Kokusai Judo was founded from a lifelong connection to judo and Japan. Growing up, my brother and I regularly traveled to Japan to train whenever we visited family. Those experiences shaped not only our judo, but also our understanding of discipline, culture, and the deeper values of the sport.

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After my brother passed away in 2013, I considered stepping away from judo entirely. Judo had been such a central part of both my brother’s and my life, and continuing without him was difficult. During that time, the judo community came together to support me and my family in ways that left a lasting impact.

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Over time, I came to realize that judo was also one of the strongest ways to honor what we shared. I believe judo is a lifelong, non-seasonal sport built on an incredible community of supportive people. Even after more than 20 years in judo, many of the most important relationships in my life are those I formed through the sport. Judo has played a major role in shaping who I am today, both on and off the mat.

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In 2020, I founded Washington Judo Academy, which has since grown into one of the leading judo dojos in Washington. I remain actively involved in daily instruction, teaching at the dojo six days a week. The academy was built on the same values that shaped my own development—discipline, respect, and a commitment to long-term athlete growth.

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In 2023, several families approached me asking for help organizing judo training opportunities in Japan for their children. Through those conversations, I recognized the need for a structured, well-supported way for young judoka and their families to experience judo in its birthplace.

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Kokusai Judo was created to honor my brother’s legacy, to give back to the judo community that supported my family, and to offer others the opportunity to experience judo in Japan through meaningful, organized, and well-supervised training and travel programs.