~ Pan US Judo Clinic Caravan in Los Angeles ~
“Everybody, I‘m back〜〜!!” was my first voice in LA.
“Welcome back Megumi!!” was the response. After I made everyone happy, there was a surprising offer. Please enjoy the fun filled article about my Clinic Caravan in LA.
1. 36 hour trip!!
Departed early morning on Friday, September 20th. After a 90 minute delay due to technical issues, a 4.5 hour flight, and a 90 minute drive – the clinic immediately started… Although I was a bit tired, when I met the kids with hope and anxiety, I forgot all that. The 2.5 hour session had started at 18:00.
2. Wow LA!! I look forward to the Olympic Games in 2028!!
This is my 2nd visit to the San Gabriel Dojo since my visit in March of this year.
Day 1 had 50 participants!! I felt the same way last time, but Judo is popular in the West Coast. Chicago has 5 dojos, but here in LA it’s a whopping 53!! This number is actually higher than Tokyo!! (Tokyo 44, Kanagawa 49, Aichi (my hometown) 35) As for the local competitions, Chicago has once every 3~4 months, but here in LA, it’s twice a month!! In a busy month, you’ll find competitions somewhere every weekend and the participant count is as high as 500!! That’s a WOW. If every city was like LA … yes room for improvement in the US definitely exists!!
3. Received an offer as their Technical Advisor – I will nurture an Olympian even if it takes 10 years!!
Day 1 was coaching kids between ages 7 and 16, but the majority were cute kids under 10. Day 2, was 3 hour session for a small group of 6 National Level athletes both men and women. Within this 6 members, I did find a kid who can be an Olympian at the 2028 Los Angeles Games. She seriously listened to every word and every move that I made which brought back memories when I was 14 and felt that wanted to be stronger and devoted myself to Judo.
After the session, I received an offer from Riche, the Dojo Owner!! “Megumi, the 2 sessions that you did made me positive that you’re level is extraordinary. From now on, I would like to have your as our Technical Advisor to truly develop world class athletes from this Dojo.”
Honestly, becoming world class is not just the athlete but requires high level coaches, support from the family, funding for travel costs, mental care, overall support. This must be done in an environment not as solidified as in Japan. It’s not an easy path, but taking up on the challenge is Megumi style.
I first proposed a program for Malia (16) to make the US Team for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, and then to be a medalist at the Brisbane Games in 2032 when she turns 24. We will talk about details in December.
Yup, here’s another challenge!! In order to accomplish my mission of “Popularize Judo in the United States which contributes to the healthy growth of youth,” developing a world class JUDOKA is an inevitable mission that I must succeed in. I have no idea on how this is going to turn out, but I shall share the progress here. I welcome any ideas and advices!!
