Eastside Dojo Travels to Tokyo for the All-Japan Judo Championships

Harasawa Qualifies for 2026—Now Representing Plano, Texas

In April 2025, a group of ten judoka from Eastside Dojo (Plano, Texas) traveled to Tokyo for the prestigious All-Japan Open Judo Championships, one of the most iconic events in the sport. Their mission: to cheer on future Eastside coach and judo legend Hisayoshi Harasawa.

Harasawa, a two-time All-Japan Champion and two-time runner-up (including in 2024), had recently completed a three-month coaching residency at Eastside Dojo. He’ll return in late 2025 to begin a full-time role as the dojo’s High Performance Coach.

🥋 Training, Tradition, and an Unexpected Twist

While in Japan, Eastside members trained at Nihon University, Harasawa’s alma mater, and the Kodokan, the international home of judo. They also explored Tokyo’s rich culture—but the highlight came on tournament day at the Budokan.

“We honestly didn’t expect him to go all the way,” said Eastside’s Ken Patteson. “He trained seriously in Texas—lifting, doing randori with our judoka, even sparring with heavyweight BJJ guys—but he was only back in Tokyo for a month before the tournament.”

Despite limited prep time, Harasawa dominated. With three wins and an ippon in the semifinal, he reached the final once again—automatically qualifying for the 2026 All-Japan Open, where he’ll now represent Eastside Dojo, USA.

Representing Texas—and the USA

Harasawa’s surprise performance has shifted Eastside’s focus.

“We were preparing for how he’d help us,” said Patteson. “Now we’re thinking about how we can support his path to victory next year. He calmly said he’ll win in 2026. I believe him.”

The Eastside crew wasn’t just training—they made an impression. Their cheering for Harasawa drew stares at first, then inspired the crowd. By the final rounds, half the Budokan was joining in.

📢 Join the 2026 Experience

This year, Eastside brought ten members to Japan. In 2026, they’re planning for three to four times that number. The All-Japan Open offers a rare blend of world-class judo and deep tradition—and now, a strong American presence.

Want to be part of Eastside’s journey next year?
Stay tuned for updates and opportunities to join the 2026 team at EastsideDojo.com.