News

~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

2 Year Project Completed!! An environment for richer activities! Ladies and Gentlemen, the New Dojo has finally opened its doors!!  We started our practice April 1st, and we had our first Junior Class on April 2nd.   The size is 3x of what it was before – no pillars which makes it possible for many types of events.  We hope to have classes for Yoga, Dance and much more. First, I would like to send you the “fresh” smell of the New Dojo. Wow, isn’t it big!! It’s so large that the kids look so small. Ceilings are high and it looks spacious We can have 3 competition mats here!! Kids

First Training April 1st, Opening Ceremony May 19th Through everyone’s support, the 2 year project of our New Dojo is now coming to reality.  During March 15~16 we moved everything except the Tatami Mats.  We installed the base of the Tatami Mats, the springs and it’s all manual labor.  After the final training at our current Dojo (March 30th) we will move the Tatami Mats and Install them.  And, starting Monday, April 1st, the training at our new Dojo starts.  Opening up a new Dojo, this is a once in a lifetime project!!  This report tells you the latest status. 1.  DIY Painting (March 16th) In Japan it would be

 ~ final seconds to our move in March ~ Thank you for the precious donations!! here’s a report on our new Dojo. Our New Dojo is finally here!! This issue is a report on the progress of the New Dojo for Tohkon Judo Academy. First of all, the funding (donations) that I started in December 15th has closed as of the 31st of January. The warm support from everyone totaled a whopping 1,778,000 JPY (Approx $12,000) which includes 10 individuals requesting the “My Tatami” With your generous support, we are able to procure Tatamis as well as other peripheral equipment vital for the DOJO. Thank you again. The basement of

2024 Activity Plans and Reports on Holiday Season Activities Happy New Year 2024!! With the generous support from everyone, 2023 was a very fruitful year for myself. I would like to thank everyone supporting the GKJN activities. This year the New DOJO will open and we’ll be hosting the 2nd GKJN Cup expecting 600 participants!! There will be many events this year and your continued support is highly appreciated. 1. 2024 Activity Schedule In addition to the above 2 events, I will be participating in the USA Kids Judo Clinic Carravan.  Last year was 4 occasions, but this year will be doubled to 8!! 6 of the 8 are already

The 2nd GKJN Cup (Chicago Youth Judo Championship)   The GKJN Cup, the summer JUDO festivity with 500 JUDOKAs will return to Chicago!! Due to the construction of our new DOJO, we had to postpone the event in 2023, but in June 2024, the 2 day event will be back even bigger!! We are in negotiations of inviting Olympic Medalist from Japan – please look forward to the improved US Judo and the GKJN!! 1. Event Details (1) Dates 2June 15～16, 2024 ① Sat, June 15th：The 26th Tohkon Cup (Adults & Youth Individuals) ② Sun, June 16th” The 2nd GKJN Cup (AM: Judo Clinic by Top Athletes/PM: Youth Team Match)

US Judo Clinic Caravan @ Los Angeles This month’s stage is in Los Angeles!!  Who did I meet?  What did I accomplish?  This edition is Megumi’s Challenge in the Wet Coast. They even prepared a flyer for this. Is this Hollywood??? 1. 102 years since its opening, 110 JUDOKAs in a legendary Dojo Athletes lining up is the same anywhere!! The DOJO is located in San Fernando Valley which is about a 30 minute drive north of LAX. It has a history of 102 years – which goes together with the history of the Japanese Community in Greater Los Angeles. It was a tough schedule with 3x 3 hour sessions

  5409 West Devon Ave, Chicago IL., USA (15 minute drive from O’hare Airport) Floorspace: 8,000 sqft (including basement) Schedule to be in Operation： April 2024  (Construction has started) Fund Raising Target: $50,000 Fund Raising Period: Nov 1 ~ Dec 15   Conceptual Drawing 3 JUDO Rings to be placed   Finally, the new Dojo Construction Project in Chicago will commence.  Tohkon Judo Academy – partner of GKJN and I also participate as a Board Member – has decided to leave the Dojo in Downtown Chicago after 27 years and move to a new permanent facility. The total cost including the acquisition of the real estate is $926,000 – most