Meet the Instructors
Sensei Danny Wakumoto - Shodan (1st Dan)
I was introduced to the world of judo by my dad showing me the sport to me at a young age, and from the moment I stepped onto the tatami, I knew I had found my sport. With each practice session and competition, I immersed myself in the world of judo, soaking up knowledge and refining my technique. The thrill of victory and the lessons learned from the pain of defeat only fueled my passion further, driving me to train harder and become the best judoka I could be.
Through years, I transformed into a formidable competitor, earning medals at competitions all around the country. But beyond the medals and accolades, it was the journey itself that truly shaped me.
There is something captivating about the graceful movements and the strategy of the sport that resonated with me deeply. As I got older I ended up leaving the sport for few years. When I came back to judo in my 20’s I had a lot to learn as a person to redefine myself as a judoka. Judo still teaches me discipline, resilience, and the importance of sport. It's not just a sport for me; it's a way of life—a journey that continues to inspire and challenge me every day.
Sensei Matt Rogers, Nidan (2nd Dan)
I started Judo at 14 years old and I'll never forget how I fell in love with it the first class I took. As I began taking the sport more seriously, I started training and competing in several statewide tournaments and national tournaments such as the Dallas invitational, the Presidents Cup and the US Open. I've placed first nationally two times and hold other medals from other states as well.
I love the beauty of Judo throws combined with the immense power that comes with them. With high levels of training, exercise, repetition and attention to detail, a judo competitor can truly become a formidable grappler and competitor with time.
I have the strong belief that Judo is more than just a sport and martial art, but a way of life and a way of healing. I have seen Judo do remarkable things for people who need an outlet in life. I believe that judo truly helps people become better versions of themselves. It makes the fearful courageous. The frail, strong - both of these lessons I have learned in my personal journey with the art.
