Mission
We teach judo.
Our mission is to serve the community by offering structured training programs rooted in the principles of judo, aimed at promoting personal development. Additionally, we seek to establish a pathway for advancement into elite-level judo programs.
What is judo?
Judo is an Olympic sport based on a combat discipline originating from Japan. Its techniques predominantly involve takedowns initiated from a standing position, followed by ground techniques, including hold-downs, chokes, and armlocks. The principal goal of judo education is to cultivate individuals of strong moral character, following the ethical principles set by judo’s founder, Professor Jigoro Kano, and now advanced globally by the International Judo Federation (IJF). A secondary objective is to instill a strong work ethic in students through rigorous training, enabling active participation in judo as a sport.
Who is teaching here?
Quang (Arik) Dao, Ph.D., Judo Head Instructor
Dr. Arik Dao is the director of the Kōgi Dōjō judo program, with over 15 years of experience teaching both recreational and competitive judo to teens and seniors. A 4th-degree black belt, Dr. Dao is certified by the International Judo Federation (IJF) as a judo instructor and also holds accreditation as a national coach and referee from USA Judo.
In his professional career, Dr. Dao earned a Ph.D. in Industrial Engineering from Purdue University. He currently leads a research lab at NASA’s Ames Research Center, where he mentors undergraduate and graduate students, guiding them toward their academic and career goals.
Professor Amador Torralba, M.A., BJJ Head Instructor
Holding an 8th Degree Black Belt in Kajukenbo, 2nd Degree Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Black Sash in Wushu Kung Fu, and Brown Belt in Judo, Professor Torralba embodies the fusion of effectiveness and artistry across stand-up, self-defense, and ground-based combat. In addition to leading the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu program, he actively contributes to the Judo program, providing specialized instruction in ground techniques (newaza) and submission transitions that enhance students’ overall grappling proficiency.
Beyond the dojo, Professor Torralba holds degrees in Business Administration and Marketing and serves the County of Santa Clara as a Communications Officer and Program Manager, where his leadership, organization, and communication skills continue to impact the broader community.
Grandmaster Gene Garcia, Kajukenbo Head Instructor and Head of Academy
Grandmaster Gene Garcia is a distinguished martial artist and respected leader in the Kajukenbo community, with more than five decades of experience dedicated to training, teaching, and preserving the art’s rich heritage. As Head Kajukenbo Instructor, he embodies the hybrid system’s original philosophy—combining the effectiveness of Karate, Judo, Jiu-Jitsu, Kenpo, and Boxing into a complete self-defense discipline.
Holding a 9th Degree Black Belt (Red Belt with Silver Trim) in Kajukenbo, Grandmaster Garcia represents one of the highest levels of mastery within the system. In addition to his Kajukenbo expertise, Grandmaster Garcia continues to expand his knowledge through Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, where he currently holds the rank of Blue Belt.
We are committed to the psychological and physical safety of everyone in the community. All program instructors have cleared background checks as well as the following updated certifications:
- First Aid CPR/AED for child and adult
- Center for Disease Control (CDC) Concussion response raining
- Safesport for prevention of physical and emotional harm to students