Kid’s Night Out and New Classes

Kids Night Out!

Our monthly Kids’ Night Out will be on Saturday, January 13th from 6 PM to 9:30PM. We’re going to watch the movie “Cars”, eat pizza, play games, and have fun! Cost: $35 with $5 for pizza (optional). Please RSVP by 5 PM on Friday January 12th.

Cheryl Harai Sensei

Hanabi is happy to announce the arrival of Sensei Cheryl Harai to Hanabi Judo. Cheryl is a 5th degree black belt who has been doing judo for about 65 years. She ran a dojo in Washington State with her late husband for over three decades and taught students such as Travis Stevens and Marty Malloy, both Olympic Silver Medalists. She will be a wonderful addition to Hanabi!

Tri-Valley January 14 Open Workout

Tri-Valley, in Pleasanton, will be holding an open mat work out and all proceeds will go to Raul Tamayo’s dojo which burned down on Christmas Day. Students 12 and under will be from 10:30 am to 12:00 while 13 and above will be from 12:15 to 1:45. Please let Yurii Sensei know if you would like to attend.

Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday

Hanabi will be closed Monday, January 15 in celebration of MLK Day.

January Oyako - Parent and Child - Judo!

Beginning January 20, two year olds working with their parents will be able to enjoy Hanabi Judo in our “Oyako” or Parent and Child class. Children will learn how to fall safely, sing enthusiastically, speak Japanese and follow instructions like a real judo kid. Oyako Classes will be on Mondays at 3:45 pm and on Saturday mornings at 8:15 am.

Team Hanabi

Team Hanabi, our group of serious competitors, will be starting soon. Team Hanabi members commit to working hard and attending competitions from February through June. The goal for this year’s younger students will be the Golden State Open in LA in May while our older students will aim for the Jr. Olympics in Pittsburgh, Pensylvia June 21 -22. 2024 is the year of the dragon so Team members will have special patches and t-shirts with our dragon logo. Team members are approved to wear blue gis, uniforms which are used at national level competitions.

Dan Augustine in Japan

I will be in Japan from January 8 through 14 visiting Universities and the Kodokan, the home of Judo. Hanabi is searching for another judo player to work out with us and we are hopeful that during this week, as I visit some of the strongest judo teams in the world, we will be able to find someone special. I promise to share pictures and stories with you all.