古典柔道院 Stamford · Connecticut · Established 1968 A 501(c)(3) Nonprofit Institution
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Classical Judo Institute Kodokan Tradition · Since 1968
Inquiries 203.253.2008
Issue No. 01 · The Way of Yielding
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The Classical Judo Institute of Connecticut.

Preserving the traditional art of Kodokan Judo as it was practised before 1974 — technique, discipline, and the path of mutual benefit.

Begin Training Read our philosophy
Established 1968
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Maximum efficient use of energy — a cornerstone of martial arts and a principle useful in many aspects of life. — Jigoro Kano, Founder of Judo
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01.

Authentic Lineage

Direct transmission of Kodokan tradition through Shiina Sensei.

02.

Pre-1974 Technique

Original throws and groundwork before competition reform.

03.

All Ages

Children's and adult classes structured with traditional rigor.

04.

Nonprofit

A 501(c)(3) institution serving the community of Connecticut.

We welcome inquiries from students of every level, from absolute beginners to seasoned practitioners.
Address
100 Research Drive, Unit 16
Stamford, CT 06906
Telephone
203.253.2008
Email
ChrisAngle1@gmail.com
— Section II —

Training Schedule

Weekly classes for adults and children, plus private instruction by appointment.

"The path is forged through repetition, presence, and the steady cultivation of technique."

Adult Classes

Ages 16+
Tuesday 7:00 — 8:30 p.m. Randori
Friday 7:00 — 9:00 p.m. Randori
Saturday 11:15 a.m. — 12:30 p.m. Open
Private By appointment 1 : 1

Children's Classes

Ages 6 — 15
Tuesday 6:00 — 7:00 p.m. Foundation
Friday 5:00 — 6:00 p.m. Foundation
Saturday 11:15 a.m. — 12:30 p.m. Mixed
Private By appointment 1 : 1
— Section III —

Our Philosophy

Returning to judo as it was originally created and practised — before the rule changes that began in 1974.

The mission of the Classical Judo Institute is to promote judo as it was originally created and practised up until about 1974, when the modern rule changes began to be instituted. We thought it appropriate to recall a few facts about judo and its creation as noted by the Kodokan itself.

In essence: Kodokan Judo was founded by Kano Jigoro, who as a youth began practicing jujutsu — literally, pliant technique — as a way to strengthen his frail body. Kano studied various styles of classical jujutsu, eventually mastering their deepest teachings, and supplemented this training with an avid interest in other combative forms.

Integrating what he considered the positive points of these with his own ideas, he established a revised body of physical technique, and transformed the traditional jujutsu principle of "defeating strength through flexibility" into a new principle: maximum efficient use of physical and mental energy. The result was a theoretical and technical system that Kano felt better matched the needs of modern people.

What Kano had created transcended mere technique to embrace a set of principles for perfecting the self. — On the Founding of Judo

Seiryoku-Zen'yō — maximum efficient use of energy — and Jita-Kyōei — mutual prosperity for self and others — were authored by Professor Kano. The essence of this system he expressed in the axiom "maximum efficient use of energy," a concept he considered to be a cornerstone of martial arts and a principle useful in many aspects of life.

The practical application of these principles, he felt, could contribute much to human and social development as the proper goal of training. To reflect this, he replaced "jutsu" (technique) in the word "ju-jutsu" with the suffix "do" (path) to create a new name for his art: judo. His training hall he named Kodokan — a place to teach the path.

The Kodokan was founded by Kano Jigoro Shihan in 1882.

— Section IV —

About the Institute

A nonprofit dojo dedicated to preserving authentic Kodokan judo as a complete way of life.

The Classical Judo Institute was established to preserve and teach judo as it was originally conceived by its founder, Professor Jigoro Kano. We are dedicated to maintaining the traditional principles, techniques, and spirit of classical judo before the modern competition-focused changes that began in the mid-1970s.

Our dojo emphasizes the complete development of the individual through the practice of judo — not merely as a sport, but as a Way of life that cultivates physical fitness, mental discipline, and moral character. We believe that true judo training develops confidence, respect, and the ability to apply the principles of maximum efficiency and mutual benefit in all aspects of life.

As a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, we are committed to making authentic judo instruction accessible to students of all backgrounds and ages. Our teaching methodology focuses on proper fundamental techniques, traditional training methods, and the development of both competitive and non-competitive aspects of judo.

