody was eager to learn and they all challenged on new stuff that I taught. This made my very happy that I made the trip down here. Due to COVID, not may participants showed up. However, my passion is the same whether its 1 or 100. I also need to brush up my skills both in teaching and in English.
【Extras】
After mission complete…
Oklahoma is known for its great plains and the animals that live there. I tried my first shooting, and what surprised me is that it was at a back yard of one of the participants!! His father is a hunter and with his professional education, I tried 6 types of guns from small to large. Exciting but a bit frightening – but most of all, very difficult.
Shooting Range at home? Wow – This is USA and this is Oklahoma!!
They looked good on me, but couldn’t become Angelina Jolie
After my shooting experience, I enjoyed the last dinner here. Mexican!!
With help from the friends at USA STARS
My trip ended up successful!!
I completed my first solo trip to Oklahoma supported by a lot of Judo Families. Met with wonderful people, and truly loving the human connection that Judo can bring. I wish to travel throughout the United States to meet more of these people – and excite the sport in the United States.
Thank you for Oklahoma Judo-ka!!!
