Moving to Japan

[100xobm]

So I'ma be movin' to Japan in the next year or so, to teach english. and to do some ju

I've done research and all, both on judoforum and gaijinpot, and other sites.

Just wondering if anyone has any experience with this and can give me any advice?

[Rock Ape]

Talk to Gezere mate.

[Rivington]

Where in Japan? Depending on where you go, you may need to develop a way to ignore being stared at constantly.

[100xobm]

Where in Japan? Depending on where you go, you may need to develop a way to ignore being stared at constantly.

I'm not sure yet, I'm currently preparing to sit my CELTA exam. It's really early days yet and I'm weighing up between there and vietnam. Looking like japan for the judo side of things.

Also, the programme (JET) can chuck me anywhere they feel, apparently, so I have little control over this at this stage.

[judoka_uk]

Also, the programme (JET) can chuck me anywhere they feel, apparently, so I have little control over this at this stage.

I considered JET scheming it when I found out I had missed out on the University exchange to Tokyo.

I spoke to a couple of people who had been on it and they all rated it highly, although apparently its super competitive so you need to be on point when you apply for it. If you get it, though, its apparently the best programme out there.

If you're keen on Judo and Japan is iffy, have you considered Korea:

http://www.eslstarter.com/south-korea.php

Or if you have balls the size of coconuts and guts as hard as steel, Georgia:

http://www.eslstarter.com/teach-english-in-georgia.php

[Kenseido]

Hey mate,

Hope you go to Japan, I was there as an ALT/JET. Just a heads up, you might not need to go too far as most junior high schools (Chu-Gaku) and above have Judo and Kendo as part of their curriculum, usually after normal lesson times, students would then join their “Bukatsu” (clubs), some play in a band, others art/photography, others play soccer or baseball but then there are the bad ass that decide to do Judo or Kendo, there’s usually a Dojo at most local schools. It’s works out two fold, not only do you learn decent Judo usually for free but it also allows you to introduce yourself to other teachers or students that aren’t exactly “English Friendly” which also forces you to learn Japanese and their culture. I used to cross train often, as much as twice a week while doing another style in Japan. Hope this helps.

[100xobm]

I considered JET scheming it when I found out I had missed out on the University exchange to Tokyo.

I spoke to a couple of people who had been on it and they all rated it highly, although apparently its super competitive so you need to be on point when you apply for it. If you get it, though, its apparently the best programme out there.

If you're keen on Judo and Japan is iffy, have you considered Korea:

http://www.eslstarter.com/south-korea.php

Or if you have balls the size of coconuts and guts as hard as steel, Georgia:

http://www.eslstarter.com/teach-english-in-georgia.php

I have thought about korea. There's some badass korean judoka in NZ.

Georgia would be good. My first thought is Eastern European Wimmen. But judo, also. Maybe I'll do that in my second year, when I'm less of a judo weakling.

[doofaloofa]

Here is an entertaining book on living in Japan and MA's

[Eddie Hardon]

yeah, a great read.

[ChenPengFi]

Here's a fun and educational, non-ma but teaching related read:

Learning to Bow has been heralded as one of the funniest, liveliest, and most insightful books ever written about the clash of cultures between America and Japan.
With warmth and candor, Bruce Feiler recounts the year he spent as a teacher in a small rural town.
Beginning with a ritual outdoor bath and culminating in an all-night trek to the top of Mt. Fuji, Feiler teaches his students about American culture, while they teach him everything from how to properly address an envelope to how to date a Japanese girl