— I —

Our Mission

To promote the study and practice of classical judo as a complete system of physical education, mental training, and character development, maintaining the high standards established by the founder.

— II —

Our Values

Respect, discipline, perseverance, and mutual benefit guide everything we do. Training should develop not only physical skills but mental fortitude and ethical character that serves students throughout their lives.

— Join the Institute —

Become a Member

Standard Membership
$75 / month
University Students
$40 / month

University student rate requires a valid student ID at sign-up. Sign-ups are conducted in person at the dojo.

— Section V —

Media Library

Selected demonstrations and footage from the dojo.

Featured A visit from Norwich Judo — group photo at the Classical Judo Institute
A visit from Norwich Judo!
— On the Mat —
Reel 01
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YouTube
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Our Dojo's Heritage

Kiyoshi Shiina Sensei

A disciplined competitor and dedicated teacher whose influence shaped generations of judoka across the United States and beyond.

Early Career in Japan

Kiyoshi Shiina's judo journey began with extraordinary promise. He earned his 1st-degree black belt at just 14 years old and went on to dominate prefectural and university tournaments throughout his school years — winning the Tochigi Prefectural High School Tournament as a freshman, defeating 16 opponents at the Tochigi Prefectural Kohaku Tournament, and taking first place at the Tokyo University Tournament as a senior.

Seeking greater challenge beyond the repetitive university training environment, Shiina turned to the Kodokan International Judo Institute in Tokyo — the historic birthplace of Judo founded by Professor Jigoro Kano. There in the 1950s, he was known for his ability to throw much larger opponents using crisp, efficient technique — particularly seoinage (shoulder throw) and kouchigari (minor inner reap).

His exceptional control and precision earned him recognition as one of the "Top Three Technicians of the Kodokan" — a title that foreshadowed his later influence on the international stage.

Journey to America

In early 1960, Shiina flew to the United States aboard a propeller-driven aircraft alongside his brothers Masamitsu and Shoichi. He was recruited by Jerome Mackey, an entrepreneur who sought elite Japanese university judoka to help popularize the art in America. Seishiro Matsumoto, a key mentor in postwar Japanese Judo, recommended Shiina alongside collegiate champion Yoshisada Yonezuka.

Shortly after arriving, Shiina was invited to appear on The Jack Paar Show — offering one of the first close-up introductions to Japanese martial arts for a national American audience. He went on to perform demonstrations at the United Nations headquarters, the 1965 New York World's Fair, the Waldorf Astoria Hotel, and for the New York Police Department.

At the Waldorf Astoria, he typically took on up to 15 opponents in succession. At a separate event at the Queens YMCA, he faced as many as 30 challengers in a single session — the highest number recorded in such a demonstration.

A Legacy on the East Coast

In 1968, after completing teaching contracts, Shiina established two dojos under the name Japan Judo, Inc. — one in Brooklyn, New York, and the other in Stamford, Connecticut. His dojos stood apart for their dedication to traditional Kodokan Judo amid a surge of martial arts interest.

The Brooklyn dojo became a vibrant hub for East Coast Judo, hosting tournaments and clinics. The Stamford dojo — later known as the Stamford Judo Club — became a launching pad for rising talent. Shiina was famously known to prepare sushi for instructors and students following events, blending Japanese hospitality with American dojo culture.

From 1959 to 2011, Shiina dedicated over five decades to the advancement and teaching of Judo. He won the East Coast Championship and the Yoshida Cup, received Best Coach Awards at Columbia University and St. John's University, and in 1994 was honored for promoting Judo through the Kanou Cup tournament. In 2023, he was inducted into the United States Judo Federation Hall of Fame and awarded the rank of 9th dan.

Key Milestones

1951
Awarded 1st-degree black belt at age 14.
1950s
Trained at the Kodokan; recognized as one of the "Top Three Technicians."
1960
Relocated to the United States with his brothers.
~1960
Appeared on The Jack Paar Show — a national TV first for Judo.
1963–65
Demonstrated Judo at the New York World's Fair Japan Pavilion.
1966
Married Yukiyo Yamaguchi in a Buddhist ceremony featured in The New York Times.
1968
Founded Japan Judo, Inc. — dojos in Brooklyn, NY and Stamford, CT.
1975–81
Led teams to multiple Yoshida Cup and East Coast Championship victories.
1994
Honored for promoting Judo through the Kanou Cup tournament.
2023
Inducted into the USJF Hall of Fame; awarded 9th dan.

