Our struggle, our strength:
Our Judo club is our attempt to bring a cultural opportunity to public schools in California. We have been in existence for over 4 years now and it has become very apparent that our club and culture is needed and desired by youth.
In our pursuit, we have almost been closed due to policies and the workings within government. Our students and parents came together, prepared, and presented to our school board during a public meeting in order to request help! It was very difficult but, after hearing the testimony of each of our students, the school district was able to guide us to the 501(c)3 we now belong to.
Unfortunately, we lost a majority of our previous funding during the shift.
We are able to give this unique opportunity and supportive culture to all youth in the area now!
More about our club:
Okami Judo Club is a martial arts 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that focuses on local youth development through Japanese culture. Part of this culture is a strong sense of community and developing within our virtues while practicing a Japanese martial art.
Okami Judo Club is unique as it is not solely based on competition. We provide as supportive community of youth that practices Jita-kyoei (spirit of mutual prosperity for self and others). Our club provides a place to learn how strategic goals and work will excel one in life. This is very important in our dojo as it is something that seems to be vanishing in American today as it become more individualistic. We believe that, by providing this environment, many youth can build confidence in accomplishment through Judo.
Our club connects to a much wider community of Judoka (Judo practitioners). Our club visits other Judo dojos which have the same level of etiquette and higher moral standing than other martial arts clubs available. Some of these clubs we are welcomed to join and share with are located in the Bay Area, Sacramento area, and Hawaii at various Hongwanji Missions that all have their own Judo programs.
In Okami Judo Club, we practice etiquette such as bowing appropriately, showing respect to others including those of lower rank needing guidance. We also work as a community to accomplish goals such as this fundraiser we desperately need.
To promote and support Judo (柔道) as a physical, mental, and moral practice instilling our virtues in developing youth. To provide a sport and way of life that is community based.
Tatami Style Judo Mats
This is our biggest priority currently is to offer the program in a culturally respectful and safe way.
Judo follows Japanese culture and etiquette: we wear white uniforms called JudoGis and don’t wear shoes while practicing. By having our own tatami mat surface for Judo, we will have the ability to have more scheduled practices, keep clean, and respect our culture. The mats also are of a specified thickness by the Olympic committee and provide a safe surface for our art to be practiced.
We plan on growing the program and providing this club as support for more youth. These mats will have the ability to offer Judo to more youth!
They will be good for over a decade and show the students that people care about them and their culture.
Think lightly of yourself and deeply of the world. -Miyamoto Musashi
Training:
Human Resources - Funding of trained coaches/Sensei to come and train our Judoka. Ex Olympians, world level judoka, and competitive judoka that all have a central virtue system within Judo.
Having well trained Sensei and certified Judoka will increase capacity to sustain the program for the future. Our sensei/instructors/teachers must have CDC concussion, SafeSport, and background certificates annually.
Just as important is the continued education of our instructors. Funds may be used to support up to date Olympic rules, new techniques, or other kata (forms) clinics for instructors and students.
This knowledge is passed down to all the students at practices to provide the best experience and skillsets.
Funding may also be used to support those students that struggle with the financial capability to practice Judo such as uniforms or insurance within USJF.
Supplies:
These are expenses such as landing pads, antifungal mat surface cleaners, mops, buckets, and brooms.
These expenses may also include exercise gravity balls, exercise bands, and ropes, etc.
We believe in making practices an exciting and yet intense exercise experience.
It is our intention to continue an inclusive program where we provide opportunity for all within EGUSD to be apart of Judo (a way of life) within our community and the martial art of Judo. We wish to ensure all cultures from our community are represented within our club while removing any financial barriers in order to provide access to our various program opportunities.
Below are many of the opportunities our Elk Grove and Sacramento area students have and will continue to participate in:
-Attending large tournaments like the SJSU Buddhist Tournament (family participation)
-Visiting training centers and universities such as the Uchida Hall SJSU National Training Center, and CSUS, where we participated in clinics with the CSUS Judo Team
-Participating in events like Super Saturdays with the Police Athletic League (P.A.L.)
-Meeting and practicing with like-minded students from other successful dojos from the extended judoka community teaching respect, honor, and perseverance in a supportive environment
Organization name
Okami Judo Club with LC Judo
Tax id (EIN)
68-0358239
Mission Category
Youth Development
Operating Budget
$0-$50,000
Organization Need
Funding: Program, Funding: Unrestricted, Funding: Other
Demographics Served
Youth & Children, General population
Local Counties Served
Sacramento
Equity Statement
Equity Statement
Address
9050 VINCINO DRIVESacramento, CA, US
Elk Grove, CA, US
CA, US
US