Annual Schedule and the Kangeiko on Jan 8th
I hope everyone had a very happy new years into 2023. I heartfully thank everyone that is supporting GKJN activities.
This article talks about the GKJN schedule for 2023 which has been approved by the Board Members of GKJN as well as the Kangeiko that took place on January 8th.
Continuing in 2023, I will be marching forward being honest to my belief. I wish for the continued support to my activities.
1. Annual Schedule 2023
Our network has grown where there will be events EVERY MONTH!! Below are the main objectives of my activities.
- Promoting Judo in the United States as GKJN
- Discovering prospect world class athletes as the Youth Development Coach for USA JUDO
- Connecting kids between US and Japan expanding their possibilities for the future.
(1) GKJN Events
Last year, we were able to hold the Inaugural GKJN Cup. This year I will add to the program the items below.
- The 2nd GKJN Cup – (October) – Inviting Olympic Medalists
- US Kids to Japan Project (July): Taking US Kids (approx. 10) to Japan. Joint JUDO Camps, Culture Exchange Programs and Nature Experiences will assist to expand the future possibilities for kids.
- Speeches at Chamber of Commerce Locations will expand my support network. Currently 1 planned (Nagoya) for 2023.
(2) Youth Development Coach for USA JUDO
- Attend the All US events hosted by USA Judo and uncover athletes that can be competitive in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
(March: Texas, May: Washington, total 6 locations) - Attend the Judo Camp as a coach and educate “Judo that Wins” to world class potential athletes.
(March: Oklahoma, June: Colorado, September: Los Angeles)
(3) Junior Head Coach at Tohkon Judo Academy (TJA)
The fundamentals is the hands-on coaching. I will continue this task to promote judo population in the United States.
- TJA Coaching (4 times/week)
(Cubby, Junior, Senior, and Women Classes) - Join local tournaments and also educate that winning is not everything. The true value of Judo.
(March: Wisconsin, May: Indiana)
2. Requests to Everyone
(1) Funding
My activities are only possible through your financial support. I will be starting Cloud Funding – your support is highly appreciated. (Required Annual Cost: approx. $70K)
(2) Special Coaches to the 2nd GKJN Cup Special
I have reached out to some of you, but I am requesting Judo Medalists to Join me in this coaching task. It will be Pro-bono but I will take care of you here in Chicago!!
3. Tohkon Kangeiko (Jan 8th)
Do you know what Kangeiko means?
Kan (=cold) geiko (=training) is training done in the cold season. It does strengthen your skills, but biggest objective is on the mental side when you endure the cold weather.
In Japan, Kangeiko is typically held in an early morning in January praciting Judo. USA is the same, but one big difference is its not Judo, but its training outside!!
Chicago is cold (32F) – below is the report from that day.
<Schedule (Jan 8th)>
- 6:45 Meet at Dojo
- 7:00 Move to the beaches of Lake Michigan
- 7:15～9:15 2H Training
＊Total of 61 participants from kids to adjusts. Wow, great teamwork!!
Training Menu (2 Hours)
- Mile Run (1.6 km)
- Exercise and Calisthenics
- 10 Uphill Sprints
- Agility Training
- Move to the Park and train with Playground Equipment
Prepared for the weather, but 32F is not cold for Chicagoans
Start Running – at first everyone is smiling
Run! Run! Run! Through the beaches of Lake Michigan
I love the looks on their faces
Background is the skyscrapers of Chicag
Uphill Sprints!!
After the uphill sprints, now we’re in a Football Field, and the training continues.
Cute kids duo. Their smiles made me happy during the tough training.
Best smiles after the 2 hour training! Great job everybody!!
Thank you for my training partner!!!
Everyone seemed to be happy after the 2 hour kangeiko. Not just the students, but even the parents went through the entire venue, and this I felt is the American Sprits. I need to be positive as they were, and continue my challenge here in the United States.
