In order for me to Coach on the IJF circuit I needed to complete the IJF Academy Undergraduate Certificate as Judo Instructor.

This Journey started in May of 2022, I had to bring all my Judo back to the roots. I studied, and took online tests for 6 months. Various things like techniques, history, long term athlete development, first aide, and referring was among the subjects. All in all the online course was manageable, the hardest part was complying with the camera. I got denied a test because one of my ears was not in view haha.

For the practical I flew out to Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. The experience I had cannot compare to anything. We were fortunate to learn from the IJF instructors which included World Champions Lascau Sensei, Daniella Sensei, Huizinga Sensei (Olympic champion), Brada Sensei, and Kariya Sensei (Kodokan). When getting there we were told to forget our Judo, and work with the basics and principles of Judo.

I went up with no partner, and had the pleasure of partnering with Jorge Sensei from Costa Rica. We practiced Kata, Nage waza, and Katame waza 6+ hours a day for a week.

After one week of training and cramming we got to test, and both of us passed. It took a lot of effort, by the end of the week my body was spent. To be able to go through this process with the people we had definitely helped.

I hope that I am able to pass this knowledge down to our future Judoka, and encourage others to participate in this course.

I am now 1 of 2 Senseis in Hawaii that has this certificate, and hope that this is the start of many.