2 Boys from the US participating in the US Open after their training camp in Japan
During end of June to mid July, we have sent 2 of the premier athletes at the Tohkon Judo Academy to Japan for 4 weeks. They experienced the boot camp at the Mecca of Judo, the Kodokan, as well as at Kyoto Ryukoku University, and Aichi Seijo High School. After their return to the US, they fought at the only international event in the US, the United States Open (July 28~30)
With limited budgets, everything was “hand made” including homestays in various locations as well as staying at my home 😊 It’s the first time we did this and, hey, it’s OK!! This article talks about the 2 boys in Japan as well as their challenge at the United States Open.
1. Challenge to my Dream!! The first kids to be dispatched to Japan
It’s the first for everything. No connections, no know-how, no budget…
This was a test case, so we sent 2 kids, one being the son of the owner of Tohkon Judo Academy, and another who believed in me and the family that wanted to take the challenge.
Trent Tono (Age: 17/55kg Class)
The son of Doug Tono (Owner of Tohkon Judo Academy) He has good skills in WAZA, but he needs more body and mental training.
Mike Taheny (Age: 16/ 81kg Class)
The oldest of the 6 Taheny brothers. This “baby face” has abundant power. Brushing up his WAZAs to a level that he can use at competitions, is the goal.
2. Camp is 27 days!!
JUDO ONLY Days ”Is not a dream, more like hell!!”
At Chicago O’hare airport prior to their departure.
At this point they were excited and filled with “Dreams”
3. The days in “Dreamland” Japan (It ain’t that easy…!!)
(1) Participated in the Semi Professional Practice at the “Mecca” Kodokan (June 28)
When they visit Japan, this was a “must” for them. We arranged a visit to Kodokan. We had permission to have them participate in the Joint Practice of the Semi Professional Men’s Practice. I had also participated in this event many many times, but the people here experts of experts (some are in the Japan National Team)
Do you know that Kodokan is a sacred place for JUDOKAs worldwide. Practices that ALL JAPAN athletes participate is very tough, and for the kids, something unimaginable… However, I believe that this was the best experience for them. But the cost was only 880JPY ($6.00!!) I’d like to thank everyone at Kodokan as well as the directors of the JUDO Teams of the participating companies.
Japan trip started out with a memory of their lifetime!!
A dream come true Kodokan Practice.
Jet lag? What’s that?
Precious Photo with the Director of Kodokan, Mr. Uemura
(2) Their first “Practice Only” days. They even wanted to escape…but after all it was a great 2.5 weeks at Ryukoku University (June 29~July 14)
Professor Horita of Ryukoku University, where I also act as a specials coach, supported the 2.5 week training and the accommodations at their dormitory for a rock bottom price.
In order to match their level, the Professor was creating by adding practices at Bunkyo High School as well as practices with women JUDOKAs. Still, it was tough enough for them to just keep up, but they did feel the sense of accomplishment by spending an extended amount of time in practice at very high standards. In the dormitory, everyone welcomed them which made their stay memorable. My gratitude towards Mr. and Mrs. Horita as well as the college students.
Trent repeatedly challenges after being thrown many times.
This is how you get strong!!
Enthusiastic Mike being taught the KUMITE.
Practices, life in the dorm and a Pizza Party – many thanks to the men students at Ryukoku University Judo Team.
Next time they’re gonna be stronger!!
Many thanks to Mr. and Mrs. Horita
(3) Then to my hometown, Aichi. A stimulating week with same High School Students (Aichi：July 15~21)
The last of the 4 week trip to Japan is at Aichi Seijo High School, where my father instructs Judo. This time they did not stay at the dorm, but they stayed at my home!!! After being clobbered by Adults, then College Students, the practice with same age kids was something very stimulating for the kids. Not just practice, but they enjoyed ONSEN (Hot Springs) a life at a family in Japan, Game Arcades on Weekends…a cultural experience too.
However, Japan was in a heat wave (35C/95F) with no AC at both Ryukoku University as well as Seijo High School. The kids said that this was the toughest of all… Good job guys!!
The team at Seijo High School. Let’s meet again – we’re all gonna be stronger next time 😊
The farthest left is my Father.
Mingling with Kids at the dojo where I started (Kamezaki Judo)
Japanese Caligraphy – Mike is very serious.
Did you know that you can’t overlay your brush???
Question: What was best in Japan?
Answer: Game Arcade
Yup, they’re still kids 😊
4. How did their training in Japan turned out??? Participation at the largest event, The United States Open Judo Championships
(July 28~30, Ft. Lauderdale, Florida)
The United States Open Judo Championships is the only International JUDO Championships held in the United States. Age ranges from 5 to 70 and this year, 2,000 participants from 15 countries got together in Fort Lauderdale for 3 days between July 28th to 30th.
(1) Trent – Men’s Cadet 55 kg Class
Ended up in 7th place with 3 wins 2 losses. Not the best result, but he was positive throughout.
Aggressive offense and throwing with his best technic. (Trent – Blue)
(2) Mike – Men’s Cadet 81 kg Class
5th Place with 2 wins 2 losses!! He was aiming a medal, but I believe he was still a bit tired. However, he won with a URANAGE IPPON against the 1st seed!!
Mike threw the 1st seed opponent, won with a IPPON and roared!!
５. Lastly
Although this was a test case, with everybody’s help the project of “Sending US Kids to Japan” had ended in a success. I purely would like to be happy about the result.
They spent 27 tough practice days in Japan, but JUDO (life) isn’t that easy. However, for the 2 boys, the experience in Japan was something priceless and one of the best memories for them. It is a sign that through JUDO I was able to provide them something positive for their growth. Although winning is important, not just focusing on the immediate win, but to experience as much as possible is more important for their life. I believed that providing this to more and more kids is something I should do.
However, the biggest bottleneck of this project is the Airfare… Fortunately the parents of both kids were financially stable and they paid for the expense. The roundtrip airfare alone costs roughly $2,000. I am planning a 10 kid trip to Japan next year, but it is an expense that not all families can afford.
Kids can sleep in bunks. If I utilize my World Judoka Network, the cost for coaching as well as culture exchanges are negligible. I am hoping that Airlines and Travel Agents can support this program so that many kids can experience the International Exchange through JUDO. In order to do so, I know I need to step up and brush up my coaching skills, etc. Anyone that would be able to support me is always welcome.
My last statement ended up as a request for support, but they key message is “BRAVO” to the challenge of the 2 kids. Great Job!!
