Celita Schutz Graduate of Yale University Rank: Yodan (4th degree black belt)
Background: With over 35 years of experience in judo including three Olympics, Celita Schutz is now President of Kokushikai, Inc and Camp Director of Kokushikai Judo Camp.
Celita began training at a young age with Sensei Ogasawara at Kokushi Dojo, in Westwood, NJ. She became nationally ranked at age 14 and internationally ranked at age 16. While competing worldwide, much of Celita's extended international training occurred in Japan, Spain, Germany and Brazil. She became Captain of the 1996 US Olympic Women's Judo Team; held consecutive #1 ranking in the United States for seven years; and while accumulating medals from around the world, achieved highest ranking of 5th in the World with expert coaching of Sensei Matsumura, Technical Advisor of Kokushikai, Inc.
Some Selected Accomplishments Include:
1996 Olympics, Atlanta 2000 Olympics, Syndey 2004 Olympics, Athens 2x World Team Member US Open International Champion Multi-time International Medalist 6x US National Judo Champion (Senior Level) 2x US Olympic Committee Female Athlete of the Year, Judo Ultimate Female Titan 2x Grapplers Quest BJJ Champion ADCC North American Champion, 2007 Certified Personal Trainer,NASM
Y. Matsumura
Technical Advisor
Y. Matsumura Graduate of Kokushikan University, Japan Rank: Hachidan (8th degree black belt)
Background: With over 50 years of teaching experience in judo Sensei Matsumura has perfected various techniques in judo and is considered one of the leading technicians in the world. After graduation from Kokushikan University, Japan in 1962, Matsumura continued as instructor and coach before coming to the United States. While versed in other martial art disciplines, judo remains the focus of his teaching as he has appeared in clinics nationally and internationally throughout his career. In addition, he has guided many US athletes to success in judo at the national, World and Olympic levels.
Matsumura holds an 8th degree Black belt in Judo and as official Technical Advisor to Kokushikai he contributes greatly with weekly class instruction.
Matsumura joins the renown group of instructors that will be teaching at Kokushikai Judo Camp held this summer in Preston Park, PA (Poconoes).
Koji Sonoda
Advanced Kokushikai Members Koji Sonoda Rank: Nidan (2nd degree black belt) Age: 34
Suzy Bendezu
Suzy Bendezu Rank: Shodan (1st degree black belt) Age: 30
Vadim Petrovici
Vadim Petrovici Rank: Shodan (1st degree black belt) Age: 21 Selected Accomplishments Include: Judo National Champion, Moldova (-81kg, -90kg) Sambo National Champion, Moldova (-990kg, +100kg) International Judo Cup Champion, Lasi, Romania
