Kenji Osugi has been an instructor with the UCLA Martial Arts Program for almost 5 years. His experiences with Judo span over 50 years and he is one of the most respected instructors in the International Judo Community.
(Click the photo to see Sensei Osugi’s (right) full bio and Judo page at UCLA)
Not only is Kenji Osugi is a 6th degree black belt in Judo, but he is also a Karate black belt and is experienced in Aikido and Kendo His licensed credentials include Class A Master Instructor, National Judge, and National Coach and he is the Head Instructor at the Sawtelle Judo Dojo. Sawtelle Judo is one of the largest Judo clubs in the USA and one of the oldest in Los Angeles, founded in 1924 it plays host to almost 200 members.
(Click photo to go to USA Judo Homepage)
Kenji serves on several committees with the USA Judo Federation and Southern California Judo Black Belt Association and has written several papers on Judo including one that dispenses some myths about Judo Kata.
Recently I was fortunate enough to visit the Sawtelle Judo Dojo to watch some demonstrations and training with the Japanese University Students and saw what a great program that Kenji runs there.
(My favorite part of the night was when the Sawtelle children got a chance at throwing the Japanese black belts!)
Listening to Sensei Osugi and his associates talk about the Sawtelle Judo Dojo in the documentary, produced by a UCLA student, is inspirational to me as a martial arts instructor. He talks about how it is not about making money but about how rewarding it is to see children grow up and earn their belts, mature into responsible adults and eventually become instructors. This has inspired me to use these philosophies in developing the new Youth Martial Arts Programs at UCLA. Starting with the Bruin Ninjas Martial Arts Summer Camp in July 2011 (Click here for UCLA Summer Camps Brochure).
To see more UCLA Judo photos and photos from the recent visit from the Japanese University Students at the Sawtelle Judo Dojo click the photo below to see the full gallery;
If you get a chance to see Sensei Osugi at UCLA please take the time to say hello and even Thank him for being an inspirational force not only for UCLA Martial Arts but for Judo and the martial arts in general for over 50 years! If you would like to take Kenji’s class at UCLA, registration for Spring quarter starts on March 1st. His class is on Tuesday/Thursday from 5:00-6:15pm in the John Wooden Center Blue Room. Click Here to register for the class, Spring quarter registration begins March 1st.
I look forward to seeing you in our classes! See you on the mats!
Paul McCarthy – UCLA Martial Arts Program Director.
The UCLA Martial Arts Program 