The Instructors of Arlington Judo

Michael Landstreet - Sensei, 5th Degree Black Belt (Godan), Head Instructor. Mr. Landstreet has been involved in Judo for approximately 40 years. His certifications include being an International Coach, National Referee, and Master Teacher. He is the current President of Virginia Judo Inc., and is also actively involved with Shufu Judo Yudanshakai serving as its Treasurer and as a member of the Board of Examiners.  In 2005 he was the Tournament Director for the USA Judo Senior National Championships. With the assistance of helpful members of the AJC he continues to teach, coach, referee, run selected State and Regional level tournaments, and strive to make improvements within the dojo.  

John Morrisson - Sensei, 6th Degree Black Belt (Rokudan), Technical Advisor. Mr. Morrisson is a retired executive and has been involved in Judo for approximately 50 years. He studied Judo under the late Professor Ishikawa, Kodokan 9th Dan and Mr. Yunesuka, Kodokan 9th Dan. Mr. Morrisson is a certified National Referee and Master Teacher. He has been actively involved in Shufu Yudanshakai for many years on the Executive Board and is currently serving as President. Additionally he is a member of the Shufu Board of Examiners. He also is the Promotion Board Chairman for Virginia Judo Inc. Since joining the AJC he has contributed an enormous amount of his time and expertise to the students and staff.     

Robert Winston - Sensei, 5th Dan Degree Black Belt (Godan), Instructor. Col. Winston recently retired from the United States Air Force after an outstanding 30 year career in the military. The AJC thanks him for dedication and service to his country. He has been involved in Judo for over 40 years and is a former national competitor, current Regional Referee, and Master Teacher. Most of his training came from Mr. Song, 6th Dan, while he was residing in Georgia. As an instructor, Col. Winston enjoys sharing his knowledge, experience and genuine enthusiasm for Judo with others. Naturally both of his sons are active competitors in Judo. His wife, Kim, also assists the club behind the scenes from time to time.          

Sharon Landstreet - Sensei, 3rd Degree Black Belt (Sandan), Instructor. Ms. Landstreet has been involved in Judo for approximately 20 years. She initially learned Judo from her parents at the Tri Valley Judo Club in Pennsylvania. Presently she is a certified IJF Continental Referee, Continental Coach, and an Associate Teacher. As a competitor she was the 2002 USJI National Masters Champion in her division. She has been active in Virginia Judo Inc. serving as past State Secretary and also assisted in planning the 2005 USA Judo Senior National Championships. Ms. Landstreet is involved in all aspects of the AJC.  

Gaiv Tata - Sensei, 3rd Degree Black Belt (Sandan), Instructor. Mr. Tata came to the AJC with an impressive background and has approximately 25 years in Judo from India where he was both a former national competitor and National Referee. Currently he is a certified Instructor and National Coach and is a role model and an example of what a yudansha should be. His teaching methods are quite professional and well thought out so students are able to easily grasp the lesson. As a result students find learning both enjoyable and worthwhile. 

Tad Wilson - Ist Degree Black Belt (Shodan), Instructor. Mr. Wilson came to AJC with genuine enthusiasm for Judo. Presently he maintains the tournament records for the region, serves as the Virginia Judo Inc. State Secretary and is also a certified Regional Referee. In addition, Mr. Willson serves as a committee member with Shufu Yudanshakai. As a true judoka he assists others with instruction and offers input. Mr. Wilson and his wife Elaine enjoy practicing kata together and compete in kata regularly. His son and daughter are also active in Judo.  

Tim Davidson, 1st Degree Black Belt (Shodan), Instructor. Tim has been a valued member of the Arlington Judo Club for approximately 9 years. Since coming to the AJC he has been an excellent student as well as a good role model for the younger judoka. Over the years he has greatly improved his skills and evolved into an outstanding competitor. Tim often medals at most State, Regional and National tournaments in divisions that offer high quality competition. In December 2009 he competed in Barbados as a member of the AJC. After graduation Tim plans to attend college while continuing his growth in Judo.   

Joseph Perez - Brown Belt (Nikyu), Assistant Instructor.  Mr. Perez is a high quality assistant instructor who has the maturity, knowledge and technique that exceeds his current Brown Belt rank. As a certified State Coach, he eagerly assists other members with improving their technique and answering questions. In addition, he stays involved in all AJC activities and is indeed a valued member of the AJC.   

NOTE: The title "Sensei" is traditionally only given to those who are Sandan, 3rd Degree Black Belt and above.  

Distinguished Guest Sensei Who Have Visited the AJC from 1996 to present

James Takemori - 9th Degree Black Belt (Kudan)
James Bregman - 9th Degree Black Belt (Kudan)
Tsuyoshi Miyazaki - 8th Degree Black Belt (Hachidan)
Fran Vall - 6th Degree Black Belt (Rokudan)
Neil Ohlencamp - 6th Degree Black Belt(Rokudan)
Elaine Meyer - 5th Degree Black Belt (Godan)
Robin Takemori - 5th Degree Black Belt (Godan)
Karen Whilden - 5th Degree Black Belt (Godan)

Sensei's Book List

Kodokan Judo by Jigoro Kano

This book was actually written by the founder. It covers traditional Judo basics, the history, standard techniques, a limited amount of kata as well as other aspects of Kodokan Judo. This book is a standard that all serious judoka, whether beginner or a black belt should have in their personal Judo library. In my opinion it is the first book a judoka should own.

Judo Training Methods by Takahiko Ishikawa and Donn Draeger

This book is written by two of the most respected and revered men ever to put on a judogi. Both of them will always be remembered as true experts in all areas of Judo. Takahiko Ishikawa and Donn Draeger set high standards for others to follow. Even though this book has been in print for a long time, most of the training material in it is timeless and worth reading.

Judo Formal Techniques -  A Complete Guide to Kodokan Randori No Kata by Tadao Otaki and Donn F. Draeger

This book gives a very detailed explanation on kata and is a great reference. It is a "must have" book for those who are either studying or refining nage no kata and katame no kata. 

Judo Heart & Soul by Hayward Nishioka

All competitors and serious judoka should read this book. It gives great advice on both physical and mental training for competition. All areas including preparation, effort level, randori, workouts, the ultimate throw, sleep, carbo loading, as well as other topics are discussed.

The Ultimate Man's Survival Guide by Frank Miniter

This book is not a "Judo book" but gives rock solid advice to men on life sustaining skills. It covers reality as well as guidance, and is an antidote to the embarressing feminization of American boys and men. As a father, if you want your sons to grow up to be self-reliant, self-assured and responsible then get this book. It is a guidepost for Dads who want their sons to be gregarious, polite and confident American men. 

Copyright 2011- Arlington Judo Club