2 x Gold & 2 x Silver – Not in Paris though

~ in the Capital City at camp before the US Open Judo ~

The world went crazy with the Olympics in Paris, but medals aren’t just for the Olypmics!! In preparation for the US Open Judo (July 26~28) I had been invited as a coach for the 4 day Pre-Open Junior Camp in the Capital City during July 4th ~ 7th. The dojo was High Noon Dojo in Alexandria, VA. The main assignment was clear which was “to WIN” where 5 private lessons were scheduled. Although I need to convey the joy of Judo, there was tension in the atmosphere. This article talks about the camp as well as the results from the US Open Judo.

1. Camp Schedule

The main mission was the training towards the US Open Judo (1 of the 4 major tournaments in the US) scheduled for the end of July. The entire camp was scheduled for 6 days where 3 days out of the 6 were my responsibility. The schedule is as shown in the chart, but a very tough schedule.

There were a lot of requests for a private lesson, rarely held in Japan, but the compensation was $150/hour!! I am going to work hard to support the GKJN financials!!

2. The Event Site (95F with no A/C…)

2.5 hours East from Chicago, I landed at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA). From there, a 15 minute drive to High Noon BJJ in Alexandria, Virginia.
This dojo, as seen in many dojo’s in the United States, is a Martial Art dojo where outside of Judo were Brazilian Jujitsu, Grappling, Wrestling, Kick boxing. For Americans that like to work out, this is an awesome facility.
What surprised me the most is that the place did not have Air Conditioning! The temperature at my arrival was 35C (95F) with high humidity. Reminded me of the summer in Japan. But, well, so much for that.

“If Megumi’s coming…” There were a lot of people that flew in from places such as Dallas as well as Florida. My assignment was to coach the 20 participants with age ranges between 10 and 50 with “Judo that WINS”
“Let’s do it!!”

3. Curriculum

There were 5 group sessions during the 3 day period. Standing techniques were mainly “Sode Turikomigoshi” and “Uchimata” and for ground techniques, my favorite “turn overs” were done. We not only focused on wazas that you initiate, but also included sessions on “How to Uke” as well as points on how to transition from standing technique to a ground technique. For the 3 days, Free Practice was very limited and focused on these techniques to include practice, execution and practical usage.

In a DOJO without A/C, the participants were literally enduring these days. Since the main objective of this camp was to WIN in the US Open, there were spontaneous applicants for my private lesson (even a 10 year old girl!!) where I would tailor each lesson based on what they were looking for. Although it was a limited time, I gave them points on what they should do. Now it’s time to fight!

4. The results from the US Open Judo

I believe that everyone that participated in the 3 day portion of my camp were satisfied. And the results of the US Open……The two girls that took my private lesson both won GOLD!!!

In the Senior class, 2 members that participated went all the way to the Finals and both won the Silver Medal.
It was only 3 days, but 3 days with a lot of content. I do know that they didn’t win because I taught them, but when a student of yours win, that joy is priceless.
The Olympic Games in Paris is now over – next one in 4 years will be here in the United States (Los Angeles) “Increasing the population of Judo from the United States to the world” the motto of GKJN – the 4 years starting now is going to be a very critical time both for myself as well as GKJN.

Development of Judo in the United States as well as the healthy growth of youth through JUDO is my mission. I shall continue my task of the US Judo Caravan to discover athletes as well as outreaching to show the joy of Judo.
This month I have clinics in New York (Aug 16~17) and North Dakota (Aug 24~25) Who will I meet? What excitement is going to be there? Anytime I go to a new place I am excited. Please watch out for my next report!!

Extras

I arrived the day before and had one day of sightseeing with my son.
I went to see the Space Shuttle at the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum – it was so great. Anyone going to Washington DC, this is a must see!!