~ Judo Clinics in LA and Japan ~
I was invited to a Judo Clinic in Los Angeles (a 4.5 hour flight from Chicago) as well as a Lecture & Clinic at my hometown Handa, Aichi which I coupled together with my VISA renewal. I am an expert if it comes to throwing people, but not speaking in front of them.
This report is about the frequent flyer JUDOKA.
1. Judo Clinic in Los Angels(LA)(March 29th & 30th)
The West Coast is a bit away from Chicago. After the 4.5 hour flight, I landed in Sunny California!! The weather in Los Angeles was very warm. When I left Chicago it was 6C(43F) but in Los Angeles it was 28C (82F) Nice!!!
I was invited by the San Gabriel Dojo and did a 2 day clinic with the kids in LA. I do see this every time, but kids in the US are very spontaneous. I did get their energy too.
San Gabriel Dojo in the outskirts of LA. With 200 members, it’s a large organization
I was a bit nervous at the beginning, but once things start, it’s Megumi World!!
My forte – Ground Technique.
“I am going to perform magic and flip her over” and the crowd went wild.
From small kids to High School students. Everyone was serious which made me serious too.
It’s the West Coast – I see a lot of members with Japanese Heritage!!
Although it was my 2nd time to do a lecture in Los Angeles, it’s always nerve wrecking at the beginning. But worry no further, all these friends are connected with Judo. Since there were a lot of Japanese and Japanese-Americans, my broken English went through, which at times it made me think that I was a fluent English speaker…lol. The 2 days was filled with excitement and I enjoyed it very much. But most important is that one of the parents told me that these kids were never this excited before!! I also saw many kids that really wanted to be strong. It turned out to be a clinic well worth the effort. It may well be that the Los Angeles Olympian (2028) can be found from here. Let’s keep our hopes high!!
When you say LA, it’s Santa Monica for me.
It’s also the end of Route 66 which starts in Chicago.
On Day 1 I had dinner with Monica Oyama who is also a Board Member in GKJN.
We had dinner at a stylish roof top restaurant with a pool.
2. Lecture and Judo Clinic in Handa City (Aichi Pref, Japan)
On April 27th, I was honored to be invited to a lecture session and a Judo Clinic at my birthplace of Handa City in Aichi Prefecture. A healthcare organization by the name of “Natural” offered me this event and was made possible. The event site was at Aoyama Budokan where I commuted during grade school without knowing what I was engaging myself into. We had 140 participants and I did a 30 minute lecture to kids and a 90 minute Judo Clinic.
However, this was in front of teachers and families who know me when I was a little (bad) kid which made me a bit embarrassed. I did prepare myself, but… I again realized that my brain is also made of muscles. I need to train speaking (even in Japanese) so that my passion is conveyed to the kids. Kids, I’ll be there again!!
I know I can’t be a teacher – all the kids became drowsy…
Video shoot by the local TV Station. Hey, I’m not used to this…
My lecture was a disaster, but when Judo begins, it’s my time.
It’s Show Time!!
Kids in Japan are shy, but when I look at them, they seemed happy.
First time to have a photo shoot with my son in Dogi.
He was crying throughout my lecture, though.
My father is also in this picture. Can you find him?
Hurray for the Judokas in my hometown.
It was very special for me to perform this event at my birthplace. Having this event in a place where I practiced and had matches as a little kid was nostalgic and I was moved. When I was in grade school, I was never able to win a match. However, with a small change, my “switch” turned on. This was the key essence of my message. I wish that the kids in Handa City took this positive.
I am still a beginner in my second life with a lot of challenges, but my passion is there. The opportunity to do this kind of event at my hometown reminded me when I was pure during my youth where returning to basics, maintaining the purity is important.
I am grateful to have these opportunities and intend to continue this effort. The 50 State US Caravan (9 done, 41 States to go) and building the Kids Judo Network including Japan as well as the rest of the world shall continue. I appreciate the continued support to this effort.
