History
In 1972, Sensei Yoshinaga established his original dojo at Midwest Buddhist temple as a representative of Kokushikan University in Tokyo, Japan. During this time, he trained many junior and senior national champions and represented the USA as an international kata competition judge. Sensei Yoshinaga's picture features in the World Book Encyclopedia Vol. 11, 1979 under judo. Since his dojo grew, he began teaching in Skokie in his own space for many years and has continued as an adjunct teacher at Fonseca Martial Arts; first in Evanston, and now in Roscoe Village, Chicago.
Specialties
Kokushikan Judo Academy offers excellent judo instruction for students of all ages, backgrounds, shapes and sizes. We are an intergenerational club dedicated to learning the spirit and techniques of judo from a traditional Japanese sensei. In today's world of mixed martial arts, it is all too easy to become dazzled by flashy and untested techniques. Judo is grounded in traditional Japanese culture, ethics, and physical movement. It emphasizes the values of strength, flexibility, efficiency, ethical character, and cooperation. You can expect every class to include warm-ups, technique drilling (ukemi), sparring (randori), ground fighting (newaza), and for more advanced students, form practice (kata). *if you want an affordable judo class and... *If you are a new student interested in getting a great workout or learning self-defense, our academy is for you. *If you're into MMA, learn how judo can enhance your overall performance and fighting acumen. *If you are a judoka wanting to learn fundamental or advanced judo techniques, our academy is for you. *If you are a judoka wanting to prepare for competition, our academy is for you. *If you are a jujutsu or other martial arts student who wants to round out your game with breakfalling, throwing, and additional ground techniques, our academy is for you. Kokushikan Judo Academy is Located at 2331 W. Belmont, Ave., Chicago IL.