2018 Japan Judo Study Tour

July 15 - 28th

Join us for a once-in-a-lifetime experience in Japan, the birthplace of Judo. Spend 12 days immersed in Japanese culture, learning Judo’s rich history on a fully-guided tour, complete with personal instruction from world and olympic champions and trips to Tokyo’s top sightseeing destinations. Join other judoka who share a love of Judo and an appreciation for the type of training only Japan can offer.

Register Now

Days in Japan

World-Class Dojos

Private Sessions

Train at the Top Japanese Dojos

Participants will have an opportunity to train at some of Japan’s top dojos.  Training includes stops at four universities; Nittai-Dai Sports Science University, Tsukuba University, Nihon University, Kokugakuin University and Teikyo University.  Additionally, our group will train at the birthplace of Judo, the Kodokan, as well as visit Matsumae Judo Juku and the Rokugou Academy, two of Japan’s top junior programs.

World-Class Personal Instruction from Champions

During our tour, participants will receive personalized instruction from a group of amazing instructors, including world and olympic medalists.  The following are the instructors who have graciously agreed to spend time with our tour and sharing their techniques and secrets to success.

Hiroyuki Akimoto

2010 World Champion

Noriko Kitada

1988 Olympic Bronze Medallist

Yuka Nishida

2010 World Champion

Hirotaka Okada

1987 & 1991 World Champion

Yasuyuki Muneta

2003 & 2007 World Champion

Ludwig Paischer

2008 Olympic Silver Medallist

Private session instructors subject to change

Experience Japan Firsthand

During our trip, we will visit some of Tokyo’s top tourist destinations, including the Imperial Palace, the Nippon Budokan, the Meiji Jingu Shrine, the Tokyo Skytree and some of the best shopping and nightlife in the world.

SPECIAL TREAT: LEARN AUTHENTIC JAPANESE BUDO

As an exclusive for our tour, participants will train with two of Japan’s true martial arts masters.  Each instructor has graciously agreed to open their private dojo and provide our group with individual instruction in their respective arts.  Both instructors are highly sought after world-wide.

Tadayuki Satoh

Mr. Tadayuki Satoh Sensei is one of the world’s leading Japan Aikido Association (JAA) experts and was taught directly by Tomiki Kenji Sensei, the association’s founder. He is also an accomplished judoka. His father was received his 8th Dan in Kodokan Judo and was a contemporary of Jigoro Kano. Kano urged Satoh’s father to send him to train in Aikido because judo was meant to be more than just competition. Sato Sensei, was granted the position of Shihan of Waseda University Aikido club in 2007. He is an expert in his field, and in particular, the link between Kodokan Judo and Tomiki-style Aikido.

Kunikazu Yahagi

Mr. Kunikazu Yahagi is a sword specialist and the Headmaster of Ryushin Shouchi-Ryu, a school specializing in iaijutsu (quick-draw sword art) and tai kumitachi (partner bokken training). Yahagi Sensei started training in Kendo at the age of 10 and also trained in Judo, attaining a 2nd Dan through the Kodokan. Yahagi Sensei has continued his training of Kendo and currently is a Kyoshi 7th Dan through the All Japan Kendo Association. We have trained with Yahagi Sensei in Japan and this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to learn authentic Japanese sword work straight from the source.

Michael Martyn has a tremendous passion for martial arts that led him to Japan to learn the true meaning of Judo and developing people through practice. He is showing us what true budo looks like.

Mr. Shintaro Nakano

Former Japan National Team Member

The students at Pacific Rim are respectful, dedicated, and committed to learning. They would be positive role models for our own students and are welcome to train with us at Teikyo University anytime.

Mr. Yasuo Otoguro

All Japan Judo Champion (60kg)

Mike Martyn has a Japanese soul. I have met many instructors from around the world, but he is different. He understands Kano’s vision for judo and is a true judoka. I am happy to know him.

Mrs. Noriko Kitada

1988 Olympic Bronze Medallist

Don't Wait...Reserve Your Spot Today!

Day(s)

:

Hour(s)

:

Minute(s)

:

Second(s)

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the requirements for attending the tour?

Participation is limited to 30 judoka with a minimum of 2 years experience on the mat.  The minimum age for participants is 14 unless otherwise approved.

Do I have to be an active competitor to join the tour?

No, you do not have to be an active competitor to have a great time on our tour.  We have had participants from ages 14 – 54 and there is always something for everyone.  The only requirement is that you have 2 years experience on the mat, bring your open and humble attitude and prepare for one of the best experiences of your life!

How much does it the tour cost?

The tour is $2,750 per person and includes accommodation, dojo fees, group sightseeing activities, trains and buses while in Japan, workbooks, participation certificate and a final celebration dinner.  Prices does not include travel to and from Japan.  Parents of participants are welcome to attend for $1,750 per person.

When is payment due for the tour?

We have the option to reserve your spot for $1,000 down (see registration page).  Final payment is due no later than May 30th, 2018 in order to finalize lodging and special session arrangements.

When will we get the final agenda for the tour?

As is customary when planning trips to Japan, we secure our formal invitations from dojos to train with them and commitments from our special instructors for our private group sessions early.  The final agenda and logistics depend on the schedules of our hosts and are solidified approximately 30 days prior to the start of the tour.

What should I pack for the tour?

Japan in July is normally very hot, so pack accordingly and be prepared to drink a lot of water while on our trip. In addition to casual clothes, we may be invited to dinners with our hosts, so be sure to also bring at least one nice outfit (no denim).  For training, pack two uniforms as well as any sports tape, wraps or other equipment you may need during your stay. Be sure to pack a pair of sandals to use in the dojo during training times.  When we train at Judo universities, blue or white uniforms are acceptable, but when training at the Kodokan only white uniforms are allowed and shirts are not allowed under the uniforms for men.  When we train at other private dojos, blue uniforms may also not be allowed and will be a case by case basis so be prepared with a white uniform at all times.

EnglishJapaneseChinese (Simplified)SpanishFrenchGermanHebrewItalianPortugueseRussian