U.S. Naval Academy Hosts Judo Champion

By Mass Communications Specialist 2nd Class Tyler Caswell

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (NNS) -- The United States Naval Academy (USNA) Judo Club hosted Asian Judo Championship gold medalist, Mr. Gaku Fujii, Sept. 5.

Fujii was invited to the USNA as part of Judo education solidarity foundation sponsor program organized by Sensei Yashuharo Yamashita. The USNA Judo Club sponsors recognized Judo martial artists, and holds martial arts training throughout the academic year.

"Over the last 40 years, the program has been gaining momentum to what it is now," said Fujii. "I am grateful to be sponsored as the 4th Judo representative from Japan to help to instruct these students."

Established prior to World War II, the Judo club has a long-standing history at the academy.

"Over a hundred years ago, Judo was brought to the United States and it was brought here to the Naval Academy," said Fujii.

The history of judo in the Navy goes back to 1905 when Yoshitsugu Yamashita, a pioneer of judo in the United States, having taught President Theodore Roosevelt in the White House, arrived at the Naval Academy to perform a demonstration. The academy was so impressed with the display, that Yamashita was hired to teach judo classes to Midshipmen, making it one of the oldest sports at the academy.

"Between then and now there was war and the Judo program slipped to the side," said Fujii.

Years after WWII, Judo was brought back to USNA and helped to mend relations between the US and Japan. International relations are beneficial for both countries, but the Midshipmen gain experience and knowledge they can carry with them for rest of their lives.

"The sponsored guests usually have more experience than even our highest belt holders," said Midshipman 2nd Class Angela Carandang, Judo club member. "We get training that we don't normally get. We are shown tips and tricks that build basic techniques that we can develop to advanced forms of those techniques and hopefully master."

Fujii's two weeks as a guest instructor has shown him the potential and drive of Midshipmen to learn and excel.

"I know some of the students are new to Judo, but they are strong and learning quickly," said Fujii. "I really want to see them continue training and succeed in whatever they do. I feel like they are my own students."

Starting Judo is hard at first but the training can be a Midshipman's highlight to their day.

"I fell in love with Judo very quickly," said Carandang. "It is my first contact sport, and during days when I'm stressed, it really helps me relieve that stress. Judo has really helped me step out of my shell. I wouldn't have imagined myself holding my own against a 250-pound man. It really helped me look at myself in a way I hadn't before."

The final training session ended with a presentation by the Judo club to Fujii. He plans to return to Japan to train for upcoming competitions and takes with him his experience at the USNA.

"I'm honored to have been able to come instruct," said Fujii. "I would like to come back and see how much the students have grown."

The Judo club's first completion was the Shufu Eastern open, August 30, where Mishipmen 1st Class, Dane Oshiro, took 1st place in the 170 pound weight class. The Judo Club's next competition is against Air Force, Sept 19.