The UCF judo instructor had a passion for inspiring people from all walks of life through the martial arts, showing them that they can do anything if they put their mind to it.
Shinjuro Sasaki practices judo with his son at a martial arts studio in Casselberry on March 6th.
Part-time martial arts instructor Shinjiro Sasaki opened a martial arts school in Casselberry in 2010, shortly after immigrating to the United States from Japan.
Sasaki said judo is not just a physical sport.
“I came here to bring what I learned from Japan so that the students not only learn techniques but also discipline,” Sasaki said.
Since opening his own school, Sasaki Judo, in Casselberry, Mr. Sasaki has strived to communicate effectively in English, teach judo to students of all ages, and help them learn the meaning of judo. He said his goal is to incorporate more of his culture into people's lives. Stay disciplined and don't give up.
Sasaki said he used his name at the dojo to distinguish himself from other competitors.
“If I put my name in, Sasaki, that's my name, right?” I have a responsibility. There is no going back. We have to move forward,'' Sasaki said.
However, despite having studied judo several years before immigrating to the United States, Sasaki says she put aside everything she knew about judo in order to immerse herself in American culture and improve her English skills. Told.
“I was already 29 years old, so it was a little late to learn the language. Well, it wasn't late by any means, but it was difficult,” Sasaki said.
Sasaki said that even though it took him 11 years to overcome the challenges of a new country, he quickly realized that judo was his passion and that he couldn't walk away from the sport.
“When I stopped judo, I felt like I was just another person. But when I do judo, people gather around me,'' Sasaki said. “Judo has always been my passion, but now I can say that it is my means of life.”
Sasaki said the path to success in the United States was not always easy.
“I've been homeless twice and lost my job. I just stayed here illegally,” Sasaki said. “I wanted to succeed in life no matter what.”
But judo was unheard of in the United States, so he had to find his own way to teach it, he said.
Sasaki said that although YouTube existed, judo had a special association with Japan, so a search for it wouldn't turn up anything.
“Fourteen years ago, YouTube wasn't popular yet,” Sasaki says. “Even if I write 'How to teach judo,' I can't find anything.”
According to Special Olympics, judo means “gentle path” in Japanese and combines the physical ability to perform acrobatic movements with the mental discipline to understand the mental and emotional aspects of practice beyond physical technique. I need it.
Sasaki said that when you decide to accomplish something, nothing stops you from continuing to pursue it.
“When you become a top player or a champion, your mind is always focused and everything becomes training. It's such a small world,” Sasaki said. “But life shouldn't be so tough. That's why I came here to open up more possibilities.”
Students enjoy training together at Sasaki Judo's martial arts studio in Casselberry on March 6th.
In addition to teaching at his own dojo, Sasaki also volunteers to teach judo classes to youth with autism and special needs. The Judo for Autism program was developed by the UCF College of Health and Professional Sciences.
Sasaki also teaches judo classes at UCF, where students can earn credit.
Ken Doan, a senior psychology major, said he began learning judo at the UCF Judo Club and then began attending classes at Sasaki's dojo. He then became Sasaki's teaching assistant for his UCF course and said his experience was extremely valuable.
“I've learned a lot of patience through teaching. The more I continue to be patient, the more rewarding it is to see everyone do well on their tests at the end of the semester,” Doan said.
Doan said he empathizes with Sasaki because he and his family are immigrants from Japan.
“My parents also have similar accents and communication difficulties. Talking to him was the same as talking to my parents,” Doan said.
Despite the challenges he faced throughout his life, Sasaki remained focused on his path to success, and now he has achieved it and teaches judo to approximately 200 students between UCF and Casselberry Dojo. Told.
“We have to be disciplined. We have to find something to do,” Sasaki said.
