University Judo Club: New Zealand Yawara Dan Commission (est. 2010)

Our Tradition: Kosen + Contemporary Olympic

The Auckland University Judo Club style fuses Kosen and contemporary Olympic Judo. The current Sensei is Rick Littlewood (7th Dan, from Kodokan Judo and the NZJF). Sensei Rick has trained extensively at Doshisha University, Kyoto, and studied under Kimura Mitsuro (8th Dan), affectionately known as “Mr. Sankaku,” and Ebii Goichi (9th Dan), the “god of Newaza.” His present Judo Sensei is Isao Okano from Ryuzukei University. The Club was founded in 1960 by Jerry Van Kylenburg. We are an affiliated member of the New Zealand Judo Federation (NZJF).

25 January 2010

New Zealand Yawara Dan Commission (est. 2010)

Dear NZ Judoka,

I am writing to advise you of an executive decision to bring me out of retirement and appoint me to the position of Director of the newly formed New Zealand Yawara Dan Commission. In place of full disclosure of a history of scandal to the news media, or a protracted legal battle, we have decided that this--the direct route--is the best way to serve Judo in this country. Ergo, I will be founding a new Dan Commission. In the next few weeks we will be assembling a commission comprised of Judoka who fulfill the following criteria.
Judoka who:
(a) Actually play Judo.
(b) Participate as players in Masters Judo tournaments.
NZ Judoka please be advised that from 01 February 2010 all Dan grades, from shodan, will be awarded by the NZ Yawara Dan Commission. The existing commission will be considered defunct and absolved of all formal powers. Please accept our apologies for any inconvenience. If it is any consolation, we will be equally hard on everyone. More details will be available shortly from our website (currently under development -- but already assured a #1 ranking by Google).

Yours in Judo,

Ramses Gold
(12th dan, NZ Yawara Dan Commission)