The beginning…

We officially opened Ippon Judo Dojo, Inc. on Thursday, February 1st, 2001, at the Lakewood Family YMCA in Lakewood, Washington. This was a special day for me personally because it was also my mother’s 61st birthday!

From the beginning, we were blessed with many talented athletes such as Travis Stevens (3x Olympian & 2016 Olympic Silver Medalist) and Robert Davis (2009 NAIA Collegiate National Wrestling Champion). I am proud of what we have accomplished with more than 300 national & international medals won since 2001.

We were also blessed to have Sensei George Uchida (1972 USA Olympic Judo Coach & 8th degree black belt) as a mentor and friend to help guide our Dojo in the right direction during the early years.

And lastly, my ex-wife Robyn Russell. Robyn and her family (Pat, Lil, & Steven) were the backbone of our Dojo, and we owe them our deepest gratitude!

The past…

My father, James Harai Sr. was an 8th degree black belt and Head Sensei of the Tacoma Judo Club. He served as an officer in the Puget Sound Judo Yudanshakai and the Northwest Judo Yudanshakai.

Sensei Harai started Judo in Kona, Hawaii in 1952 at the Kona Judo Club under 8th degree black belts, Sensei’s Yasuyuki Sakabe and Hisashi Kimura. Yasuyuki Sakabe, Masahiko Kimura, and Toshio Yamaguchi went to Hawaii to spread interest in Judo outside of Japan. Our lineage is Jigoro Kano > Yasuyuki Sakabe > James Harai > Jason Harai.

The founders of Ippon Judo Dojo were all direct students of Sensei Harai!

The present…

Post Covid-19, Ippon Judo Dojo moved from the Lakewood Family YMCA (2001-2020) to Alliance Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Lakewood (2020-present). This was a seamless transition, and our membership continues to grow.

We give our athletes the opportunity to compete locally, regionally, nationally, and internationally including tournaments in the USA, Canada, French Polynesia, and all over the world!

Ippon Judo Dojo hosts the largest Judo tournament in the Pacific Northwest, the Rainier Cup Judo Championships. We also host several developmental tournaments throughout the year called the Future Stars Judo Championships. And in 2023, we will host our first national point tournament called the Pacific Northwest Open Judo Championships!

About…

Ippon Judo Dojo Inc. is led by Senseis Jason Harai, Byron Redditt, and John Harai.

Jason Harai started Judo in 1978 at the Tacoma Judo Club. He is currently the Chairman of Ippon Judo Dojo Inc., President of the Northwest Judo Yudanshakai, United States Judo Federation Executive Committee member, and 5th degree black belt.

Byron Redditt started Judo in 1994 at the Tacoma Judo Club. He is currently the Vice-President of Ippon Judo Dojo Inc., Chairman of the Board of Examiners (Washington State Judo Inc.), and 4th degree black belt.

John Harai started Judo in 1978 at the Tacoma Judo Club. He is currently the President of Ippon Judo Dojo Inc., Board of Examiners (Northwest Judo Yudanshakai), and 6th degree black belt.