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Detroit Judo Club

Truly Amateur - Truly Efficient

This article is from the 1963 Official AAU Judo Handbook, published by
the Amateur Athletic Union of the U.S., 231 West 58th St., New York.

Considered the largest and most efficiently organized non-profit club in the United States, the Detroit Judo Club was founded in 1952 by Hiro Fujimoto (now first vice president of the JBBF), Min Oyama, and Louis Furukawa. Its goal is to stimulate interest in the art and sport of Kodokan Judo and to maintain among its members a true spirit of amateurism and sportsman-like conduct. The club offers an opportunity for its members to work towards higher rank through competition with fellow Judoists and members of other recognized Judo clubs throughout the country. The first secretary of the DJC was, and still is Don Pohl, who is now also secretary of the JBBF.

In 1954 the club was admitted as a Michigan non-profit corporation, and at present has a membership of almost 500 Judoka including 25 black belts, 35 women members and 50 juniors. Facilities in the 5,000 sq foot dojo include an 1,800 square foot mat, a 240 locker dressing room, and other facilities. The club also serves as the national headquarters for the JBBF, maintains the JBBF national rank registration records, and publishes the JBBF Bulletin.

In the early stages of development, the club embarked on a unique program of training through the Detroit YMCA's. Starting with one Y, the Judo program has now expanded until it is taught in all 10 Detroit area Y branches. The club furnishes the instructors, supervises the program and cooperates in a joint advertising program with the YMCAs. So successful has been this program that as many as 500 students are enrolled during each 8 week training session. The more promising students are then offered membership in the Detroit Judo Club.

In the field of Judo tournaments, DJC now sponsors one of the largest and most efficiently run AAU Judo tournaments in the country. This annual Midwestern AAU Invitational attracts over 400 contestants from more than 20 states and Canada. Spectator attendance is over the 4,000 mark. The tournament is usually climaxed by a clinic conducted by top ranking Judo instructors from all over the country.

Considered very progressive and efficiently run, the Club has developed numerous forms, procedures and techniques, which are now in use by other clubs and the JBBF.

Some of the outstanding contestants developed by the Club are Otto Chanko, Mike Stanch, Frank Aul and Jim Walmsley.

The Detroit Judo Club has never failed to willingly share its techniques or procedures with any other Judo organization in the true traditions of amateur sport.

Self defense for women is also taught at the Detroit Judo Club. Here, Alma Samarian, throws Frank Aul, nidan, in practicing a self defense move. Photo from the DJC on Livernois.	You'll never see the Detroit Judo Club mat look like this except when the club is closed. Six nights a week many of the club's 500 members practice here. Photo from the DJC on Joy Rd.

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