News

We are pleased to announce that the 3rd GKJN Cup will be held this summer in Chicago. This event celebrates judo—a martial art originating from Japan—and will bring together around 1,000 participants over two days, including children and their families from across the U.S. As in previous years, we humbly ask for your generous support to help cover the costs of running the tournament. This year, we again offer a range of sponsorship options for individuals, organizations, and companies, and we deeply appreciate your consideration and assistance. 1. Event Overview Dates: Saturday, June 14 – Sunday, June 15, 2025– June 14 (Sat): 27th TOHKON Cup (Individual matches for adults and […]

This year’s Chicago summer is about to heat up with apowerhouse in the men’s open weight class! We’re excited to announce a special guest who will join us in making this summer in Chicago unforgettable—and bring big smiles to the kids! The main instructor for this year’s event is none other than Ryū Shichinohe (Over 100kg category)! A silver medalist at the 2014 and 2015 World Judo Championships, Ryū Shichinohe is known for his fierce rivalry with the legendary French Judoka Teddy Riner, a ten-time world champion. Shichinohe faced Riner twice in the finals of the World Championships—battles so intense that many came to believe, “Only Shichinohe can beat Riner.”Yes,

~ Kagami Biraki @Tohkon Judo Academy ~ On Sunday, January 12th we did the first Kagami Biraki at our new dojo. 200 participants from ages 5 to 80 were present that day including the students and their families as well as the Mr. Kishi from Consulate General of Chicago as well as key members from the local Chamber of Commerce. We introduced several Japanese traditions. 1. Agenda Although it’s just an event of a Dojo, the party was filled with content and everyone had a great time. Please come join us next year!! 2. Special Award Ceremony This award is granted to the JUDOKA that showed the best performance last

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