24 Hanabi students received belt promotions on Wednesday, September 26, the result of their hard work since May. That was followed on Saturday by our In-Class Shiai where our Chibi and Hajime students competed in sumo while our Honto students competed in a team judo tournament.
The special judo awards went to Genevieve for Spirit: she had to fight some big kids! The best technique awards went to Joshie, for a beautiful ogoshi hip throw, Duncan for a nice ko-uchi technique and Raangnzen for a sumi gaeshi counter. We are proud of you all!
Jaime Jaramillo Sensei from Liechtenstein arrived September 27 and will be with us this week. The International Olympic Committee has a program that assists smaller countries in their sports development and this brought him to Hanabi. Judo is a very international sport so, though Jaramillo Sensei is the coach of Liechtenstein, he lives and has trained in Switzerland and is originally from Colombia.
At the San Jose Open I was pleasantly surprised to meet Sabrina Filzmoser, a judo friend and one of the world’s most decorated judoka: she has placed in more international judo competitions than any other woman in history. Originally from Austria, Sabrina has been working with judo in Nepal, starting dojos and supporting the Nepali students who live and train in the shadow of Mt. Everest. Recently with the horrible flash floods that took place in her area, her organization is in special need. If you would like to donate please find out more at www.everest-judo.com.
Support Sabrina’s Nepal Relief Support
Feel free to contact us at: 510-604-6640 or info@hanabijudo.com.
Thanks for being part of our Big Hanabi Family!
Hanabi Judo, Head Sensei Dan Augustine
