About Us

Leeward Judo Club

Leeward Judo Club was founded by Tsuruo Fukushima in 1981. The club has produced local, national and international champions since it's founding to the present. Many of the past champions have returned as instructors and parents. This generation of parent/instructors speaks well of the founder and of the founding principle of the club… "ongaeshi" or giving back

Tsuruo Fukushima Sensei

Tsuruo Fukushima arrived back in Hawaii in 1977 after retirement from the Civil Service in Okinawa.  while in Okinawa, he developed the strongest non-Japanese Judo Club at that time.  Among his younger charges was a shy 7 year old that hung on his every word and applied it vigorously at every practice.  The young man was Kevin Asano.  

Fukushima Sensei established his own dojo, Leeward Judo Club in 1981 after several years at Pearl city Hongwanji dojo.  The 5 day a week practices produced champions for local, national and international competitions.  Many of those champions now bring their children to the club and help with instruction.  The greatest lesson Fukushima Sensei passed on to his students was the spirit of giving back or ongaeshi.  Judo is more than a Martial Art, sport or system of Physical Education.  Judo is a means of developing the good citizens, leaders, teachers and mentors of the future.

Fukushima Sensei would develop 2 Olympians in his lifetime of Judo.  Keith Nakasone Captained his Olympic Team and now coaches at San Jose State University.  The other Olympian brought home a Silver Medal and continues the tradition of ongaeshi as the present ranking Sensei at Leeward Judo Club.  Kevin Asano, the shy 7 year old all those years ago in Okinawa guides the club today with the memories of yesterday and visions for tomorrow and the enthusiasm for today.  Arigato Fukushima Sensei. (1925-2006)

Leigh Nakamoto Sensei

Leigh Nakamoto was a successful Judoka long before he became a successful coach, administrator and advisor within the 50th State Judo Association and the United States Judo Federation. Nakamoto Sensei was one of the most successful Judoka in Hawaii as he counted  11 State Championships and  numerous National Competitions as the steps towards a lifetime of giving back to Judo.  Pearl City High School counted themselves fortunate to have Nakamoto Sensei as he gave them 6 straight years of excellence.  Kevin Asano began and ended his high school reign of 4 National High School championships  under "Coach Leigh."  

Coach Leigh could have thrown his considerable girth around as he got things done in all the facets of his Judo life.  He chose to lead by serving his students with humor, caring and a lifetime of Judo expertise.  His athletes would leave everything on the mat for him because of who he was and is to them to this day.  It speaks well of the man when grown men some close to middle age and older seek his advice and approval.

Nakamoto Sensei came to Leeward Judo Club as Fukushima Sensei began transitioning into mentor status.  Coach Leigh became Sensei Leigh to the small group remaining after club membership changed.  He was able to develop Leeward Judo into a Century Club(100+ members).  Then went off to spread Judo to the Leeward Coast and established Kapolei Judo Club.