I recently had the opportunity to cover a judo tour to Japan by a group of children from the United States, and I’d like to share a brief report.
In December last year, seven children and their guardians traveled from Los Angeles to Japan. The goal of the trip was to deepen their appreciation of judo by training in its birthplace and to experience Japanese culture through food, sightseeing, and cultural exchange. The visiting group came from San Gabriel Judo Dojo in Los Angeles, a dojo with nearly a 100‑year history.
https://www.sangabrieljudo.com/
The tour was organized by Megumi Ishikawa, a former international competitor and founder of the Global Kids Judo Network, who is currently promoting several projects to grow judo in the U.S.
Ishikawa: “I’m living abroad and having an exciting time. I believe this tour will give the children many important experiences—things you can only gain through direct experience.”
On the first day the group visited Kodokan, the spiritual home of judo in Tokyo. Director Uemura greeted them. It was the children’s first time at Kodokan and their first judo practice in Japan. Although they were surprised by how different the training was from what they’re used to in the U.S., they followed the sessions diligently until the end.
Over the week the group visited five dojos, experienced authentic Japanese judo, rode the Shinkansen, enjoyed Japanese food, and even watched sumo—taking in a wide range of Japanese culture.
Children’s impressions:
Child A: “Practice was much tougher than at our dojo in the U.S. We did five three‑minute randori. But it was fun.”
Child B: “What I love about judo is that it’s the same everywhere in the world. People who do judo understand each other. I finally understood that.”
Child C: “I’m grateful for this trip. I made many new connections in Japan and experienced many great techniques.”
Child D: “It was an honor to train with new people in Japan. My judo is still immature—I got thoroughly beaten.”
Richie Endow, instructor at San Gabriel Judo Dojo who accompanied the group, shared his thoughts on the tour.
Richie: “This was a great opportunity for the children to see how big and wonderful judo can be. It was the best tour. The kids are truly happy. I’m very grateful to Megumi for making these connections. It was an invaluable experience.”
Judo, now practiced in more than 200 countries and a global sport, continues to reveal new facets when practitioners return to Japan to train. The children from Los Angeles will likely come away with an even deeper love for judo.
Explore Japan Through Judo works to connect dojos across Japan to give people the chance to learn about the country through judo. If you’re interested in experiencing judo in Japan, please contact the program coordinator.
Explore Japan through Judo：https://explore-japan-through-judo.com/
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Contact: Ara Sotofumi