Instructors

Soren OGDEN
Soren OGDEN Sensei, originally from Washington state, trained under Fred Ogden and former President of the Northwest Judo Yudanshakai, Jason Harai.
He was a member of Collegiate Judo powerhouse, San Jose State University and was ranked fourth in the United States in the 90 kilogram division.
Sensei OGDEN’s extensive resumĂ© includes gold at the National High School Championships, Washington State Championship, Collegiate National Championship, Youth National Championship, Junior Olympic National Championship as well as over 100 more medals totaling between judo, wresting, and Brazilian jujutsu. In addition to this he also placed 3rd in Senior Nationals at the young age of 17.

Lincoln HAN
Originally from Bejing, CHINA, Lincoln HAN Sensei is a celebrated instructor as well as an accomplished judoka himself.Educated as an engineer and formally trained in Judo for over two decades, he has achieved the rank of Yon San, (4th degree black belt.) His accolades are too numerous to count. But among the highlights, are 2023 European Champion and 2nd place in the World Championship in the Master’s Division. Sensei Lincoln, now residing in Italy, is also the head instructor for the United States Naval facilities in Italy and the official English language Judo color commentator for the European Union.

Yoshio KURIHARA
Yoshio KURIHARA Sensei began judo at the age of 5 in Milan, ITALY under the tutelage of his grandfather, Takero KURIHARA Sensei who was sent directly from the Kodokan to ITALY to spread the values and discipline of Judo. Takero Sensei was a direct disciple of Master Sensei, KOTANI, who was a direct disciple of Master Sensei, Dr. Jigoro KANO himself, the founder of Judo. Yoshio Sensei is motivated by the history and traditions of Judo since his pedigree can be traced back to the father of Judo itself. It is because of this lineage, Yoshio Sensei is driven to the mission in America, bestowed upon his grandfather in Italy.

Albert CHEN
Albert CHEN Sensei began his judo journey in 2013 as a white belt at San Jose State University, one of the most respected collegiate judo programs in the country. Since then, he has dedicated himself to training and development, competing in local tournaments and steadily building his experience on the mat.
As an instructor, Sensei CHEN emphasizes more than just the mechanics of throws and holds—he makes sure his students truly understand how and why techniques work, fostering both confidence and adaptability. His teaching approach blends technical precision with patience, helping judoka of all levels grow in both skill and spirit.

Akrura GORDILLO
Akrura GORDILLO Sensei brings a unique balance of technical expertise and martial arts mastery to the mat. Trained as an engineer, he applies the same precision and problem-solving mindset to grappling, where he is a 2nd Degree Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Claudio Franca with 17 years of training experience. An avid competitor in the local tournament scene, Sensei Akrura GORDILLO has earned gold medals at the All Star, American Cup, and US Open across multiple belt levels. His dedication to both learning and teaching shines through as he shares his love of the sport and helps students build confidence on the mats.