Get Ready!! We finally re-open next Monday
This is our long-awaited announcement as we finally re-open for in-person Judo practice in 2022, this Monday 14 February beginning at 5:00 pm with our Adaptive Judo class at 5:00 pm, 6:00 pm with our Juniors’ class. Our Seniors’ class will resume its regular practice times from 7:30-9:30 pm.
Juniors 6:00-7:00 pm M/W/F
Seniors 7:30-9:30 pm M/W/F
Adaptive Judo 5:00-5:45 pm (Mondays only, beginning 8 February)
We expect a huge and crowded Dojo as we return to in-person Judo practice.
As before, we will still follow our standard protocol for our memberships. To enter our Dojo and to either watch, or practice with everyone else, you must be fully vaccinated if they are eligible to be vaccinated. It is for the health and safety of each other.
We want to ensure the safest practice environment as possible for our membership to prevent COVID infections. We are also looking into other preventative measures against COVID-19 infections as well. Wash your Judogi clean, cut and file your finger and toenails smooth and short, and look the part when you return. We will continue to follow the LA County mask mandate until further notice. Everyone entering our Dojo must be fully vaccinated and boosted, if eligible. No exceptions.
Planning to join our Dojo
If you plan to register and join our Dojo for Judo practice, complete your online USJF membership and monthly subscription. Bring in your complete and signed Judogi. Arrive 30 minutes before class starts to provide enough time to review your enrollment form and fit you into your new Judogi, if you do not already have one. For more information or assistance in enrollment, please contact us at sawtellejudo@gmail.com or 310 463-4962.
Judo Data
Follow your favorite Judoka in international competition with their statistics. This database covers a range of statistics related to international matches. It is great resource for fans and provides some insights for coaches and instructors on how international matches are played out. With the advent of technology and real-time statistics, Judo joins other international sports in tracking how their sport is performed and now is leveraging this knowledge.
In Major League Baseball, about twenty years ago, the Oakland A’s were instrumental in using statistics to create a team of relative unknown players into a contending championship team within a few years and a relative low salaries cap compared to the New York Yankees. This is now standard practice in baseball. How will affect Judo in the future.
https://www.judodata.com/players/
NEW-Goshin Jutsu Kata Clinic @ Valley Judo Institute (pending sanction)
Here is early announcement for a Goshin Jutsu Kata Clinic hosted by Kenji Osugi Sensei on Sunday 27 February from 9:00-5:00 pm at Valley Judo Institute in Sun Valley, CA.
NEW-USA Judo Coaching Clinic by Tony Mojica
On Saturday 5 March from 10:00 am-12:00 noon at Esther Snyder Community Center, Baldwin Park. You must be a member of USA Judo in order to participate and receive your coaching certification.
Judo Dojo Scrimmage-NEW DATE Sunday, 6 March & time
The Hollywood Judo Dojo Seniors’ Scrimmage scheduled for Sunday 6 March at Hollywood Judo Dojo from 12:00 pm-2:00 pm. The format will be much like the last scrimmage. All entries and matches will be completed by the Saturday of the same weekend. Instead of white and blue belts for scoring, white and red sashes will be used this time.
This week, Miska and Jeff just joined the rest of Sawtelle Judo group already going to this scrimmage; Emma, George, Maurice, Miguel, Brian, and Dmitriy are already planning in competing at the February scrimmage. Does anyone else want to test their skills at this event?
If you are interested in participating in this scrimmage, please RSVP to sawtellejudo@gmail.com, with your rank, age, and weight. Mark your calendars.
Beach workout
Do you want to build your stamina and leg muscles? This Saturday 12 February @ 10:00 am, we will have out beach workout from 10:00-12:00 am at Santa Monica Beach, at lifeguard Tower 24, off Hollister Ave. and the middle hourly parking lot directly in front of Tower 24. Please RSVP to confirm your attendance and for more information to sawtellejudo@gmail.com or text 310 463-4962.
