At Sawtelle Judo Dojo, the instructional staff is among the finest in the United States. Kenji Osugi, seventh degree black belt (Shichidan), is the head instructor. Here are our other assistant instructors;
Thierry Dusigne (Godan)-Seniors
Einhard Schmidt (Godan)-Kata
Doug Baba (Yondan)-Seniors, Juniors & Adaptive Judo
Julius Bhang (Sandan)-Seniors
Jerry Hazemoto (Sandan)-Seniors, Juniors, Adaptive Judo & Little Kids
Hunter Nagai (Nidan)-Seniors
Mike Trelinski (Nidan)-Seniors, Juniors, Adaptive Judo & Little Kids
Yazmin Bojaca-Bott (Nidan)-Juniors, Adaptive Judo & Little Kids
George Ishii (Shodan)-Seniors
Nick Sidman (Shodan)-Seniors
Matt Kobata (Shodan)-Juniors
Our head advisor is Norikazu Maeda (first degree black belt). The sixth and seventh degree black belts are allowed to wear red and white belts to distinguish their high rank in the judo world.
Judo Teaching Credentials
Our instructors have one of three levels of teaching certification, depending on their level of experience.
Assistant instructor’s certification
National Teacher’s certification
Master Teacher’s certification
These certifications are renewed on a biannual or four-year basis. There are online study and hands-on testing sessions, plus general teaching experience that includes each certification level; assistant, National, & Master Teachers’ certifications.
In addition, each instructor must have current Safesport, CDC Concussion, criminal background check, and First Aid current certification to be an instructor to insure the safety and well-being of our membership.
Coaching Credentials
Our coaches hold primary USA Judo Coaching certifications; regional, national, Continental, and International. Some coaches also hold coaching certifications from the USJF (United States Judo Federation), and/or USJA (United States Judo Association).