Come and learn tachiwaza (standing techniques) and newaza (mat work) from Olympic and World medalist Sensei Hiroaki Hiraoka.
Session 1: 9AM to 11:00AM
(Juniors 5 yrs to 16 yrs)
Session 2: 1 PM to 3PM
(Seniors 1 7yrs+)
Depending on the level of 13-16 yrs old judoka, they may be able to participate in the Session 2
When: Saturday, September 13, 2025
Where: Kentridge High School East 12430 SE 208th Street
Kent, WA 98031
Cost: $40 per session
Additional information here
We are delighted to recognize the considerable achievements of Adam McGuire, Sensei Callisto Aotsuke, and John Jones in earning their promotions! Through rigorous study and competition, Adam and John earned their Green belts. Sensei Callisto met and exceeded the standards for Nidan, serving as a national referee and a valuable instructor in the club.
All three exemplify the judo principle of Jita Kyoei, a foundational idea that highlights learning through collaboration and mutual assistance.
“The purpose of the study of judo is to perfect yourself and to contribute to society.”
we will not have practice this coming Saturday 6/14 as I am suggesting everyone attend this camp!
Hi Judo Family,
Ready to own every exchange from the very first grip? Join powerhouse coach Toni Lettner in beautiful Athol, Idaho (Home of the Northwest’s Largest Theme Park – Silverwood!) for two action-packed days dedicated to grip domination, big throws, and seamless Ne-Waza transitions.
Why you can’t miss this camp
· Master same side vs. opposite-side gripping, with tricks to out-grip even stronger opponents.
· Unlock new takedowns: modified Te-Guruma, Sumi-Gaeshi and Foot Sweeps.
· Elevate your own Tokui-Waza game from various grip positions.
· Tons of randori to pressure test every skill you learn.
Seminar Plan
Friday June 13
Time | Group | Focus |
2 pm – 4 pm | Ages < 13 | Grip basics (kumikata fundamentals), footwork games, and intro to modified Te-Guruma |
5 pm – 7 pm | Ages 13 + | Advanced same-side & opposite-side gripping chains, Sumi-Gaeshi setups, transitions to quick holds & armlocks |
Saturday June 14
Time | Group | Focus |
10 am – 12 pm | Ages < 13 | Grip reaction drills, breaking strong collars, throws to hold-down flow |
1 pm – 3 pm | Ages 13 + | Dominant first-contact strategies, linking grips to your Tokui-waza, fast ne-waza finishes |
3:30 pm – 5:30 pm | OPEN MAT (all ages) | Randori gauntlet & live situational rounds, apply everything you learned! |
Quick Facts
· Dates: Friday–Saturday, June 13-14, 2025
· Venue: Athol Elementary School 6333 Menser Ave, Athol, Idaho 83801
Lodging: Camping at Farragut State and Ravenwood RV Resort are great
options. Airbnb and Hotels can be found in Athol, Spirit Lake, and
Coeur d’Alene.
· Eligibility: Current USJF, USJA, and USA Judo members, all belts, ages 6
(sessions split by age)
Lock in your spot now
Registration opens today and will cap quickly. Click below, grab your teammates, and get ready to dominate the grip battle:
https://usjf.smoothcomp.com/en/event/20389
Questions? email t.lettner74@gmail.com or Lakelandjudoclub@gmail.com and we’ll help you out.
Can’t wait to see you on the mats in Idaho’s lake country, let’s make every grip count!
See you soon,
Jenn Badertscher & Toni Lettner
Judo Grip and Domination Camp 2025
Saturday’s Inland Empire showcased all we are so proud of in Spokane Judoka ~ your technique, drive, sportsmanship, and competitive spirit are awesome!!
Syd’s fighting is really beginning to take shape ~ she use multiple techniques and kept the pressure on ~ good job Syd! She brought home the Bronze😊
Warren wowed us with his stamina, grit, and outstanding tai-otoshi! His efforts paid off ~ he too brought home the Bronze!
Adam distinguished himself with excellent standing and newaza technique, scoring Ippon and Wazaari, respectively. He earned Silver!
Miles – after a loooong hiatus – returned to judo and competing with zeal! He earned Gold in men’s novice and Bronze in Senior Men!
Dan fought hard in two fierce brackets and triumphed with a Silver among Senior men ~ way to go Dan!
And rounding out the strong performances, John executed beautiful osoto-gari’s in his matches, resulting in a well-earned gold!
We are grateful to our friends at Pacific Judo Academy for all their work in putting on the Inland Empire and for creating this fantastic opportunity!!
We have some changes to our normal class schedule and I wanted to remind everyone.
We will have practice as normal. Kids at 6:30 and adults at 7:30.
Hope everyone will be there.
We have to cancel practice. Senseis Anna Marie and I will be out of town.
We will be back to regular practice.
Wanted to send out a reminder that we have to cancel practice this Tuesday 5/6/2025.
We will have practice on Thursday, so see everyone then.
We are starting up Saturday practice. This will only be every other Saturday for now depending on attendance/interest.
Time: 9:00-11:00.
Who can come: anyone with a valid USJF card
Looking forward to seeing everyone tomorrow morning.
Pacific Judo Academy is excited to announce the 2025 Inland Empire Judo Classic! We are thrilled to host this highly anticipated event and can’t wait to welcome our judo friends and families for a weekend filled with competitive spirit, camaraderie, and unforgettable memories. Set in the vibrant heart of downtown Spokane, this event promises to be an exciting and fun experience for all. Join us for a weekend of excellence, sportsmanship, and community as we celebrate the art of judo!