Parents’ Tai Chi demonstration class continues this Friday-22 April
Referees’ Clinic-24 April (register now)
Next Juniors’ In-House tournament 2022-29 April
Goshin Jutsu Kata Clinic-30 April
Hollywood Judo Scrimmage III roster update-1 May
Golden State Open National Championships-13-15 May (register now)
Next hike-22 May
Dojo tournament/event schedule
Olds (opposite of News)
Things are slowly returning to normal as our Judo schedule is quickly filling up with events and tournaments. There are scrimmages and tournaments for our competitors. For others, there are referee and kata training clinics and seminars. Plus, we still have our regular Judo practices, three nights a week, Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.
“We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.”-Aristotle (384-322 BC) Greek Philosopher
“Watch your actions. They become your habits. Watch your habits. They become your character.”-Vince Lombardi (1913-1970) NFL 2-time Super Bowl Champion head coach
Final Parents’ Tai Chi demonstration class continues this Friday-22 April
For our parents, Kerry Ikehara, one of our Judo members, offers a Tai Chi class while you wait for your child(ren) finish their Judo class. Kerry is a Karate Black Belt instructor teaching at Shinsei Dojo in Torrance. He incorporates Tai Chi as part of his martial arts training. Kerry will give his final Tai Chi demonstration class tonight Friday 22 April. For the month of April, these Tai Chi classes will be free, given once a week on Friday evenings beginning at 6:15 pm for 30-45 minutes, except on Juniors’ In-house tournament evenings. The class is $30/month and will be held in Room 2. You will also need to be registered with the USJF for liability, $70/annual. By being an USJF member, you support our Judo community, its tournaments, clinics, educational seminars, training, and your children.
Referees’ Clinic-24 April
On Sunday 24 April from 10:00 am-2:00 pm,we will host a Referees’ Clinic for our members. The clinic will be hosted by Gary Takemoto, Head Instructor @ Harbor Judo Dojo. He is one of the best referees with a long list of credentials and esteemed experience. Registration forms are now available. Please email us at sawtellejudo@gmail.com. For our members, please turn-in your registration form along with your registration next week before the clinic next Sunday. You may complete, sign and scan back your registration form to sawtellejudo@gmail.com You may ZELLE your registration fee and/or certificate fees to 310 463-4962, under Sawtelle Judo Dojo.
IJF-A Referee / 2016 Rio Olympics Referee / 2022 USA Judo/IJF/PJC delegate to Lima, Peru for the 2022-2024 IJF Rules Seminar / USA Judo International Referees Development Director. He is also the Referee Chairman for Nanka Judo.
This clinic is tailored for our Seniors Brown Belts in fulfilling their Black Belt requirements and being trained as referees. This is also for our older Juniors to prepare them as Junior referees. In either case, refereeing at local tournaments will improve your focus, concentration, and overall knowledge of Judo rules, protocol, and techniques. As soon as the USJF officially sanctions this clinic, I will forward the clinic’s official registration form and pricing to you. Juniors will be eligible to referee at local tournaments at the age of 10 years old or older. This clinic will be opened to other Dojos and clubs in and outside of Nanka Judo Yudanshakai.
The clinic will be held at Jovany Varela’s Competition Team Anaconda Academy in Gardena, CA.
Anaconda Academy
13428 Normandie Ave,
Gardena, CA 90249
Next Juniors’ In-House tournament 2022-Friday 29 April
On this Friday 29 April, starting with warmups @ 6:00 pm. Invite your friends and family. They can also watch this event via LIVE STREAMED on TWITCH @ https://www.twitch.tv/sawtelle_judo_dojo
Goshin Jutsu Kata -Saturday 30 April
This advanced Kata clinic given by Osugi Sensei and Brian Mark Sensei on Saturday 30 April at Valley Judo Institute from 9:00 am-5:00 pm. This kata is required for your Yodan (4th degree Black Belt) and above promotions.
Here is the registration form and additional information.
Valley Judo Institute
8850 Lankershim Blvd.
Sun Valley, CA 91352
(323) 725-3090
This clinic is open to following:
The purpose is to teach the IJF Kodokan Goshin Jutsu standards. Provide testing for Nanka “C”
level certification. The Nanka “C” level certification will satisfy one of the requirements for
Yodan and above promotions for USJF.
$80.00 per person or $100.00 with partner (both partners must register together). If you wish to
test at the end of the clinic, the testing fee is $20.00 plus $20.00 certification fee per person. The
Testing and Certification fee will be waved for all Nanka Judo Yudanshakai members.
Lunch will be served to all paid participants; $15.00 fee for non-participants who would like to
participate in the clinic lunch program.
In preparation for this clinic, here are a series of instructional and demonstration videos.