Referees’ Clinic by Gary Takemoto Sensei, former IJF A-Referee
NEW IJF COMPETITION RULES CLINIC for parents. Competitors, and coaches
USA JUDO, Inc. Sanction #00119
Date: February 12, 2022
Time: 3pm to 6pm
Purpose: To provide an overview of the new IJF rules, and common modifications for local and regional tournaments.
Clinician: Gary Takemoto, IJF-A Olympic Referee
Costs: $25 for one or $40 for 1 Family Clinic Fee
Where: San Gabriel Judo Dojo 5019 Encinita Ave, Temple City, CA 91780
Attire: Business Casual
Hosted by: San Gabriel Judo Dojo
• All participants must provide proof of current membership to USA Judo, USJF, USJA, and ATJA.
• Face masks must be worn at all times when inside the facility.
• Proof of vaccination or Negative Covid Test Results must be presented upon arrival.
• Limited Capacity. Please pre-register by February 10th to teachnjudo@gmail.com
For competitors, coaches, & instructors, here is a spoiler alert on some of the new referee signals and IJF Judogi inspections
New refereeing gestures that you might first see our Senseis performing at tournaments, maybe at our Juniors’ In-house tournament.
Here is the IJF Judo Rules for the Olympic cycle, 2022-2024
Here is another IJF video regarding Judogi regulations. The Judogi regulations exist for giving no tactical advantage
Parker Mesa Overlook Hike
Do you need some fresh air, peace and quiet and a good leg workout? Well, come and join us for our next group hike this Sunday 13 February to Parker Mesa Overlook in Topanga Canyon starting at 10:00 am.
Since our Judo calendar has become increasingly full of clinics and other activities, I wanted to schedule another hike for this Sunday to Parker Mesa Overlook in Topanga Canyon. This six-mile, round trip hike begins at the Trippet Ranch where we started up Musch Trail back in September. However, instead of heading further inland, we will head towards the south on this fire road trail and be rewarded with views of the Pacific Ocean from the Parker Mesa Overlook area.
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/parker-mesa-overlook-trail
https://www.hikespeak.com/trails/parker-mesa-overlook-in-the-santa-monica-mountains/
https://socalhiker.net/hiking-parker-mesa-overlook-from-trippet-ranch/amp/
Parking is $10 for the day.
No dogs are permitted on this trail.
Sunday’s weather is sunny with high temperatures in the 80’s.
Bring water, food, a hat and sunscreen since there will be very little tree cover on this trail.
Please RSVP to confirm your attendance and for more information to sawtellejudo@gmail.com or text 310 463-4962.
Hollywood Judo Dojo Coaching Clinic
On the following Sunday 20 February, Hollywood Judo Dojo will be hosting an United States Judo Association (USJA) Coaching Clinic, Level 1. Morotti Sensei will be conducting this seminar and provide his insights on training regimens, diet, physical and mental fitness and share his personal experience as a coach. He was a former Swedish national team member for many, many years. You must be a member of the USJA.
1st JUDO TOURNAMENT for 2022
Taishi Judo Club has scheduled its 11th Anniversary Invitational Judo Tournament at Westminster High School on Sunday 13 March 2022. The next update for this tournament will be on 28 February. We will need volunteers to assist at one of the score tables to make this tournament possible.
Judo schedule
ZOOM Workouts on Monday, Wednesday, & Friday until further notice
Senior Practice, every Saturday @ Hollywood Judo Dojo from 1:00-2:00 pm
NEW IJF COMPETITION RULES CLINIC by Gary Takemoto, former IJF A-Referee Saturday 12 February @ 3:00-6:00 pm PDT at San Gabriel Judo Club, San Gabriel, CA
Parker Mesa Overlook, Topanga Canyon, Sunday 13 February @ 10:00 am
Kata practice Saturday, 19 February from 9:30 am-12:00 pm @ Anaconda Academy
Hollywood Judo Coaching Clinic, Sunday 20 February, Hollywood Judo Dojo
First Juniors’ In-House tournament 2022, Friday 25 February, starts with warmups @ 6:00 pm
-This event will be LIVE STREAMED on TWITCH @ https://www.twitch.tv/sawtelle_judo_dojo
Goshin Jutsu Kata Clinic hosted by Osugi Sensei, Sunday 27 February from 9:00-5:00 pm
USA Judo Coaching Clinic by Tony Mojica, Mojica Judo Club
On Saturday, 5 March from 10:00 am-12:00 noon
At the Esther Snyder Community Center, Baldwin Park, CA
Hollywood Judo Scrimmage, Sunday 6 March, Hollywood Judo Dojo
Taishi Judo Club Invitational Judo Tournament, Sunday 13 March, Westminster High School, Westminster, CA
THE JUDOGI IS IMPORTANT
“The way one takes care of how one looks and dresses in daily life, the same care and attention are required when we put on a judogi to practice judo, whether it’s for physical exercise, randori, or in a competition.”
