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Although US Judo is still in its development phase, there are 3 major Championship Events.  In Japan, this would be the Kodokan Cup, All Japan Weight Categorized National Judo Championship, and the All Japan Judo Championship (The Empress Cup for Women) In the US, this would be the National Senior Championship, US Open and the Presidents Cup.  The last event for the Calendar year sithe Presidents Cup typically held in late November. This would be equivalent to the Emperor’s Cup or Empress’ Cup but there are no Emperors in the United States, thus this name.  Although we’re still in the pandemic, this event took place.  Vaccination was a pre-requisite for […]

“Jujitsu and Judo in the United States” -Participating in the Jujitsu Class of Carlson Gracie Jr.- What do you imagine when you hear the wor “Jujitsu?”  Martial Arts? K1? That would only be its “appearance”  In reality, it is a sport with a lot of spices which is different than Judo. This article talks about the difference between Judo and Jujitsu which is popular in Japan. First of all, Judo originates from authentic Jujitsu (a martial art used by samurai’s using nothing but their body) but eliminated striking techniques and included social education.  However, the popular Brazilian Jujitsu was educated to the Gracie family by Mr. Mitsuyo Maeda (one of

through the 3 months of Judo Coaching As of November 7th, 3 months has passed since I moved to the United States.  Setting up my life to include acquiring my Driver’s License as shown in my previous report, there were a lot of things happening in my life.  But, in my professional life, I had felt a lot of things through the 3 classes I teach for kids. Although I am still a “freshman” living in the US, I did feel a difference between visiting and living here.  I would like to share my fresh thoughts today. The first difference is “guest coach” vs “resident coach”  How the kids interact

The NBA Season is ON!!  October 18th is the season opener of the NBA. The 4 major sports in the United States is MLB, NFL, NHL and the NBA.  Many Americans love sports where I always see some kind of sports playing at bars and people talking about it.  In order to survive in the US, it’s better to know about this than not.  I personally like Basketball as each of the players moves are quick.  When I am at home, I always have it on TV.  On October 23td, I had visited the United Center, the home of the Chicago Bulls play against the Detroit Pistons.  One of my

Most of you who do not live in the United States may not know the answer to this question.  What are essential items you need to live in the United States?  The answer is three items, 1) Social Security Number, 2) A US issued Credit Card, and 3) Driver’s License.  In order to obtain the above 3 items, the minimum requirement is the non-immigrant VISA.  In the ESTA program, nothing can be done under my name.  Renting an apartment, utility agreements, nothing.  It took me 1 year and 9 months to obtain the O-1 VISA which I have now – but this story, maybe some other time. The other day,

October 1st ~ 3rd, I was invited to the Veteran’s Training Camp and travelled to the dead hot Las Vegas (4 hour flight from Chicago) What is “Veteran’s Training Camp?” I had no idea until I got there. 30 adults ranging from their 30s to 60s together with 10 girls totaling 40 participants. The objective for the adults were the training aimed for the World Veterans Championship scheduled for October 21~24th in Portugal. What surprised me is that the girls came all the way from Oklahoma having mom drive 17 hours!! Their passion and the toughness of the moms just surprised me. Everything here has a different scale!! Following is

Can you imagine what a Adult Women’s Beginner Judo Class look like?  This is something beyond imagination in Japan!! (Not enough students…) However, in the United States, we do get enough powerful women to hold a class!! The age ranges from Girls to Mature Ladies!! Compared to Japan, gender discrimination is by far less here in the US where women also need to be strong.  I was surprised to see many women after becoming a mother to starti Judo as a hobby as well as training,  Of course in this class all coaches are Women too.  This every Saturday class starts and ends with Women Only!! If this were to

On September 15th we connected Colorado Springs and Chicago to have a web meeting with Keith Bryant, Chairman of USA Judo and Eddie Liddie, Director. The original intent was to thank the invitation to the USA and to discuss plans going forward. I have noted in my past reports, but acquiring a US Visa for work for an individual that does not belong to a corporation is very very difficult.  Using the human network, I have found my way to USA JUDO who sponsored me on the O-1 Athlete VISA as the Youth Development Coach.  It took me 1 year and 9 months to get to where I am today. 

～Many beginners in the Adult Basic Judo Class in the USA～ The Labor Day weekend if over and I started smelling Autumn in the City of Chicago.  We started our Adult Fundamental Class with participants ranging from 20 to 70 years old.  Although it was during the day on a weekday, we had 15 students participate.  I joined as the instructor and had a great time. This class is held on Mondays 11:30~13:30, 20:00~22:00, Wednesdays 11:30~13:30, and on Thursdays 20:30~22:00.  4 classes a week and people who love Judo are spontaneously participating.  Especially Thursday nights are crowded with “after work” participants where in cases the number goes up to 40!!

It’s about a week since the announcement of our webpage. I have received a lot of support both in words as well as financially. I am very grateful for this. I will pay forward by utilizing the fundings towards popularizing Judo, educating children for a prosperous life through the spirit of Judo. Summer break is over in Chicago and starting September 7th, the Junior Class (ages 7 to 14) and toddler class (Cubby Class – ages 4 to 6) has restarted at the Dojo!! Practices are on vacation during Summer Vacation – US Style…lol Kids I haven’t met in a while approach me yelling “Megumi! Megumi!” was so cute. This