Literally, "Ippon 4 Nippon" means "win one for Japan." Ippon is the winning point in judo matches. The commonly used Nihon is a more casual reference.
THE SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA JUDO COMMUNITY HAS COMMITTED ITSELF TO RAISING FUNDS FOR THE ON-GOING RELIEF AND RECOVERY EFFORTS IN JAPAN THROUGH THE IPPON FOR NIPPON THROW-A-THON. Nippon is usually an official or national reference to Japan in Japanese. Now, for our part, we invite the judo players of all ages and to participate in this fund raising throw-a-thon. The first local event will be held at th
e Sawtelle Judo Dojo, 2110 Corinth Ave., Los Angeles, CA, on Wednesday, May 11, at 7:00 pm. South Bay Judo has just committed to participate in this throw-a-thon event. The time and location for their local event has not been scheduled yet. But, we will post updates on their event as soon as possible. On the following Sunday, May 15, we have tentatively scheduled a, “Ippon 4 Nippon Throw-A-Throw,” at the West Coast Invitational/Speed Harada Judo Tournament at Alta Loma High School, 8880 Base Line Road, Alta Loma, CA, beginning at around 3:00 pm immediately after the completion of the judo tournament. This event will gather judo players from clubs around Southern California and Nevada. Throw-A-Thon
We ask that the other judo dojos to join us in hosting their own local throw-a-thon in conjunction with “Ippon 4 Nippon Throw-A-Throw.” Stay tuned for more updates on local throw-a-thons in your area. During the throw-a-thon, the judo players demonstrate their judo skills, teamwork and physical fitness as they throw each other as many times as possible in a 1 to 2 minute period in front of a large audience. First, the juniors, children as young as 3-4 years old, with throw each other for one minute straight. But, some looking for a challenge will throw one of their favorite seniors, an adult. Yes, that’s right. You just might see a child, female, weighing about 40-50 lbs., throwing an adult, male, 6’+ tall and easily over 200 lbs. Watch the preview video. You will bow-in with your throwing partner. Then, your demonstration will start with “Hajime” or “Begin.” With ten seconds left, the timer will announce, “10 seconds!!” You will now have to work fast to complete your last few throws. Finally, the timer will shout, “Matte!!” or “Stop!!” If you already have the grip, take the throw. Your demo is now over. You can now watch the next pairs do the same. Now, wouldn’t it be fun to throw someone so much taller and bigger than you are? If you answered, “Yes,” then pick your favorite senior to be thrown, someone that you have always wanted to throw. Bring them here for all to see and then throw them as many times as you can in one minute. After the juniors finish, the seniors will pair up for their throwing sessions in a slightly different throw-a-thon format. Instead of one-minute period, the seniors throw each other as many times as possible for two-minutes, alternating as tori and uke or the thrower and the thrown, respectively. Not only will the seniors throw each other as quickly as possible, they will test their skill, teamwork and endurance. Can you throw right off the grip? Can you control your partner’s fall? Can you pull you partner back up? Can you keep your balance and not fall to your knees when throwing? There’s no falling down on the job here. Otherwise, you’re wasting time. What kind of throws do you use? Are you throwing so hard at the beginning that you have nothing left at the end? Will your last throw look as clean as your first? For the seniors’ matches, the timer will announce time checks at “Hajime,” “1 minute,” “10 seconds” and “Matte!!” Check out the senior version of the throw-a-thon. Look at this way. You will be able to throw more in this throw-a-thon than you will every do in a one-day tournament. We expect the juniors to throw the seniors 15-20 times in a minute. On the other hand, we’ll see how many throws the seniors will do at the throw-a-thon. Well, the expected number is Top Secret. So, why not test your skills like this. Can you demonstrate maximum efficiency with minimum effort in your judo? Come and be part of this event. Invite your friends and family to come and watch. To participate in the event, we ask that you make a donation. You can download and print our sponsorship form and flyer to sign-up sponsors and collect donations. Or, you can simply enter in your pledge on this website under the participant’s name and the representing dojo (judo club/school). For more information on participating, sponsorship and donations, please visit our website at http://ippon4nippon.org. The Ippon 4 Nippon Throw-A-Thon begins this week beginning on Monday, May9. Collect your donations and pledges, practice your nagekomi and invite your friends. The following clubs will now host the Ippon 4 Nippon Throw-A-Thons at their respective locations;
Harbor Judo Club on Monday, May 9
Time: 7:00 pm
Location: Koyasan Buddhist Church
25316 Frampton Ave. (near Normandie Ave. & Lomita Blvd.) Harbor City, CA
Sawtelle Judo Dojo on Wednesday, May 11
Time: 7:00 pm
Location: Japanese Institute of Sawtelle
2110 Corinth Ave (Sawtelle & Olympic Blvd.) Los Angeles, CA
South Bay Judo on Tuesday, May 17
Time: 7:00 pm
Location: Wilson Park Sports Complex (Gym)
2400 Jefferson Street (near Carson St. & Crenshaw Blvd.) Torrance CA
Remember, we’ll also host another round for the Ippon 4 Nippon Throw-A-Thon at the conclusion of the tournament this Sunday. We expect other judokas from other clubs to participate in this event. Invite your family and friends to watch for a full day of judo. West Coast Invitational/Speed Harada Judo Tournament on Sunday, May 15
Time: 3:00 pm or immediately after the conclusion of the tournament
Location: Alta Loma High School Gym
8880 Base Line Road
Alta Loma, CA
Nanka will also host the USJF/USJA Junior Nationals Team Try-Outs immediately after the conclusion of the tournament as well. Bring along your family and friends to watch this event. Bring your video cameras to record your favorite judoka. It will be an exciting evening and an extraordinary workout for those participating. Arrive early and find a seat or place to stand. For those participating, cut your nails and clean your gi, warm-up and stretch.
