Going there from Dec 11 to Dec 22. Father in law is stationed there and the wife went to high school there. (This is his second tour there.) She knows all of the fun places to go except judo clubs. Any recommendations? We are staying very close to the AF base.
Thanks, Pete Pelter
I would check out Kevin Asano's place, I believe it's in Mililani. Address is reachable through onzuka.com
Go to www.onzuka.com
They have a school directory for all of the martial arts schools
in Hawaii.
Thanks everyone.
Pete Pelter
find the Shobukan Dojo in Kalihi.
really cool little Dojo, they also are very open to Newaza.
Go to Shobukan or Salt Lake Judo. They are the two top Dojo's in Hawaii IMO. Neve been to Asano's place though. Both clubs have trained many multi time national champions and Shobukan has a Hawaii Olympian Clifton Sunada. If you are a pretty big guy, about 200lbs, look for Chris Rufo at Salt Lake Judo. I was lucky enough to see him toy with Egan Inoue at the last Aloha State Games Judo Competition in Hawaii.
Scitex,
I am only about 175. Thanks for the info though. Be back with a full report after Christmas.
Pete Pelter
Shobukan was very welcoming to me last time I was in Honolulu. Got to train free of charge, they were glad to have a guest and invited me back any time... can't go wrong there.
Tactical Grappler,
Thanks. I emailed and called them and never got a response. In fact, I called and emailed several schools, and the only response I got, other than "No, no visitors allowed." was, "I hope you don't get hurt here" I was like WTF? I told him I had practiced judo for a few years, his response "I hope you don't get hurt here." I told him I was USJA insured, his response "I hope you don't get hurt here." I told him I competed, his response "I hope you don't get hurt here." Finally, I just said forget it. We have had an excellent time though doing other things. Really dissappointed with the judo schools' responses though.
Pete Pelter
yeah wtf kind of bullshit is that?
sorry... i read your thread a lil late. However, since you have so many ties to the islands I figured I'd throw the offer out there assuming you'll be back in paradise soon enough... when you go back lemme know (sjsu81kgrob@yahoo.com), and if you can make it to the Big Island I'll hook you up with BJ Penn's camp. He is an unreal teacher/competitor/all around cool guy. Again sorry about the timing, and happy holidays.
-Rob
lol@WaltJ.
Junon, are you in Honolulu or is your profile just a joke?
I am assuming I caught Shobukan at the wrong time of year, since every one else has seemed to have good luck with them. We will be going back within 18 months, so I will let you know Rob. Thanks for the help.
Maybe next time I will just show up instead of calling and trying to set something up.
Pete
Pete did you try Salt Lake Judo? If you were staying close to Hickam AFB or the Honolulu International Airport, it is the nearest Judo Club. (about a mile away) BTW, The guy I was talking about Chris Rufo is actually around your weight 175-185 lbs, but sometimes competes in the 200+ lbs weight class for more competition. Maybe next time you can check them out. Although I don't know if that was one of the schools that said "no visitors allowed." I am in Honolulu so if you got anymore questions next time you come let me know.
Scitex,
I did not call them. I was confused as to where I was staying. My father in law has 2 places. The one close to Hickam, where I thought we were staying, he rents out. The other one is in Hawaii Kai. We were on the base a couple of days though. Next time we are out there (12 - 18 months from now) I will give you guys a call. I am thinking it was mostly due to bad timing. Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's and then I think there was also just a big tournament out there recently right? Could be many reasons. The more time passes the less concerned I am with it. Like I said, we had plenty of things to do there! I am sure next time it will work out better.
Thanks for the help.
Pete