Author: Brett Lewis

Congratulations!!🎊

Posted on by Brett Lewis

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.”

— Kano Jigoro

Judo Grip and Domination Camp – June 13-14 with Toni Lettner and Jenn Badertscher

Posted on by Brett Lewis

Reminder:

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

Spokane Judo Shines at the Inland Empire!

Posted on by Brett Lewis

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!!

Reminder about Class Schedule

Posted on by Brett Lewis

Class schedule

We have some changes to our normal class schedule and I wanted to remind everyone.

Thursday 5/8, tomorrow

We will have practice as normal. Kids at 6:30 and adults at 7:30.
Hope everyone will be there.

Tuesday 5/13, next Tuesday

We have to cancel practice. Senseis Anna Marie and I will be out of town.

After Tuesday, back to normal

We will be back to regular practice.

2025 Inland Empire Judo Classic

Posted on by Brett Lewis

Event on Smoothcomp

2025 Inland Empire Judo Classic

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!

Date: May 24, 2025

Location:

  • Spokane Convention Center, 334 W Spokane Falls Blvd., Spokane, WA  99201

USJF Sanction: 25-05-04

  • Open to current paid members in either USJF – USJA – USA Judo. 
  • Online pre-registration will require image or scanned copy of your federation membership of either USJF, USJA, USA Judo. Submit image of proof in pdf, jpeg, png formats.
  • USJF Membership Link

Eligibility

  • Open to Male and Females age 5 yrs. old and older. 

Registration and Fees

  • The registration fee will be $55 first division, $25 second division
  • Two division MAX
  • Registration ends at midnight Wednesday, May 21, 2025
  • No walk-ins and no exceptions.

For
Registration questions or assistance, email: 

  • Leigh Yamada, pacificjudoacademy@comcast.net
  • NOTE: Divisions and weights may be changed or combined at the discretion of the Tournament Committee. Any changes will be discussed with the coaches, competitors, and/or parents.

Chief Referee

  • Pat Lo, International A 
  • Referee and coaches’ meeting will begin at 8:30 am.

Awards

  • Gold (1st), Silver (2nd) and Bronze (3rd) place medals will be awarded in each division.

Tournament Director/Coordinator

  • Leigh Yamada: pacificjudoacademy@comcast.net

Questions regarding the Event

  • pacificjudoacademy@comcast.net