Here is a .pdf file reviewing Goshin Jutsu published by the Kodokan Judo Institute
Unarmed section
1. When held
- Ryote-dori (two hand hold)
- Hidari-eri-dori (left lapel hold)
- Migi-eri-dori (right lapel hold)
- Kata Ude-dori (single hand hold)
- Ushiro-eri-dori (collar hold from behind)
- Ushiro-jime (choke from behind)
- Kakae-dori (seize and hold from behind)
2. When attacked from a distance
- Naname-uchi (Slanting strike)
- Ago-tsuki (Upper cut)
- Ganmen-tsuki (Thrust/punch to the face)
- Mae-geri (Front kick)
- Yoko-geri (Side kick)
Weapons section
1. against Dagger (Tantoh)
- Tsukkake (Thrust)
- Choku-tsuki (Straight thrust)
- Naname-tsuki (Slanting stab)
2. against Staff (short) (Tanboh)
- Furi-age (Upswing against staff)
- Furi-oroshi (Downswing against staff)
- Morote-tsuki (Two hands thrust against staff)
3. against Pistol (Tanjuu)
- Shomen-zuke (Pistol at the abdomen)
- Koshi-gamae (Pistol at the side)
- Haimen-zuke (Pistol against the back)
There are 21 techniques in all.
If you are interested in purchasing your own set of dagger, pistol, and short staff, please visit Martial Arts Mart.
Hollywood Judo Scrimmage III update-Sunday 1 May
The day after the Goshin Jutsu Kata Clinic, Sunday 1 May from 12:00 noon-4:00 pm, we will be at our nest Hollywood Judo Scrimmage. This scrimmage was moved since original date, 17 April, fell on Easter Sunday. The hours have been expanded to have more competition.
If you are interested in joining let us know.
Hollywood Judo Scrimmage IV remains on our calendar, Sunday 5 June.
We are working on a Juniors’ version of the Hollywood Scrimmage in early June.
Golden State Open National Championships-Friday/Saturday/Sunday 13-15 May
(read carefully and register now)
With some time on the mat and a month to prepare, it is time to test your skills and compete at the Golden State Open Judo Championships on Saturday/Sunday, 14/15 May at Northview High School in Covina, CA.
Many are expected to compete at this large, three-day national points tournament, 13-15 May. By placing in the top three, competitors will be awarded, not only medals, but highly sought after national ranking points. Sponsored by USA Judo, our national federation representing the US in international competition, these ranking points display the most competitive and successful Judoka from across the country. Expect the best, most competitive, and hungry competitors there.
On Friday 13 April, those of you competing in the following divisions will need to check-in/weigh-in for this tournament.
Juvenile (2008-2009)
Cadet (Born 2005-2007
Seniors (includes Novice)
Masters (30 years old and above)
On Saturday 14 April, those of you competing in the following divisions will need to check-in/weigh-in for this tournament.
Bantam (Born 2012-2017)
Intermediate (Born 2010-2011)
IJF-Juniors (Born 2002-2007)
You may fight in multiple divisions, if eligible. For our novice members (white, yellow, & orange), you may weigh-in on Friday 13 May at our Dojo. All others will need to venture out to Northview High School on the appropriate days. Weigh-ins have been extended until 8:00 pm on Friday 13 April. However, you will have to register prior to 7:00 pm to be eligible. Morning weigh-ins are until 8:00 am. You must make weight for your respective weight category, or you will be disqualified from the tournament and forfeit your registration fees.
Tournament information and rules
To register online for this event
Before Friday 6 May-$75
Walk-in registration 13/14 April-$100
For those of you who are new to Judo, competing at Judo tournaments is an important part of your learning process and a test of your skills against others who want to test and be successful. But winning and getting medals at tournaments is not the most important thing. It is a real test of your skills. You will encounter ups and downs, guaranteed. It is who you are in those moments where you will grow and transform. It is all part of your learning process, a test of your will to excel, move on from failure quickly, and strive to be your best.
If you do not have a copy of your USJF membership card, please email Terri Waibel, USJF Administrative Manager, for an image of your USJF membership card. Keep your image and/or print it out for quick reference. You will need your USJF membership card for registering future tournaments, clinic, or seminars.
This tournament will be run online by SmoothComp.com.
Next hike-Sunday 22 May
On 22 May, we will hike up Brush Canyon towards the Griffin Park Observatory in the other direction. We had 16 people join us on the Brush Canyon hike to the Hollywood Sign last Sunday. Here are photos from that hike.
