Help Sensei Jack Krystek
2020: the year of COVID!
Our school has been shuttered for more than 7 months now. In 1968 my father, an immigrant from the Netherlands, founded Krystek's School of Self Defense, inc. Sensei Jack and the dojo have been a staple in the New York/USA Judo community for over 52 years. We are one of the oldest dojo’s in America and the oldest dojo in queens, NY in its exact location.
Krysteks was the home to USA Judo legend George Harris for 10+ years while he lived in NY. Before "The Karate Kid", George and some of our students starred in "The Year of the Gentle Tiger" and we supported this TV movie project from Day 1.
video of martial arts world TV show at Krysteks 1988
Trough the years we’ve had olympians and world champions from all over the world come and train and teach at Krystek’s.
When the Judo legend Yamashita came to NY he honored only a few schools with a seminar and we were one of them.Video of Yamashita at Krystek
My father has been selfless with his time, energy and space. When students didn’t have a home, they stayed at the dojo; when they didn’t have money, they trained for free or whatever they could afford.
He retired from competition at the early age of 30 due to a back injury. Focused on teaching, marathon running, a professional boxing match and getting his PHD. Then in his 60’s he decided to come into competition winning the 40-45 year old division at the liberty bell judo tournament at ripe age of 64. He went on to continue to compete winning masters nationals and eventually the gold at the worlds in Montreal.
Video 64 year old Jack submits 20 year old in competition
Some of you may know, my Dad is known for showing up at various dojos and training like he’s still in his 20’s. He truly lives, breathes, and eats the art: he loves Judo.
His retirement plan depends on me running
the dojo. However since the closure, bills have been piling up, and with the needed Covid safety renovations, It It may come down to closing the dojo forever.
For my fathers 81st birthday. I ask if you can to show some generosity and donate to help keep the Krystek legacy alive.
In this challenging time If you can't afford to give in donation, please share this.
Thank you and we both hope to see you on the Mat soon.
Jack J