“At every moment it’s important to be as flawless as possible.” “Whenever a randori ends, before greeting and thanking the partner, and as a sign of respect to him or her, we must ensure that the judogi and belt are in order.”
“This habit allows us to be ready to greet our next companion in a proper way.”
-Maestro Hiroshi Katanishi – 8th DAN- during Tre Torri International Judo Summer Camp.
Reminders
New for 2022
Because of our agreement with the Japanese Institute of Sawtelle, animals are no longer permitted on the school grounds.
Important!! Wearing your Judogi and belt
For our Juniors, here is a video showing how to properly wear your Judogi and tie your Judo belt, plus moving your footwear after getting onto the mat. We expect you do this properly during practice within 10 seconds. It is easy. Just practice it until you can do it with your eyes closed. This is also a helpful review for the rest of our members.
For our Juniors
This is a reminder to bring your Judo notebook, and pen/pencil to each class. Write down what you learned in class. Write down anything new that you learned in class and write it down right after class. Otherwise, you will soon forget what you have learned. In your Judo notebook, write down your Judo and school goals so that you will always know what they are. Write down a plan on what you will do every day or week to reach your goal. Practice your duck walks, bunny hops, and squat exercises every day.
For our Adaptive Judo students
Be able to tie your own belt and put on your Judogi properly and as quickly as possible by yourself. Here is our YouTube video showing how to tie your Judo belt. So, look your best.
Know the names of the following techniques
You will be constantly evaluated on this.
And a message from Sensei Mike Trelinski originally addressed to our Adaptive Judo students, but this applies to everyone.:
“There is no denying that there is a strong competitive aspect to Judo. When you go to compete, your job is to win. If you win, that is ok. And if you lose, that is ok, too. You should learn from it either way.
When we are in the Dojo try to resist the urge to compete against one another. Instead, try to set goals for yourself that are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-boxed and measure yourself (or compete with yourself) against them.
In Randori, the outcome of who threw who should not be a focus. How many throws did you plan to do? How many of them were successful? At the end of the day, do not to think about “I beat him 3 times” or “You really squeezed the ramen out of him on the ground” and instead reflect on what you plan to do before class and how far you came toward accomplishing it.
Try to enjoy the ride and not worry about how much you win, or you lose. If you were playing chess, would you let a win or a loss bleed over into the rest of your week? Of course not! Just clear the board and play again.”
For our Seniors
When you come to practice, have a plan and goal for the evening to work on a perfecting a single technique, instead of randomly just trying to throw your uke. Write down your vision and goal for yourself practicing Judo. Write down what you want to accomplish, how you will accomplish it, and by when? The more detailed, and rich your plan is, the more likely that you will reach your goals. Your goal is important. But moreover, who you become in the process be part of you for the rest of your life? Like any major endeavor in life, going to college, finding a career, getting married, and starting a business, you need a plan. Otherwise, you could be wasting valuable time, energy, and resources. You plan what you will buy at the grocery store, don’t you? Then, why not, going to Judo practice?
Stay warm after practice
On the way home from practice, wear warm, dry clothes as you leave our Dojo. The weather is getting cooler at night and there is no need to get sick. With that said, if you are feeling sick or are sick stay home until you have fully recovered. Stay hydrated throughout the day. Keep your feet clean before you arrive to practice. When you are off the mat, wear your footwear and do not walk barefoot on the floor.
