AboutNeil Ohlenkamp Expertise Mr. Ohlenkamp can answer any questions about Judo having practiced it since 1968. Author of a best-selling book on Judo and a 6th degree black belt, he has compiled a comprehensive web site (JudoInfo.com) to provide the information to everyone.
Experience Mr. Ohlenkamp has been practicing Judo continuously since 1968, and has been the head instructor of the Encino Judo Club since 1985 responsible for classes in four locations teaching over 200 students each year, with the help of other black belt members of the Encino Judo Club. He is widely recognized as a leader in the teaching and promotion of Judo for sport and self defense. He has developed highly successful Judo, jujitsu and self defense programs for various health clubs, churches, schools, employee groups, community centers, youth centers, and recreation centers throughout Southern California. He has trained athletes and coaches in seminars and clinics around the world. He has trained national and international competitors, as well as recreational Judo students.
Affiliated Organizations United States Judo Inc., United States Judo Association, United States Judo Federation, Nanka Yudanshakai, United States Ju-Jitsu Federation, Kodokan Judo Institute in Tokyo, Japan, Encino Judo Club.
Publications As a pioneer in promoting martial arts around the world through the internet, Mr. Ohlenkamp created one of the first web pages devoted to Judo. Since 1995 his Judo Information Site at JudoInfo.com has been the most highly acclaimed, most popular, and most comprehensive Judo web site on the internet. He also runs several other Judo sites like JudoForum.com, DoJudo.com, and BlackBeltJudo.com. He has also authored a book on Judo, contributed to other martial arts books, and had articles published in most of the major Judo publications in the US. The U.S. edition of the book is called Judo Unleashed (2006, McGraw-Hill) but is also available under other titles in the UK, Germany, Russia, and The Netherlands.
Education/Credentials Mr. Ohlenkamp is a 6th degree black belt and has been nationally certified as a Judo instructor, coach, and rank examiner. He earned a Bachelor's Degree in Child Development with a specialty in recreation from California State University, Northridge.
Awards and Honors 6th degree black belt in Judo and Jujitsu, US Judo Coach of the Year-1999, U.S. Team Coach at the 1988 Paralympics in Seoul, Korea, the 1989 World Championships for the Blind in Manchester, England, and the 1990 World Championships and Games for the Disabled in Assen, Netherlands, and member of the International Blind Sports Association Judo Technical Committee from 1988 to 1993.
I am from New York City and began studying judo at the age of 4 at the same dojo where I continued studying until I recently made a move to Cairo (where I am currently trying to find a dojo myself).
30 years old is certainly not too old to begin studying. I know a highly skilled black belt who is now about 60 and who began at around 40 years old.
I highly highly recommend to you my sensei, Shiro Oishi, who is an amazing, inspirational and hilarious individual and sensei. Go to the Oishi Judo Club, located on Leonard Street in downtown Manhattan. Mr. Oishi instructs adult classes on M W F at 12pm and 7pm, and Sa at 1pm.
You will find many other beginners, younger and older than yourself there, as well as players of every level of experience. If you study seriously, you will succeed in learning how to, as my sensei says, "smash him gently."
