Jimmy Pedro

Japanese cuisine is truly a work of art. They present everything so perfectly, it makes you not want to leave anything on the plate. Delicious food with family makes me happy!

As CEO of Fuji Mats and Fuji Sports, I came back to visit Fuji Yama - the mountain after which my companies are named. Mt. FUJI was once the training ground of the ancient samurai preparing for battle.
The mountain itself is magnificent and beautiful; yet, its presence is formidable and exudes strength and power. I am proud to be a part of Japanese history and culture and to represent something so amazing.

Had another amazing night in Japan at the Sumo Live Experience in Ginza Tokyo learning the rules of Sumo, watching the matches, eating traditional noodles and wagyu steak and spending quality time with the family. Truly a unique experience.

Today I was truly humbled to see my photo inside the Kodokan Museum as part of the IJF Hall of Fame, and I had the great opportunity to share my life’s work with my wife, kids and family. I never imagined as a young judoka from Lynn MA that I would actually be included as part of judo history forever. The sport of judo truly makes incredible human beings who sacrifice their lives in pursuit of excellence but it is not the world and Olympic titles that matter as much as the incredibly confident, resilient, dedicated, and morally sound the judoka becomes which allows them to achieve anything they set their minds to. Kano was truly a remarkable human being who permanently changed the lives of millions of judoka around the world for the benefit of all society. Today I am truly proud to be called a judoka and part of a very special family.

When I was a young judoka and didn’t have any money, I used to love going the Mizuno store to see all of the amazing sweat suits, running shoes and judo gis and apparel but could not afford to buy anything.
Now I am the part owner of Hatash*ta Enterprises & Fuji Sports and own the rights to the entire line of Mizuno products for martial arts in the USA and can buy anything I want! Amazing how hard work and dedication to judo helps pay off in life as well. Had a blast today and bought everything I ever wanted as a young kid. And even got stuff for the entire family.
Thanks Team Mizuno and Hatash*ta!

Day 2 | Japan 🇯🇵

Spent the day in Ginza.

Hit the fish market, walked through Kabukicho, and made it over to Yoyogi Park.

Good mix of everything.

This was my first apartment in Japan 🇯🇵

Lived here for 6 months while I was training 🥋

Nice memory to come back to.

Great first night in Japan with a reunion with the Homma Family. These great people (Toru and Nobu) took me in 32 years ago, gave me an apartment, and helped me live and train in Japan for 6 months. This took my judo to a whole new level and I cannot thank them enough! Spent the first day at Asakusa to see the temple, statues, and amazing Japanese gardens. Fantastic Family Time!! Ready for an awesome 2 weeks ahead visiting new Japanese family and great friends.

Great time sharing knowledge at Sunday morning workout session at NYAC with Mike Swain, John Walla, Zoltan Bathory, Toni Lettner, and Team German 🇩🇪 💪