The Instructors

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

Doug Baba (Yondan)-Seniors

Julius Bhang (Yondan)-Seniors

Jerry Hazemoto (Yondan)-Seniors, Juniors, Special Needs & Little Kids

Yazmin Bojaca (Nidan)-Women’s, & Juniors

George Ishii (Shodan)-Seniors

Nick Sidman (Shodan)-Seniors

Curtis Minami (Shodan)-Seniors

Daniel Galili (Shodan)-Seniors

Dmitiry Karpov-(Shodan)-Seniors

All instructors have had their USJF Instructor’s Certification and other certifications required by the USJF (United States Judo Federation)..

Requirements for Certification: Before registering, please note that the following online coursework and documents are required to complete this course and receive your Teacher’s certification.

•        For those seeking to become teachers for the first time, please pay $100 using this link to complete your certification online.

-        Module 1: Provides insight into Judo history and philosophy

-        Module 2: Introduces risk management.  How to protect yourself and the dojo from litigation.

-        Module 3: Guidelines for classroom management and assistant teacher utilization.

-        Module 4: Examines the Champions of Character program, designed to instill an understanding of character values in Judo and provide the opportunity to identify, model, and reinforce these exemplary character traits.

-        Module 5: Instructional tools play a crucial role in shaping what and how an instructor teaches, influenced by your past experiences and the dedication you invest in refining your skills and, naturally, various teaching methodologies.

-        Module 6: Prepare to share with your Master Instructor your 30 to 60-second Instructional Video on Ukemi, Tachi-waza, Osae-waza, Shime-waza, and Kansetsu-waza techniques.

•        Those who will re-certify as teachers pay $75 using this link to complete their certification online.

•        Module 1: Judo Philosophy

•        Module 2: Tools for Instruction and Lesson Planning

•        Module 3: Assistant Teachers

•        Module 4: Construct and Prepare to share a one-minute instructional Video on Tachi-waza, Osae-waza, Shime-waza, Kansetsu-waza, Turnovers, and Tachi-waza to Ne-waza transitions.  Your personal USJF Master Instructor will review the video with you.

•        ONLINE Test: Pass (online – password upon registration)

•        Links are available at www.usjfteachers.com.

-    Judo History

-    Judo Philosophy

•        Background check – Application or completed confirmation (Identifying any criminal history)

•        CDC – Concussion: Certificate (online, only one of these choices required, covering concussion prevention, recognition and management)

-        Athletic trainers

-        Youth sport coaches

•        Safesport: Certificate (online course covering sexual misconduct, awareness education, mandatory reporting, and emotional and physical misconduct)

•        First Aid/CPR: Certificate (online, only one of these choices required)

-        National CPR Foundation First Aid/CPR/AED

-        Red Cross First Aid/CPR/AED

-        Heart CPR

-        American CPR Care Associates

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.