〜Chicago Training Camp & Japanese School Special Class~
After the once a year huge 2 day event (Tohkon Classic & GKJN Cup) with no rest, starting next morning, our 3 day Judo Training Camp started at our new Dojo (June 17 th ~ 19th)
The Junior Olympics were scheduled at the end of the Week and the US Open in August, there were many people who wanted to learn from Ryunosuke Haga.
He and myself were the main coaches for the 3 days separated in to Juniors (U15) and Seniors both 2 hour sessions with training and Randori.
Also knowing Ryunosuke’s visit, the Japanese School in Chicago also requested his visit to the school. They had a special class where Grade School and Junior High School kids all experienced Judo. With all this crunched in, Ryunosuke’s 7 day visit to Chicago was filled with Judo and no rest. However he has left a great legacy which will help in promoting Judo and its spirits in the United States.
I’d like to thank him from the bottom of my heart.
1. Ryunosuke & Megumi’s Training Camp at the new DOJO
Over 50 participants Juniors (U15) and Seniors gathered at the New Dojo. What surprised me was that adults participated in broad daylight on a Monday!!
That’s a Wow to Ryunosuke – they want to have an opportunity to learn and fight with a world champion!!
Basics are basics – no matter who’s the coach Warm Up and basic training is the foundation
Ryuosuke’s hands-on training. This is a memorable moment for the kids (and their parents too)
Different than the previous day clinic (GKJN Cup) with many people, this clinic was more in detail where Ryunosuke had shown the exercises and training methods that he himself was doing – but most of all, the participants all were able to experience Judo together with a World Champion.
During the Q&A session, questions did not stop at all. On day 2, it took 45 minutes just for this!! However, Ryunosuke responded to all. At the end, he revealed a secret with saying “If I disclose this, next time I will lose…” I believe it became a memorable camp for all the participants.
Ryunosuke – I’ll have Doug’s Bar open so let’s drink there till the morning!!
Good Job Everybody!!
2. Chicago Japanese School Special Class (June 20th)
Ryunosuke’s last day in Chicago (June 20th) was a visit to Chicago Futabakai Japanese School for a Special Class. The Chicago Futabakai Japanese School is a unique school where Day School (Mon ~ Fri) and the Saturday School use the same building. The Japanese government calls this the “Chicago Method” with a total of 800 students. In the past many celebrities including Astronaut Koichi Wakata as well as the 100M sprinter Shota Izuka have visited. Ryunosuke was a representative from the Martial Arts section.
His class was filled with Judo, Sports and importance of working hard and having fun while doing so.
In the pre-meeting with the Principal, he mentioned that the kids are timid. However, when the class started all the kids were so excited. The teenagers were quiet at the beginning, but once they started moving their bodies, they too got all excited. The innocence of Grade School kids and the purity of teenagers in puberty were all brought out, but all their shining eyes gave me power.
Most of the kids never saw Judo live, but all of them were enjoying the event. I believe that they were able to get something positive from Judo. I hope that my activities, which is to contribute to the healthy growth of youth through Judo, continues effectively.
I appreciate your continued support going forward.