Vaccination status
As we plan to return to in-person Judo practice, please update your vaccination information status with our Dojo.
Have you received your booster shot? Which vaccine and when did you receive your shot? Please forward your digital QR code or vaccination card for our records and verification.
Has your child been vaccinated?
Please forward their digital QR code or vaccination card for our records and verification.
Have you had COVID-19? If so, when?
Neil Adams Goal Setting & All Things Judo 2022
The venerable Neil Adams, the voice of IJF Judo, presented an hour-long seminar on the importance of goal setting. He also reviewed the latest 2022 IJF rule changes. To view this ZOOM recording, simply register and login. It is free.
Neil Adams Effective Fighting (neiladamsjudo.info)
Name the 53 techniques
Forward your answers to Osugi Sensei at kenji.osugi@sbcglobal.net.
This for our Sawtelle Judo Dojo students, Green belt and above. This is to test your judo technique knowledge. I found this video of 53 ippon collections recorded during world competition in 2021. This video is one of the few that did not provide the names of the techniques.
Most of you, including instructors, will have a tough time since the actions go very quick and you re viewing from one angle. Do the best you can. Black Belts don’t be shy, you can participate too.
Please number your answers from 1 to 53, 1 being the first technique shown in the video, and 53 being the last. If you don’t know the answer, do not skip the number, just leave the name of the technique blank. Several are so close I answered with two names.
All the techniques are excellent, some are brilliant. At our first opportunity, we can discuss your answers and my assessment. Remember, what is important is how you used your knowledge to construct your opinion. Hey, the whole video is just under 4 minutes.
Good luck, let’s have fun and here’s the URL: www.youtube.com/watch?v=iZoYuQBK3Mo
95 years and still going
Sawtelle Judo Dojo celebrates its 95th anniversary this year. COVID has disrupted our practices. That is still nothing for our Dojo. Be patient. Worse things have happened before. But that is history. We look forward and we are now just five years away from 100 years in existence. We will have many exciting years ahead.
“Judo should be as free as art and science from external influences – political, national, racial, financial or any other organised interest. And all things connected with it should be directed to its ultimate object, the benefit of humanity.”
-Jigoro Kano-
“Two things define you: Your patience when you have nothing and your attitude when you have everything.”
-George Bernard Shaw-
“Develop success from failure. Discouragement and failure are two of the surest steppingstones to success.”
-Dale Carnegie, renowned writer/lecturer-
For your reference
New from the USJF-their member portal
New for 2022, the USJF (United States Judo Federation) introduces their membership portal. It features the following.
INDIVIDUAL MEMBER
In the membership portal you will have access to your USJF membership card, which can be downloaded and printed or kept on your smart device as a digital document. There is also information related to your current rank and certifications, along with past accomplishments.
DOJO/CLUB
For dojo use, each dojo or club will have unique membership access with specific and relevant information related to the dojo. The same is for each Yudanshakai, with a unique access to relevant information specific to your needs.
CURRENT MEMBERS
To access the Membership Portal, use your email address as indicated on your membership application.
FOR FIRST TIME USERS
You will need to set up your account with a current and active email address, as a confirmation email will be sent to you prior to accessing the membership portal.
To login, go to the membership portal page, and simply create your login ID using your email address that you used to register your USJF membership with a password. To view your “Member Detail,” click “Members,” and then click the search icon, to open. You may view your personal information, certifications, rank promotions, member history, and Yudanshakai (Black Belt Association) service. Please check your member details for accuracy. You may edit your personal information. Otherwise, contact the USJF regarding any questions about your USJF membership, certifications, rank promotions, and Yudanshakai service.
The USJF is our sanctioning body promoting, governing, and regulating Grassroots Judo in the US since 1952. Nanka Judo Yudanshakai is our local Judo Black Belt Association established in 1928. We are one of the original Dojos of Nanka Judo Yudanshakai founded by Kikuchi Tadashi Sensei in 1927. Kikuchi Sensei was a remarkably busy man also running Hollywood Judo Dojo back in the day. There probably was not any traffic back then as now.
