Tsuna-cho, Hyogo-Ken, Awaji-Shima

I thought I would share an experience I had that is possibly quite different from other JET members. I grew up in a martial arts family. Since the age of six, I have been involved in some form of martial arts. Before moving to Japan, I had already attained a second-degree black belt in Jiu-Jitsu and for several years prior to Japan, had also been competing in Judo. So when I found out I would be able to practice Judo with the team from the high school I was teaching at, it was a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience.

I was assigned to teach in Tsuna city, which is located on the beautiful island of Awaji in the Bay of Osaka. It was a fantastic location. The island is loaded with beautiful beaches, onsens (hot springs), great local food, friendly people and even the Naruto whirlpools to the South of the island. If you feel like more of a faster pace, you can hop on a bus and be in Kobe in about an hour.

My arrival came at a very opportune time as it also happened to be the arrival of two new physical education teachers to the school who had recently graduated from two of the top Judo universities in the country (and possibly the world), Tokai and Tenri. We practiced six days a week, for two to three hours a day. I was able to compete in various workshops and tournaments with other high schools in Kobe and even was invited to join the team to go to a week-long workshop at Tenri University in Nara prefecture.

Looking back, it was a great way for me to get involved with the school culture and I really believe the students enjoyed my participation. I also think many teachers were happy I was getting involved in one of Japan’s traditional sports. Additionally, many local newspapers took an interest in my involvement and I also was awarded my black belt there!

I would encourage anyone who is thinking of going to Japan with JET to seriously consider getting involved with one of Japan’s cultural activities or sports. It has led to a lifetime of experiences, memories and friendships. It also provided some great perspective when I came back to Canada and continued my Judo career.

JET 2001 – 2003

Danny Williamson