N. Ogasawara, Rank: Hachidan / 8th Degree (Red/White Belt)
Now residing in Rochester, New York, Mr. Ogasawara remains as our Master Instructor. Mr. Nagayasu Ogasawara was born in Osaka,
Japan in1940. When he was 10
years old he
started judo practice in a small
dojo in
his village. With continued practice
he became
proficient enough to become captain
of various
judo clubs in his middle school,
high school,
and college at Kokushikan University
in Tokyo.
After graduation, he became instructor
of
physical education and judo coach
at Kokushikan
University, where he remained
for four years.
In 1967, Mr. Ogasawara came to the United States to teach
judo. Over the years, since his arrival, he has coached many
champions and prize winning judo teams at both State and National
competitions throughout the United States. Mr. Ogasawara as
chief instructor at Kokushi Dojo in Westwood, New Jersey, where
he taught many young people and adults the sport of judo.
From 1984 through 1989, he was an associate professor at the
United States branch of Kokushikan University. In 1989 Mr.
Ogasawara became the head judo coach at West Point United
States Military Academy Judo Club, until 1996.
Mr. Ogasawara received the Coach
of the Year
Award from the following organizations:
U.S.
Olympic Committee and the Metropolitan
Judo
Association, both in 1996, U.S.
National
Collegiate Judo Association in
1993, and
the Eastern Collegiate Judo Association
in
1991.
David Otani - Head Judo Instructor
David Otani, Rank: Nidan / 2nd Degree (Black Belt)
As a student under Ogasawara Sensei, Mr. Otani has learned the classic methods of teaching Judo; methods that emphasize safety, discipline and tradition. After receiving his Shodan (1st Degree Black belt) in 2003, Mr. Otani has had success competing locally and nationally.
US SENIOR NATIONALS, MASTERS DIVISION - 2008 GOLD - 2007 SILVER - 2006 SILVER - 2005 BRONZE - 2004 BRONZE EAST COAST CHAMPIONSHIPS, MASTERS DIVISION - 2008 GOLD - 2007 SILVER - 2005 SILVER NEW JERSEY STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS, SENIOR DIVISION - 2007 GOLD SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND'S CHAMPIONSHIPS - 2004 GOLD
Phil Capra Judo Advisor
Phil Capra, Rank: Rokudan / 6th Degree (Red/White Belt)
Sensei Capra began his judo training over fifty years ago in Japan and continues to practice today. His expansive knowledge of Judo and the traditional methods of teaching, make him a invaluable member to our dojo.
Sensei Ogasawara, daughter of our Master Instructor N. Ogasawara, is our most accomplished member of our dojo. She has been an Olympic team member, has twice placed in World Championships, and has won the National Championships numerous times. Her classic style of Judo, experience practicing Judo around the world, and tutelage under our Master Instructor provides our members with exposure to world class Judo.
'93 World Championships - Silver medal '95 World Championships- Bronze medal '95 Pan Am Championships- Bronze medal '96 Olympics - 7th place '98 British Open- Gold medal 6-time US Open champion 7-time National champion
Charlie Wall - Judo Instructor
Charlie Wall, Rank: Godan, (5th Degree Black Belt), National Judo Referee
