~ Judo Caravan @ Fargo, North Dakota ~
North Dakota is great plains all the way to the horizon. A lot different compared to my previous article in the Big Apple. But, it’s the same United States. Astonishingly Japanese Companies count in this state is ZERO. But the Japanese Martial Art Judo prevails!!
1. This is North Dakota
A 2 hour flight from Chicago, I arrived in Fargo, North Dakota. Steve Fick, the owner of the Red River Judo welcomed me at the airport. First question was “Is it your first time in North Dakota?” My answer was of course “Yes” but then the response was “Most of them say so, lol” I was invited to a place where only 16% of Americans visit. I was grateful for such an opportunity.
2. Both Judo and Taekwondo share the same dojo.
The hotel was an 8 minute drive from the airport – the dojo was another 3 minutes from there. Everything was so close!! The dojo was located in an industrial sector where the exterior looked like a warehouse, but the inside was spacious and marvelous. When I arrived at the parking lot, a big sign that said Taekwondo & Judo.
Yes, both Martial Arts share the dojo. The day I arrived, Taekwondo class took place before Judo – they need to change the mats between each lesson. The first time seeing something like this, Everyone uses their brains to be able to enjoy their martial arts. Hats Off to their creativity.
This clinic was a one day clinic but a whole day from morning to dusk.
- 9:00〜9:45 Kids①Grand technique(Counter technic)
- 10:00〜10:45 Kids②Standing technique(KOUCHIGARI・・・minor inner leap)
- 11:00〜13:00 Adlut①(UCHIMATA and variation)
- 15:00〜17:00 Adlut②(Turnover・Choking technique・arm lock of Grand technic)
- 17:00〜17:30 Free practice
* Kids, Adults, Beginners, Black Belt Holders, all together
3. A very “at home” Dojo.
It’s a looong day but I am thrilled!! Every time before I start I become a bit tense, but once the Judo begins, it’s Megumi World!!
In the Kids Session (agres 6~14) 14 kids participated where half of them drove 4 hours from South Dakota. In the Adults session the total count was 25 which included an individual that drove from Minnesota. So thrilled at everyone’s enthusiasm. It shows that these people were dying to get real coaching – this is where the value of my Judo Clinic Caravan exists. These cuties came all the way from South Dakota
Serious coaching – hands on!!
Kids make me smile.
There was something to note of in the Adults class too. Anytime when I demonstrate a waza, everyone applauded with a smile. When they saw that I was happy with this, they started applauding to anything I did, lol. Their smiles and happiness seemed to grow as time went by which made me happy. It was a very warm feeling. They are serious when trying to acquire techniques for a waza, but all with a bit of relaxed expression and enjoying the moment.
They made me realize that “Judo is sport filled with joy” Thank you everyone in Fargo!!
4. In Closing – when I felt I was of value to them
It was a day filled with smiles. I was informed about a small party after the clinic where I thought is was with the Judo Staff, but it included everyone in that clinic. At the closing, a big surprise!! The Dojo Owner Steve told me that my work exceeded their expectations, and doubled my instructor fee!! Although money is not everything, but it is one metric, and by working hard, someone is watching that value.
All clinics, I do my best. However, the evaluation is not done by me, but someone else. I shall continue to do my best every single time to make everyone happy and exceed expectations.
This month I have clinics in Los Angeles, and Indiana. Please look forward to those reports too.
