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)
• 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
- 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.
