KOKUSHIKAN JUDO ACADEMY

10/20/2024

On the initial post regarding Sensei's Memorial Service we mistakenly mentioned the memorial service starting at 11:00 AM. Please take note that the service will begin at 1:00 PM at Midwest Buddhist Temple. Thank you!

10/05/2024

Dear Judokas,

We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Yoshinaga Sensei, 8th degree Black Belt from the Kodokan, on August 1st, 2024. A true pillar of the judo community, Sensei Yoshinaga began his Judo journey at age 9 and went on to represent Kokushikan University before moving to the U.S. in 1969. He led the Kokushikan Judo Academy in Chicago for over 41 years and taught at institutions like the Chicago Police Academy and US Judo’s National Women’s Training Camp.

His belief in "jibunni katsu" — conquering oneself before others — continues to inspire.

A memorial service will be held on November 9th at 1:00 PM at the Midwest Buddhist Temple in Chicago:

Memorial Service: 1:00 pm - 1:45 pm, followed by light refreshments

Please share this with his former students and friends.

Rest in peace, Sensei Yoshinaga. You will be greatly missed.

07/22/2024

Hi everyone! My friend and Nage-No-Kata mentor, David, has found a physical copy of this photo. It was posted in the group before, and now you have the chance to own it. Unfortunately, we can only identify Sensei Yosinaga in the photo. Please comment if you are interested or know someone that would be interested in owning this piece of history (at no cost, of course .) Thank you, Radu! The piece is approximately 20x28 in.

12/09/2021

I don't know when this pic was taken. Could somebody help?

09/27/2021

Not too log ago...

09/24/2021

More recent one. We should get together again to work out.

09/24/2021

Do you know them? Please tag their names to the picture

09/24/2021

Blast from the past!

06/18/2021