Grace is the owner and head instructor of Kokushi Midwest Judo in Champaign, IL.   She is a third degree black belt and is one of only 16 judokas in the United States to have completed both Level 1 and Level 2 of the International Judo Federation Academy's Coaching certification.   She's competed extensively at the national and international levels of competition.   

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She started judo under N. Ogasawara of Kokushi Dojo in Westwood, NJ.  She moved to central Illinois in 2006 where she helped run the Illini Judo Club for several years.  She has served as tournament director for the 2016 - 2018 Midwest Collegiate Championships, as well the 2018 and 2019 Chicago Open.  

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She is a total judo fanatic as her pastimes include getting pictures and autographs of judo superstars.  Her favorite judo clinician is Neil Adams and her favorite judo memory includes visiting Sensei Koga's dojo in Japan.   The desire to keep on learning and upgrading her judo skills keeps the fire going.

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Do you have questions?  Please email her at grace@kokushimidwest.com