Kokushi kai Judo Academy

Kokushi kai Judo Academy operates at 24-28 Fair Lawn Avenue in Fair Lawn, New Jersey, situated in Bergen County. The traditional judo dojo was founded by head instructor Celita Schutz, a sixth-degree black belt (Rokudan), Yale University graduate, and three-time Olympian who represented the U.S. Judo team at the 1996, 2000, and 2004 Olympic Games. Technical advisor Sensei Yoichiro Matsumura, a ninth-degree black belt (Kudan) and graduate of Kokushikan University in Japan, contributes to weekly instruction alongside second-degree black belt Vadim Petrovici. The curriculum delivers classical judo training for practitioners of varying ages and abilities. Classes cover standing throws (tachi-waza) and ground grappling techniques (newaza), emphasizing falling safety, leverage, and mat etiquette. Youth programs are grouped into Tiny Tigers for ages three-and-a-half to five, Pee Wees for ages five to six, children for ages six to nine, youth for ages nine to twelve, and teens for ages twelve to fourteen. Adult classes serve students ages fourteen and older, with Wednesday evening yoga sessions also available. The dojo is a sanctioned member of USA Judo, the United States Judo Federation, and the United States Judo Association. Instruction focuses on technical precision, competitive development, and physical conditioning without requiring long-term contracts. Prospective students can register online to attend a trial class.