Revolutionizing Extracurriculars: How Oppama Ichidokan’s Innovative Approach is Changing the Game in Yokosuka and Beyond

Umeno (right) and Yamazaki holding the trophy and certificate

Oppama Judo Hall “Ichidokan” Achieves Success in National Tournaments

The Oppama Judo Hall “Ichidokan” is a local club team that participates in judo tournaments organized by the Junior High School Athletic Association. Notably, the boys’ team secured third place at the Kanto Junior High School Judo Tournament held in Sagamihara City on August 11. Furthermore, in the boys’ individual competitions, Umeno Koki and Yamazaki Tatsuya achieved impressive results at the national tournament held on August 23, with Umeno placing second in the 81kg class and Yamazaki placing third in the 60kg class.

Umeno and Yamazaki, both third-year students at Oppama Junior High School, have been dedicated members of Ichidokan since their first year of elementary school. They have been training diligently and have chosen to continue competing at Ichidokan instead of joining a junior high school club. Their rigorous practice schedule, which includes daily training and matches except on Wednesdays and Sundays, has allowed them to ensure the quality and quantity of their practice.

Museum director Terutora Tashiro emphasized the importance of providing athletes with multiple options for participating in sports, stating, “Athletes have different reasons for taking up sports. It would be beneficial to have various options available for them to engage in these activities.”