Dojo tournament schedule
Extra Seniors Workout, every Saturday @ Hollywood Judo Dojo from 1:00-2:00 pm
USJF/Nanka Referees’ Clinic, Sunday, 24 April from 10:00 am-2:00 pm, given by Gary Takemoto Sensei, @ Anaconda Academy (pending official sanctioning)
First Juniors’ In-House tournament 2022, Friday 29 April, starts with warmups @ 6:00 pm
-This event will be LIVE STREAMED on TWITCH @ https://www.twitch.tv/sawtelle_judo_dojo
Goshin Jutsu Kata practice Saturday, 30 April from 9:30 am-12:00 pm @ Valley Judo Institute, Sun Valley, CA
Hollywood Judo Scrimmage III, Sunday 1 May, 12:00 noon-4:00 pm
Kata practices, Saturday 7 May from 9:30 am-12:00 pm @ Anaconda Academy, Gardena, Ca
Golden State Judo Championships, 13-15 May, Northwiew High School, Covina, CA
Next hike, Sunday 22 May, 10:00 am-1:30 pm, Brush Canyon Trail (east towards Griffith Park)
2022 Senior National Championships, 21-22 May, Daytona Beach, FL
Hollywood Judo Scrimmage IV, Sunday 5 June, 12:00 noon-4:00 pm
Closed Memorial Day, Monday 30 May
USA Judo Junior Olympics, 24-26 June, San Jose, CA
Sensei Gary’s Birthday Scrimmage, 25 June, Claremont, CA
Closed Fourth of July, Monday 4 July
California State Games Judo Event, 17 July, San Diego, CA
USJF-USJA Summer Nationals, 21-24 July, Fort Lauderdale, FL
USA Judo Open Championships, 24 July, Ft. Lauderdale, FL
US Open Judo Championships, 28-31 July, Ft. Lauderdale, FL
Closed Labor Day, Monday 5 September
Dr. Z Memorial Scrimmage, 8 October, Claremont, CA
Closed Thanksgiving Weekend, Thursday 24 November-Sunday 27 November
Last Juniors’ In-House tournament 2022, Friday 20 November, starts with warmups @ 6:00 pm
17th Annual Judo Winter Nationals, 4 December, Azusa, CA
Annual Holiday Awards & Potluck Party, Friday 9 December
Winter Holiday Shutdown, Saturday 10 December-Tuesday 3 January 2023
Dojo 2023 Re-opening, Tuesday 3 January 2023
Olds (opposite of News)
Dojo Subscriptions-Newsletter & Monthly
If you are no longer interested in our newsletter or joining our Dojo, you may simply unsubscribe from this list
to our newsletter. From then on, you will not receive any calls or email inquiries from Sawtelle Judo Dojo. If you plan to discontinue your membership and would like to terminate your monthly subscription, please email us at sawtellejudo@gmail.com.
Green Belt Promotions
On Wednesday night, five Seniors were promoted to Green Belt. It is one step in your Judo journey.
Dmitrii Efremov
Max Ikikura
Andrew Kurth
Gabriel Parrado
Andrey Tsoy
Congratulations to them all!
New members to our Seniors’ class
Collin Hertz
Kenny Sheftel
USJF Academic Scholastic Awards
The USJF (United States Judo Federation) promotes academic excellence by recognizing students at the elementary & grade school level who are excelling at their studies and citizenship. Consequently, the Academic Honor Society program has been extended to the elementary and grade school level students. Qualified applicants are current Judo students who maintain high quality class work, good attendance, and display respectful and courteous relations with teachers, faculty, staff, and fellow students. These applications must be submitted by October to be recognized for the academic year prior. For more information, here are links to this academic program.
USJF Academic Honor Society – Project A Elementary & Grade School Students
Entering our Dojo
For the time being, we ask for your cooperation as we have our Dojo protocols to insure the health and well-being of our membership.
Following the latest LA Public Health Dept. guidelines, and since we have a vaccinated membership, beginning today Monday 28 February, masks are optional during workouts, in all of our Adaptive, and Seniors’ classes. You may continue to wear your masks if you would like. For our Juniors’ class, we will continue to wear masks until further notice following latest LA Public Health Dept. guidelines and LAUSD school/COVID protocols.
As members and visitors enter our Dojo, as protocol, they will ask the following questions.
Did you read yesterday’s newsletter? If not, they will receive a copy of the following text.
Have you been exposed to anyone who has tested positive for COVID in the last two weeks?
Have you been COVID vaccinated & boosted? When did you receive your booster? Has it been more than five months since you received your initial vaccination shots? If so, get your booster shot, now.
Here is a list of reminders for our members as they return to 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, when eligible. No exceptions. If you have been with someone that has tested positive for COVID in the last two weeks, please show proof of a negative test. We are on the honor system.
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. You are always welcome to visit. However, please show proof of vaccination as all members and visitors must be vaccinated and boosted when eligible.
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
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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.
We practice at the Japanese Institute of Sawtelle.
Japanese Institute of Sawtelle
2110 Corinth Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90025
Our mailing address is the following.
Sawtelle Judo Dojo
11247 Rudman Drive
Culver City, CA 90230
Cellphone/text
310 463-4962
Email address
Class hours
Adaptive Judo-Monday only 5:00-5;45 pm
Juniors’ (6-12 years old)-Monday, Wednesday, & Friday 6:00-7:00 pm
Seniors’ (13 years old and older) Monday, Wednesday, & Friday 7:30-9:30 pm
For more information, please visit our website, Sawtelle Judo Dojo
ソーテル柔道道場 (So-teru Judo Dojo)