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In Japan, the Kodokan Cup is held every year in November and then the GS Tokyo in December. When I was in competition, every year end was the time where I know where I am positioned. (Only a few members are selected per class to the Japan National Team. If you don’t make it, you’re jobless for a year) Very stressful time of the year. Coincidentally in the US, the Presidents Cup is held every year in November. It’s one of the four major tournaments in the US and there were a whopping 1,100 participants!! My mission was to be the second for the 16 year old Malia seeking to […]

~ 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!!

~ Pan US Judo Clinic Caravan at Indiana ~ 1. 20 kids waiting for me in a village after a 4.5 hour drive Sat, Sep 28th, I was at Muncie, Indiana. Due to the hurricane in the previous week, the participants were only 20, mostly kids. They endured the 3 hour AM session and the 2 hour PM session…and didn’t lose focus!!! 2. The possibility of kids is not so easy to uncover – that’s why it’s so fun!! Of the 20 participants, 15 were kids including toddlers. I initially thought that high level techniques could be too tough for them, but lo and behold, as I progressed my coaching,

~ 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

Judo Clinic in Manhattan & A Special Class at the Japanese School in New Jersey An individual from Kokushi Budo Judo watched my video of a Judo Clinic and invited me to his dojo to do a Judo Clinic.  Location?  On the west side of Central Park, the Upper West in New York!!　Wow!! I used the opportunity to also visit the Japanese School in New Jersey for a special class. 1. A DOJO in Manhattan!!!??? Upper West?? The offer was from Kokushi Budo Dojo, which is located in Upper West – a quiet location bit away from the Bright Lights Big City.  Many Judo enthusiasts gathered together to welcome me.

~ 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

〜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 26th Tohkon Classic & The 2nd GKJN Cup (June 15~16)~ The largest event of the year, the 2nd GKJN Cup took place. Saturday, June 15th was the 26th Tohkon Classic (Individual Event for all ages) and the following Sunday was the 2nd GKJN Cup. During the 2 day event, 345 participants together with parents, coaches, and supporting staff, a total 600 persons came do this event. Also, this year, we invited Mr. Ryunosuke Haga (Olympic Medalist and World Champion – 100kg Class) and was filled with excitement. This article together with the next article will talk about the week with Ryunosuke Haga which includes the Judo Event, Training Camp,

~ 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

~ Seeking for your generous contribution for the kids ~ As announced, together with Tohkon Judo Academy, GKJN will be hosting the 26th Tohkon Cup and the 2nd GKJN Cup on June 15th and 16th at the Wintrust Sports Complex in Chicago. Day 1 will be the Tohkon Cup.  An Individual Tournament for Adults and Kids.  Day 2 will be the GKJN cup where in the morning we will host a Judo Clinic by our special guest, and in the afternoon we will host a team tournament for kids.  This will be an early summer weekend packed with Judo. This year, we are expecting a total of 1,000 participants not