Hayward Nishioka confirms as seventh instructor at West Coast Judo Grand Opening

Hayward Nishioka, the only person in the U.S. to have been a competitor, coach and referee at the world judo championships (in different years, he's not that awesome) and author of several books on judo.

You can see him in his younger days throwing Rickson Gracie in this video.

Hayward has been U.S. National Champion, Panamerican Champion, produced judo videos and every other accomplishment you can imagine in judo.

Here is the updated list of CONFIRMED instructors for Saturday, October 1

Sensei Blinky Elizalde will be teaching foot techniques.
Dr. AnnMaria De Mars will be teaching arm bars.
Sensei Victor Ortiz, Ontario Judo will be teaching shoulder throws.
Ronda Rousey will be teaching chokes.
Gary Butts will be teaching techniques from no-gi grappling.
Tom Reusling of Gracie Barra Corona will be teaching jiu-jitsu
Sensei Hayward Nishioka will be teaching foot techniques not covered by Sensei Elizalde

The new West Coast Judo Training Center is in a much larger location at 859 W. Foothill, Claremont, CA

The grand opening is from 2 - 6 pm.
We'll decide the exact schedule on Saturday, although we do have it down in general. Dr. AnnMaria De Mars will be one of the first clinicians and Sensei Nishioka and Ronda Rousey will be going a little later.

For this special seminar, the cost is only $15 for USJA/JF, USA Judo members and $25 for non-members. The regular classes will continue to be $10/class for everybody who is a regular member.

Mystery Dates revealed ... more instructors at October 1 Grand Opening

Just a note that Tom Reusling of Gracie Barra Corona will also be on hand at the Grand Opening. Tom runs one of the most family-friendly clubs around and is a really nice guy on top of it. Whether you'd like to see a few jiu-jitsu moves or get a couple of pointers on the challenges and rewards of running a commercial dojo, ask Tom, he'll be happy to share his experience with you.

Apologies to Tom who had sent his confirmation earlier but we'd missed it. (Okay, *cough* *cough* AnnMaria missed it.)

There are a few other instructors who said they would try to make it. As Yoda said, There is no try. Just do.

Will add more info as it becomes available. Or just show up and be surprised.
Saturday, October 1, 2 - 6 pm 859 Foothill, Claremont, CA

GRAND OPENING OCTOBER 1st

Check back regularly for news on the Grand Opening at our new location in Claremont on October 1st. Our plan is to have eight instructors teach for 30 minutes each to provide all visitors an opportunity to learn judo and some ideas for cross-training in jiu-jitsu and grappling as well. There are a few who have promised to try to make it but are unsure due to work commitments or who have not told us definitely what they will be teaching. Here are those who have confirmed definitely at this time:

Sensei Blinky Elizalde will be teaching foot techniques.
Dr. AnnMaria De Mars will be teaching arm bars.
Sensei Victor Ortiz, Ontario Judo will be teaching shoulder throws.
Ronda Rousey will be teaching chokes.
Gary Butts will be teaching techniques from no-gi grappling.
Tom Reusling of Gracie Barra Corona will be teaching jiu-jitsu

The new West Coast Judo Training Center is in a much larger location at 859 W. Foothill, Claremont, CA

The grand opening is from 2 - 6 pm.

For this special seminar, the cost is only $15 for USJA/JF, USA Judo members and $25 for non-members. The regular classes will continue to be $10/class for everybody who is a regular member.
Hope to see you there!

Weekend results

Congratulations to all! As a reminder, there is no practice this weekend, September 17/18, but the following weekend will be at the new location listed above, same practice times. Let's all work harder to get more 1st places across the board.


NAGA Las Vegas

Crystal Butts(Millennia) - 1st nogi and 1st gi

Erin Butts(Millennia) - 2nd nogi and 1st gi

Nathan Navida(SDBJJ) - 1st nogi and 2nd gi

Sean Reagan(Millennia) - 2nd nogi and 1st gi

Joshua Reagan(Millennia) - 2nd nogi and 1st gi

Bradley Chirino(Millennia) - 1st nogi and 2nd gi

Christian Navida(SDBJJ) - 3rd nogi and 3rd gi


Nanka Jr/Sr Fall Judo Tournament

Cody Merrill, age 6 (Mojica) - 2 divisions, 1st in 5-6 age group and 3rd in 6-8 year old bracket.

Very important update and grappling clinic

Hello all, there will be no practice on the next two weekends(9/10-11, @ NAGA Las Vegas; 9/17-18, move to new location). We are proud to announce that we will be holding practice on September 24/25 at the new location for West Coast Judo Training Center at 859 W Foothill Blvd, Claremont CA 91711(Sekai Black Belt Academy). Please tell everybody about the location. One of the parents noticed that the location is air conditioned, has much more seating and at least double the mat space(don't let the small entrance way fool you). It is also in a family-friendly location, so parents and spouses have multiple options in passing the time as their loved ones prepare for the next tournament. This will all be followed by the official grand opening on Saturday, October 1st with a grappling clinic to be conducted by Ronda Rousey(undefeated professional MMA fighter, devastating armbar machine, 2-time Olympian and 2008 Olympic Judo Bronze medalist), Dr. AnnMaria De Mars(1st American to win a Judo World Championship and more importantly mother of Ronda and her three sisters), Manny Gamburyan(extremely dangerous MMA fighter, nationally and internationally ranked Judo and Sambo competitor) and other special guests to be announced. Don't miss out. For this special seminar, the cost is only $15 for USJA/JF, USA Judo members and $25 for non-members. The regular classes will continue to be $10/class for everybody who is a regular member. All are welcome who have a willingness to improve their game.

No class on Sunday 9/4 or next weekend.

There will be no class on Sunday(9/4) or next weekend because we will be competing at NAGA Las Vegas. Please stay posted for the new West Coast Judo Training Center location in Claremont.