Notable Students

Joe Wanag

— Olympian, 1992 —

Undefeated in the U.S. from age 8 to 23. Bronze at Junior Worlds, gold at Pan American Juniors, silver at the German Open.

Maureen Braziel

— International Champion —

Multiple All-U.S. Championship titles and Grand Championships, with international victories at the England and Swiss Opens — a pioneer for women in Judo.

Teimoc Johnston-Ono

— Olympian, 1976 —

Member of the U.S. Olympic judo team and widely regarded as one of the premier Judo instructors in the New York area.

John Bassano

— Rokudan, 6th Dan —

Long-time Shiina Dojo member, promoted to 6th degree by world champion Kosei Inoue alongside Shiina Sensei.

Mark Anthony Littrean

— International Pioneer —

Helped establish Judo in Trinidad and Tobago, extending Shiina's influence beyond U.S. borders.

Boris Munoz

— Federation President —

Rose to serve as president of both the New York Judo Federation and the United States Judo Federation.

Chris Angle

— Chief Instructor —

U.S. national competitor and current Chief Instructor at the Classical Judo Institute, carrying forward Shiina Sensei's tradition.

Robert Jaeckel

— Collegiate Talent —

Rising star who medaled at the U.S. Open Championship. Columbia University scholarship student representing emerging collegiate talent.

— Section VII —

Beginner's Guide

Federations, tournaments, and promotions — a practical reference for the path ahead.

Federation Memberships

Joining a judo federation is optional unless you want to compete in tournaments or get officially promoted. In the U.S., there are three major judo federations:

  • USA Judo — the primary federation for tournaments
  • USJF — United States Judo Federation
  • USJA — United States Judo Association

Each has different benefits, but here's the breakdown relevant to our dojo:

  • USA Judo is the primary federation in the U.S. now, especially for tournaments. They do not recognize USJF or USJA memberships for their competitions. To compete in major tournaments, you must get a USA Judo membership (≈ $100/year).
  • USJF is important for (optional) Kodokan belt promotions through Hudson Yudanshakai — our regional USJF promotion board serving NJ, NY, etc. Our dojo historically awards promotions through Hudson Yudanshakai, so USJF membership (≈ $70/year) is highly recommended starting with brown belt.

In summary: if you're training seriously, it's a good idea to get both USA Judo and USJF memberships to cover both tournaments and belt promotions.

Tournaments: Levels and Meaning

Tournaments fall into two main categories:

Non-Pointed Events (Developmental)

  • Great for beginners and intermediate competitors
  • Examples: Yonezuka Cup, Summer Slam, Princeton Judo Invitational
  • These still count for promotion points, though others might not

Pointed Events

  • Award national ranking points (only for black belt divisions) needed for joining the U.S. National Team
  • Bigger, better organized, and offer great experience
  • Also count for promotion points in Hudson Yudanshakai
Compete early and often if you can — even if you don't win, you'll gain valuable experience. — Practical Wisdom for the Path

Pointed Event Levels

  • A+ Level: Olympics, World, Masters, Grand Slams
  • A Level: Grand Prix, Pan American Championships
  • B Level: U.S. Nationals, U.S. Open, Pan American Games
  • C, D, E Levels: Major regional events

Popular D/E Level Events in Our Area

  • North American Championships
  • Garden State Classic
  • Battle in the Square
  • Northeastern Championships
  • Jimmy Pedro's Challenge

Promotions: From Brown to Black Belt

You don't need to worry much about promotions until you reach your third-degree brown belt (Sankyu — the first brown belt rank you receive). After that, promotions are based on:

  • Time in Grade (TIG) — how long you've held your current belt
  • Shiai Points (optional) — earned by competing in tournaments
  • Contributions (optional) — refereeing, coaching, etc.

How to Apply for a Promotion

  • Become a USJF member
  • Download and fill out the Promotion Form from the Hudson website
  • Have it signed by our coach
  • For Sankyu and higher, email the form to the Hudson Yudanshakai Promotions Chair: Ms. Robin M. Rosenthal (RobinRosenthalJudo@gmail.com)

Black Belt (Shodan) and Beyond

  • A successful promotion exam, including kata and judo knowledge
  • Additional documentation (background check, concussion and minors-interaction trainings)

Final Thoughts

  • Compete early and often if you can — even if you don't win, you'll gain valuable experience
  • Track your points and time in grade from Sankyu onward
  • Stay active and involved in the judo community