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 be the member for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, and the 2032 Brisbane games. Together with this, I had visited 3 dojos in the Los Angeles area.
1. First step to the Olympics
On Sunday, November 24th, more than 1,000 JUDOKAs gathered in Dallas for the Presidents Cup. Kids from San Gabriel Dojo (the dojo where I am assuming the Technical Advisor) participated as well. My mission was to bring a “win” to Malia in the 48kg class. I may have been more nervous than Malia… (I did realize that fighting is easier than being a second)
Although the US National Member for the Paris Olympics was not present, she did win the 48kg class. First step, US Champion!!
However, the level of Judo in the US vs the rest of the world is substantial where there’s a lot of things left for me to do.
I need to coach Malia with a bright future, and surely strengthen her by 2028!!
This is a lot different than coaching kids. One of my challenges to grow a Top JODOKA has just started. Please look forward in my updates!!
Malia is tall in this class – she has a similar body type as myself – I intend to coach everything I know to take advantage of this body type. But first would be ground technique
2. LA, last stop for 2024
Here we go!! The last coach trip was to Los Angeles!!
December 19th to 23rd, for 5 days I had visited San Gabriel Dojo with 2 other new dojos.
(1) San Gabriel Dojo
In this dojo, aside from coaching the general members, my mission was to create a roadmap to 2028 for Malia to include the formation of “Team Malia” which includes the training plan for 2025 as well as the understanding from the Dojo coaches and Malia family. First of all, we need to analyze her strength and opportunities for improvement in her physical ability. Also how to prepare for the matches that she intends to participate in 2025. There’s a lot of items to cover including how to communicate between Chicago and LA.
I know you don’t want to “Rush” but from my memory, 1 year goes in a flash. For 2025, we agreed to a weekly training via web as well as actual training in May, June, August and November (each 10 days) in Chicago and Los Angeles. My value as an educator will also be tested. A new challenge shall start.
Praying to God for my success!!
(2) ”Valley Judo Institute” a 70 year legendary Dojo
Located in Sun Valley, a northwest suburb of Los Angeles, Valley Judo Institute is a local dojo. 50 people gathered together in small community center (spectators need to be outside!!)
Majority of the participants were boys where the 2 hour full class took place. No Randori, mainly focused on Standing techniques (Osotogari and Uchimata) and Ground Techniques (Turn over from turtle position)
My biggest accomplishment was that I was able to complete this lesson where there were no Japanese people. My English has improved!!
No problem since it’s in LA, but if this was Chicago, you would freeze to death!!
(3) ”Orange County Judo Training Center”Training Center』
The final day, December 23rd, I visited the Orange County Judo Training Center where the owner, Juan was a National Member of Peru. I received this offer during the Presidents Cup
“Megumi, next time you’re in LA, please come visit our Dojo”
A 3 hour class took place for 60 people ranging from ages 5 to 50’s
What was interesting was the Q&A session. Questions from kids included “The age when you got your Black Belt” “Difference in Judo between Japan and the US” and from the adults “What kind of training makes your WAZAs better?” as well as “How long should each training session be?”
Both of these were high quality questions!!
There are 53 dojos in LA (more than Tokyo!!) where I intend to visit all of them. A new target!!
3. ery productive 2024, looking forward for a bright 2025
Only a few days left in 2024. 2024 was filled with events to include the opening of the New Dojo, the 2nd GKJN Cup – the first time I invited a Japanese Coach (Ryunosuke Haga), Training Camps, US Clinic Caravan (8 times – Chicago x2, LA x2, Virginia, New York, North Dakota, Indiana) 3 lectures. I believe I had a very productive year focusing on the United States.
I am grateful to everyone that supports my activities which make this all possible. In 2025 we are planning the 3rd GKJN Cup on June 15th and at the same location, US Junior Championships take place on June 21st and 22nd.
I am positive that the JUDO Kids in Chicago will be excited than ever, and I have started my preparation.
My activities include the training of Malia to a world class JUDOKA as well as the expanded US Judo Caravan. It’s not something easy, but I intend to get this done slowly, but surely.
I look forward to your continued support as well as any advice to make things better. 2025, Megumi Ishikawa shall continue her challenge with “Smiles”
