2 year anniversary of GKJN – thanks to all the support!!
As we enter October, Chicago is seeing chilly weather where the temperatures dip below 50F (10C) in the mornings. I am kind of seeing a glimpse of winter…
Bravo!! GKJN is celebrating 2 years as of October 1st.
1st GKJN Cup @ Rosemond Dome (June 5th, 2022)
This was only possible with everyone’s support. I thank you from the bottom of my heart.
I have retired as an athlete in March of 2020 where I met Attorneys, Paralegals, Tax Specialists, and with their support, I was able to establish GKJN in October of 2020. I have also taken the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) 3 times to seek going to school as an option. As a result, I was able to obtain the Athlete Visa through the sponsorship of USA Judo and made it to the US in August of 2021. I had visited the US with ESTA and was close to getting deported…
Not only the rough English, I had to learn through Accounting, and the basics of running a company. 2nd year, I started coaching 4 times a week at the Tohkon Judo Academy. Together with their help, the 1st GKJN Cup was held in June 2022 gathering over 800 people from 7 Midwest States.
My career was Judo and Judo only, but did have an opportunity to do a presentation in English. I also had opportunities to do Judo Clinics in Texas, Oklahoma, and Nevada. Not an easy task for a “US Beginner” but these experiences were all exciting.
English Speech at the Counsel General of Japan at Chicago (June 2022)
I was very nervous…
Judo Clinic in Oklahoma (March 2022)
This was fun…It’s JUDO 😊
This was only possible due to the support from everyone. I faithfully thank everyone for the support.
3rd Year Challenge
The 3rd year for GKJN has already started, but here’s my goal for the 3rd year.
(1) 4x/week coaching in Chicago / Pan American Judo Clinic
Back to basics. Need to teach the “fun” in Judo to kids in Chicago. Also I need to travel around the USA to extend my Judo network in hopes to increase the Judo Population in the United States.
(2) 2nd GKJN Cup – June 2023
This year the participation was 800, but for 2023, my goal is 1,000. I also intend to invite kids from Japan to include matches between USA and Japan as well as muti-cultural exchanges between the kids.
(3) US kids in Japan JUDO Tour – July 2023
I plan to send 10+ kids from the USA to Japan, to include a Judo Camp and another session of culture exchange / nature events. Locations will be Tokyo (Kodokan), Kyoto and Kumamoto. I have a plan to visit Japan in November to plan out the details then seek sponsorship for this event. The plan is to do this in July where schools in both countries are in summer vacation.
The funds needed for this event are flight tickets (it’s $3,000 for economy tickets!!) as well as lodging, and domestic travel. This requires a lot of support both financial and human resources. There’s still a lot to overcome, but I must start somewhere. I have trust in that everyone would understand the value of “Bringing Happiness to Kids through the Traditional Martial Art from Japan, Judo.” and plan to continue my quest.
There’s a lot to do in my 3rd year, but my quest to ensure that your support tuns into something valuable. My payback is not just to kids but everyone involved.
Your continued support is highly appreciated.
