At the end of May, my wife and I had the opportunity to fulfill one of our lifelong bucket-list dreams—we finally traveled to Japan.
As a Judoka, Japan has always represented something special to me. It is the birthplace of Judo and home to so many of the traditions and values that have shaped my life as a martial artist and instructor. But beyond Judo, Japan is a country rich in history, culture, hospitality, and craftsmanship. We were excited to experience as much of it as we could.
Our adventure began in Osaka, where we spent a fun-filled day at Universal Studios Japan before diving into the city’s culture. One of the highlights was participating in a traditional Sakai knife-making class. Watching skilled craftsmen at work—and creating a knife ourselves—gave us a new appreciation for the generations of dedication required to master any craft.
From there, we traveled to Kyoto, where history seems to come alive around every corner. We participated in a traditional Japanese tea ceremony, an experience that beautifully demonstrated the importance of mindfulness, hospitality, and attention to detail. We also visited nearby Nara, where we fed the famous bowing deer and explored magnificent temples that have stood for centuries.
Kyoto also gave us the opportunity to study another traditional Japanese martial art: Iaido, the art of drawing the sword. Learning the precision, discipline, and etiquette of Iaido deepened our appreciation for Japan’s martial traditions. We even visited a beautifully preserved samurai residence, where we gained insight into the daily lives and values of Japan’s warrior class.
Our final destination was Tokyo, a city that perfectly blends ancient tradition with modern innovation.
One of the greatest highlights of our entire trip was attending the Grand Sumo Tournament on Senshūraku, the final day of competition. Watching Japan’s national sport in person was unforgettable. As if that weren’t enough, we were also invited to the Oshiogawa Stable Celebration Party, where we shared dinner with the sumo wrestlers and experienced their warmth and generosity firsthand.
Being martial artists, we couldn’t pass up the opportunity to continue learning. We participated in a Kendo class, where we experienced the fast-paced discipline of Japanese sword fencing, and later took a Kyudo class at one of Tokyo’s impressive sports facilities. Kyudo, often called “the way of the bow,” was both challenging and deeply meditative.
Of course, no trip to Japan would have been complete without visiting the Kodokan Judo Institute, the birthplace of Judo founded by Jigoro Kano. I had the privilege of attending several classes there and learning from instructors and judoka from around the world. It was an inspiring experience that reinforced both the technical and philosophical foundations of Judo.
One of the most meaningful moments of our journey was visiting Bunbu Ichidojuku Shidokan Dojo, where I had the honor of teaching a children’s Judo class alongside Head Sensei Mayuko-san and her manager, Tomoko-san. Although we came from different countries and spoke different languages, we quickly discovered that the language of Judo is universal. Watching children learn, laugh, and grow through Judo reminded me why I love teaching so much.
More Photos from Our Trip to Japan
Throughout our travels, we explored countless castles, temples, shrines, gardens, and neighborhoods. Every stop revealed another piece of Japan’s remarkable history and culture. Whether walking through peaceful bamboo forests or standing beneath towering castle walls, we were constantly reminded of the country’s incredible ability to preserve its traditions while embracing the future.
And then there was the food.
Before visiting Japan, many people assume they’ll only eat sushi or ramen. While those dishes were certainly outstanding, we were pleasantly surprised by the incredible variety available. During our trip we enjoyed not only exceptional Japanese cuisine but also delicious French, Italian, Korean, and American meals. Every restaurant we visited seemed to take enormous pride in quality and presentation. Simply put, every meal was memorable.
Looking back, what impressed us most wasn’t just the sights we saw or the activities we experienced, it was the people. Everywhere we traveled, we encountered kindness, courtesy, professionalism, and genuine hospitality. The respect that is woven into Japanese culture is something that left a lasting impression on both of us.
This journey wasn’t simply a vacation. It was an educational experience, a cultural adventure, and a reminder that there is always something new to learn. I returned home with a deeper appreciation for the roots of Judo, fresh ideas for my own students, and countless memories that my wife and I will treasure for the rest of our lives.
Japan exceeded every expectation we had.
We already find ourselves talking about when—not if—we’ll return.
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