The Classical Judo Institute
Preserving the traditional art of Kodokan Judo — technique, discipline, and the path of mutual benefit.
Training Schedule
Adult Classes
Full training session with Randori
Full training session with Randori
Children's Classes
Our Philosophy
As 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 started to be instituted, we thought it appropriate to recall a few facts about judo and its creation as noted by the Kodokan website.
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 as well.
Integrating what he considered the positive points of these with his own ideas and inspirations, he established a revised body of physical technique, and also transformed the traditional jujutsu principle of "defeating strength through flexibility" into a new principle of "maximum efficient use of physical and mental energy." The result was a new theoretical and technical system that Kano felt better matched the needs of modern people.
Seiryoku-zen'yō — maximum efficient use of energy, and Jita-kyōei — mutual prosperity for self and others, were authored by Prof. Kano. The essence of this system he expressed in the axiom "maximum efficient use of energy," a concept Prof. Kano 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, and as the proper goal of training. What Kano had created transcended mere technique to embrace a set of principles for perfecting the self. 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, or "a place to teach the path."
The Kodokan was founded by Kano Jigoro Shihan in 1882.
About Us
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.
Chief Instructor
Our head instructor brings decades of experience in traditional judo training and is dedicated to preserving the authentic teachings of the Kodokan system. With extensive knowledge of classical judo techniques and philosophy, Coach Angle ensures that students receive instruction in the true spirit of Professor Kano's vision.
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 and traditional values established by the founder of judo.
Our Values: Respect, discipline, perseverance, and mutual benefit guide everything we do. We believe that judo training should develop not only physical skills but also mental fortitude and ethical character that serves students throughout their lives.
Membership
University student rate requires a valid student ID at time of sign-up. Sign-ups are done in person.
Media
Kiyoshi Shiina Sensei
A disciplined competitor and dedicated teacher whose influence shaped generations of judoka across the United States and beyond.
Early Judo 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.
Building 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
Awarded 1st-degree black belt at age 14
Trained at the Kodokan; recognized as one of the "Top Three Technicians"
Relocated to the United States with his brothers
Appeared on The Jack Paar Show — a national TV first for Judo
Demonstrated Judo at the New York World's Fair Japan Pavilion
Married Yukiyo Yamaguchi in a Buddhist ceremony featured in The New York Times
Founded Japan Judo, Inc. — dojos in Brooklyn, NY and Stamford, CT
Led teams to multiple Yoshida Cup and East Coast Championship victories
Honored for promoting Judo through the Kanou Cup tournament
Inducted into the USJF Hall of Fame; awarded 9th dan
Notable Students
Joe Wanag
1992 Barcelona Olympian. 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
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
Member of the 1976 US Olympic judo team and widely regarded as one of the premier Judo instructors in the New York area.
John Bassano
Long-time Shiina Dojo member, promoted to Rokudan (6th degree) by world champion Kosei Inoue alongside Shiina Sensei.
Mark Anthony Littrean
Helped establish Judo in Trinidad and Tobago, extending Shiina's influence beyond U.S. borders.
Boris Munoz
Rose to serve as president of both the New York Judo Federation and the United States Judo Federation.
Chris Angle
US national competitor and current Chief Instructor at the Classical Judo Institute, carrying forward Shiina Sensei's tradition.
Robert Jaeckel
Rising star who medaled at the U.S. Open Championship. Columbia University scholarship student representing emerging collegiate talent.
Beginner's Guide to Judo Federations, Tournaments & Promotions
Federation Memberships: What You Need to Know
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
- USJF (United States Judo Federation)
- USJA (United States Judo Association)
Each has different benefits, but here's the quick 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. So, if you want 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 the brown belt.
In summary: We recommend that, 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.
*The Kodokan is the place of the origin of Judo.
**Hudson Yudanshakai is our regional USJF promotion board serving NJ, NY, and surroundings. Yudanshakai = society of black belts (in Japanese).
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! But others might not.
Pointed Events
- These events award national ranking points (only for black belt divisions) needed for joining the US National Team.
- These are bigger, better organized, and offer great experience.
- Also count for promotion points in Hudson Yudanshakai.
Pointed Event Levels (our club has had competitors at all levels):
- A+ Level: e.g. Olympics, World, Masters, Grand Slams.
- A Level: Grand Prix, Pan American Championships.
- B Level: U.S. Nationals, U.S. Open, Pan American Games, etc.
- C, D, E Levels: Big 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
📌 Note: These events may change designation each year, but they are consistently valuable.
Promotions: From Brown to Black Belt
You don't need to worry much about promotions until you reach your third degree brown belt (Sankyu; it's 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.
- (Optional) Shiai Points — earned by competing in tournaments.
- (Optional) Contributions — refereeing, coaching, etc. (see Hudson All Rank Promotional Rank Requirements – Seniors booklet).
How Do I Get Promotion Points?
- Refer to the Shiai Points Table — your points depend on:
- Whether you win by ippon or waza-ari.
- Your opponent's rank compared to yours.
How Much Time/Points Do I Need?
- Time in grade.
- Points from tournaments.
- Minimum age for dan (black belt and higher) ranks.
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.
- Contact: Ms. Robin M. Rosenthal (RobinRosenthalJudo@gmail.com).
What About Black Belt (Shodan) and Beyond?
- A successful promotion exam, including kata and judo knowledge.
- Additional documentation (background check, concussion and interaction with minors trainings).
We'll cover that in another guide!
Final Tips
- 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.