Judo precepts
Jita Kyoei, 自他虚栄、mutual welfare and benefit or in another words
“I scratch your back and you scratch my back, and we will both be happier.”
-Ed Osugi, former head instructor and President of Sawtelle Judo Dojo-
Seiryoku Zenyo, 精力善用、maximum efficient use of energy
Jiko no Kansei, 自己の完成 、self-completion, or “striving for self-perfection” in the context of Judo
New rules for our Dojo-PROHIBITED TECHNIQUES
This is a clarification on techniques that we do not allow in our Dojo during practice or randori or to minimize serious injuries, and for the safety and well-being of our membership. The following techniques are prohibited to minimize severe injury, leg, knee, shoulder, back, spine, neck, and head. Done improperly significantly risks the likelihood of significant injury. No one wants to out of work or not be able to go about the daily routine because of injury.
All techniques and behaviors banned by the International Judo Federation, USA Judo and Nanka Judo Yudanshakai will not be tolerated at Sawtelle Judo Dojo. This especially applies to those of you with previous martial arts or wrestling experience may have been taught certain techniques.
For IJF rules, please read, IJF SOR, Sport and Organization Rules.
Beyond the IJF rules, here at Sawtelle, we ban following throwing processes and methods.
- Kinshi-Waza-these are already prohibited techniques by the IJF.
- Ashi-Garami (足緘), Do-Jime (胴絞), Kani-Basami (蟹挟), Kawazu-Gake (河津掛)
- Any throwing techniques that use the arm or arms to wrap around the neck or the head that has a chance of driving the head into the ground or the Torii landing on top of Uke. Examples are Koshi Guruma, “Drop Knee” Seoi Nage or “Guillotine” headlock.
- Any throwing processes that have a chance of locking the ankle, knee or hip joints and pulling the Uke into the ground by the use of your body weight. Examples are Tani Otoshi, Ura Nage, Yagura Gaeshi, or Kari Gaeshi.
- Any throwing processes that have a chance of Tori falling on top of Uke. Examples are all Makikomi derivatives such as Harai Makikomi, Soto Makikomi, and Hane Makikomi.
- Any throwing processes that Tori throwing backwards, sideways or forwards causing the Uke fall directly on the head or to inhibit the Uke to perform Ukemi. Examples are Ura Nage, Daki Age or Yagura Nage
Non-compliance will result in your expulsion from our Dojo permanently.
The latest IJF Judo Rules
The IJF recently released the latest Judo Rules for the next Olympic cycle, 2022-2024, by the venerable Neil Adams.
In this video, Neil Adams reviewed the following.
Olympic qualifications
Judogi controls
Continuation of techniques
Waza-Ari landing
Landing on Elbows and Hands
Rollover techniques
Reverse Seoi Nage
Gripping under the belt in the End Phase
Lapel & Collar Grip
Unconventional Grip
Gripping breaking penalties
Arranging of the Judogi or hair
Head diving
For those of you unfamiliar with Judo match rules, here are sources to review the current IJF Judo regulations. I will include this in our newsletter for everyone to study. These regulations may change in 2022 given that after each Olympics, the International Judo Federation (IJF) commission conducts a thorough review of Judo competition over the last Olympic cycle in order to enhance “positive” Judo for the competitors, and the viewing audience.
International Judo Federation (IJF) Sport and Organization Rules (SOR)
IJF Refereeing, Sport and Education Seminar Doha 2020 – Day 1
New IJF rule breakdown by the IJF
Published in 2014, this brief video captures most of the significant rules. Some of the rules have been modified since then.
【The Rules of JUDO】Don’t do this!
An entertaining look at Judo rules and what not to do. You will remember what not to do. Performed by Hiroyuki Akimoto, 2010 World Champion, 73 kg.
Kodokan Judo YouTube Channel videos
For your reference, here is the link for the Kodokan Judo YouTube Channel with a large assortment of Judo demonstration videos. Learn to associate the names of each technique with the actual execution of each technique.
Follow us on social media
Mostly on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and now Twitch
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Please watch this video about Sawtelle Judo Dojo and listen to Osugi Sensei’s commitment to his students along with his late father’s, Ed Osugi.
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