Training Camp…I do not believe that there is any Judoka in Japan that likes this word. Of course, I didn’t like it either.
December 16th ~ 19th, when the whole country becomes spectacular celebrating Christmas and the New Year’s, all 100 enthusiastic next generation JUDOKAs around the US has gathered in Dallas.
This event was the first for me as the Youth Development Coach for USA JUDO. The title “Training Camp for the 2028 LA Olympics” is an honor for me participating as a coach, but there was a huge anxiety with my broken English. A totally different type of mental stress compared to when I was competing.
“Be Audible, Be Energetic, Be Positive” was my theme and don’t be afraid of mistakes and take the challenge. The result? It was a lot easier to do this than worry about it. Judo connects people and words were not needed. This article is about my 4 exciting days. Please read this as though you were part of the camp.
(1) Camp Site
The site was in Plano Texas which is about a 30 minute drive from Dallas Fort Worth Airport. EASTSIDE DOJO is a municipal Dojo, but a great Dojo with 3 match rings. US with its abundant land, the facilities are by far better than that of Japan.
Very simple exterior
A full Gym (Welcome to America!!)
(2) Coaches
3 guest coaches including myself were invited to this Camp together with 12 other coaches and staff, some of them who are DOJO owners.
- Israel Hernandez Planas (Cuba)
Bronze Medalist of Barcelona and Atlanta Olympics – 66 kg Class - Marti Malloy (United States)
Bronze Medalist of London and Rio Olympics – 57 kg Class
She was my rival and best friend – career stats is 1 – 1
She is going to help me with the Judo Clinic in the GKJN Cup in June - Megumi Ishikawa (Japan)
That’s me
Great Casting!!
All the coaches are BIG and STRONG!!
(3) Participants
100 participants ranging in ages from 15 to 27 participated from all around the US. Although this is a National Team Event, due to the lack of Judo population, Men and Women camp together, and the age range is wide – which is very different from that in Japan.
Unless you have records in International or National Tournaments, you must pay a participation fee ($100) which is also unique. I understood the great environment in Japan but also at the same time, the fact that all ages and gender participate in the same camp made me understand that this is a fair country.
Great view when all 100 line up
REI is common around the world, at least in JUDO.
(4) Training Session
From the afternoon of Dec 16th to the morning of the 19th, there were 6 sessions of 2.5 hours each!! This is the National Camp with the longest sessions filled with content. The content is discussed within the coaches so the menu is different each day. Watching the athletes and finding the best menu was something I found to be very effective.
Before the Session (smiling ends soon)
1. Warmup
Warmups (stretches) didn’t exist. All of a sudden we start running or shadow – it just starts!! This is something that JUDOKA in Japan would know – a phenomenon seen outside of Japan. Everyone is always ready is one of the strengths of athletes outside of Japan.
Warmup with Belts
Shadow
2. Technique Coaching
For 3 days, we separate the 100 participants into 3 groups where 3 coaches take 20 min turns.
Each day the coaches decide whether Standing Techniques, or Ground Techniques 1 hour everyday with my broken English…but be audible!! (Loud)
However, when you do the same 20 minute session 3 times, I see myself getting better as you do more. Experience is GOLD.
Seriously taking notes!!
Pushing my limits!!
3. RANDORI
Afternoon Session as mainly RANDORI. Some days over 1 hour!!
There are a lot of kids who have a high potential and consciousness which comes with an intense practice. I too “fully” practiced with these individuals. “Be Energetic”
Its easier to coach “hands-on” rather than just showing and learning. It does exhaust me though…
My best UCHIMATA – I can still do this!!
(5) Special Session
I received a special offer where in between sessions, I was able to do a 90 minute clinic for the local kids.
This was my first SOLO Judo Class in the US, but kids in Texas were enthusiastic. I did receive energy from these kids “Be Positive”
Happiness to KIDS is my thought, but in return I am receiving the energy and happiness from these kids.
Thank you, great guys!!!
(6) Special Surprise
Sabrina Filzmoser, a 4 time Olympian from Austria came to the camp after knowing my participation!! (She is so famous)
She is also in the same class as Marti and myself (career stats 1-1) a great rival and a great friend that I can respect from the bottom of my heart.
It seems she is still competing and trying to acquire a pilot’s license!! WOW
Her vitality was stimulating made me think that I need to continue to work hard. Wonderful reunion!!
Thank you for coming, my best friend!!
The 3 legends of the same class Sabrina, Marti and me
Her age is a secret, but she’s still very active. Maybe the 5th Olympics???
〜Lastly〜
I was nervous and couldn’t sleep before getting there, but it ended up being 4 days which were motivating filled with positive content.
Everyone’s very serious attitude and the height of potential was astonishing which really made me think “I want to make these kids strong!!”
Compared to the rest of the world, the level of Judo in the United States has a lot of room for improvement, but the physical strength is at the top level. It made me think a lot – how to nurture, coach and create opportunities for experience as well as things I can do as a member of USA Judo. It was a great opportunity for me.
The 2028 Los Angeles Olympics seems to be in the distant, but looking back at my athlete career, 7 years goes in a “flash”
The Olympics is just an event, but a very important benchmark. Not just the athletes, but I too can be much much better. Believing in my possibilities, continue the challenge, dreams will come true. I am grateful for this opportunity that made me think and feel this way.
We can do it, never give up!!! Go Forward!!
May happiness be with these 100 young JUDOKAs
