Greetings from Sensei Celita and Sensei Matsumura!

Sensei Matsumura and I miss you and hope that this note finds you and all of your loved ones well.  We know the current pandemic conditions are affecting everyone differently. 

We extend our sincere condolences to our families who have been negatively impacted by Covid-19.  We understand the impact this virus has on loved ones near and far.  We give thanks to those of you who are helping to fight this virus as essential workers.  I have been doing my best to take care of my aging parents and Sensei Matsumura as well.

As you know, Kokushikai complied with the state of NJ to suspend instruction for the health and well-being of our members towards the end of March.  We have been doing all we can to sustain the Academy so when the lockdown is lifted we can once again invite families and students back for training and fitness. 

Asking for help has always been difficult for me and I know this is the worst time to ask for help because so many people are struggling themselves.  But I have to ask and let people know that if I don’t at this point, I really don’t think we will make it through the summer.  Please help and share this with anyone you think might be in a position to help keep judo available at Kokushikai Judo Academy.

We appreciate the guidance some of you have offered in terms of where to apply for state and federal support.  After long hours of filing applications and working with our bank, Kokushikai received $1000 through the EIDL program. 

Unfortunately, Kokushikai is not eligible for any of the other state and federal programs offered to small businesses as they are currently structured, and we are not in a position to take out loans with higher interest rates.  However, that means that despite the required closure and resulting near-total loss of revenue, we must continue to cover the monthly operational expenses without financial aid or another source of income.

For those of you who have generously maintained your memberships through these financially troubled times, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts.  We do understand that many families and students do not have the financial means right now, so your support helps the effort to keep the Academy open for all.  Please take one more step and share this e-mail to friends, family and anyone you think who could make a direct donation of any amount to help save judo in our community.

Together we have managed to keep the dojo alive through April and May.  However, based on June projections, we are facing the reality that we will not have enough to make it through the summer if we are not allowed to open and without some creative fundraising. We also realize that once we are allowed to open, we may be facing some restrictions on the number of people gathering together and getting back to “normal” will take some time. 

We are grateful to everyone who has stayed in touch, offering news from their homes and well-wishes to me and Sensei Matsumura.  We appreciate your prayers, helpful information and ideas.  Producing videos was riddled with complications but one parent’s idea has inspired the virtual fundraiser we are writing to you about today!

We are calling it the “We are Fighting Together” Fundraiser – A Virtual Basket Auction supporting Kokushikai Judo Academy.  It is a digital auction with a direct donation option.  Anyone can participate by making an instant donation, bidding on baskets, donating items, sharing the event with their extended family and personal network through e-mail and social media.

All funds raised will go towards overhead expenses and some repairs that our basement so desperately needs after the flood damage to reopen.  Our goal is to raise $23,000 by the end of June, and baskets are already coming in, but we need to make this event even bigger to reach our goal!  If you would like to make a donation in person, donate a basket or basket items, please e-mail me to arrange a contactless drop-off at the dojo by Thursday, May 28.

You can also donate online by using the donate link below. 
Any amount will make a difference right now.  Thank-you!

Once we have pictures and the descriptions of the completed items and baskets, we will post instructions on how to donate and bid on Kokushikai Instagram, Facebook and by e-mail (for those of you not on social media).  

Our sincere wish is for everyone’s good health both physical and mentally.  As soon as we can, we will communicate our plan to reopen with safety precautions so everyone can feel confident about re-entering the dojo.  In support of this, and inspired by the precept of mutual benefit that judo instructs, I ask that you to join us in our fundraising efforts to ensure that the Academy remains open and available to you and our community for learning and development for years to come.

Thank you for anything you can do in support of this goal, including keeping us in your thoughts and prayers.

Sincerely,
Sensei Celita and Sensei Matsumura

Celita Schutz
3x USA Judo Olympian
Kokushikai Judo Academy
24-28 Fair Lawn Ave.
Fair Lawn, NJ 07410
201-797-8988
www.kokushikai.com