In iCLA, not only academics are important to students. Experiencing Japanese culture is also an indispensable component of their education. iCLA offers a variety of hands-on workshops, including one in the modern martial art Judo (柔道). In 1882, Judo was created as a form of physical, mental, and moral pedagogy in Japan.
The coach (先生) and the seniors (先輩) are patient teachers, even to students who knew nothing about Judo before the workshop. Thanks to their earnest instruction and attentive observation, we learn from our mistakes and have improved our skills. Our coach and seniors are top athletes in Japan. It is such a precious opportunity to learn from them.
Calvin Chan, exchange student from Lingnan University (Hong Kong)
This class is special! We can wear judo-gi and our sensei is funny!
Moe, second year student at iCLA
P.S.: Our coach, Mr. Takahiro Nishida, is the head coach at Yamanashi Gakuin University and father of Yuka Nishida, World Champion in Tokyo in 2010.