Smithtown Judo Club Sensei John Lucas Dies After Dedicating Over 60 Years For The Martial Arts
Sophia Koch
Published May 15, 2026
Smithtown Judo Club Sensei John Lucas Dies After Dedicating Over 60 Years For The Martial Arts
May he rest in peace!
July 11, 2026
This article was last updated by Rovik Parajuli on July 11, 2026
Sensei John Lucas, who led Smithtown Judo from 1994 until his retirement in early 2026, has passed away, leaving behind an unmatched legacy of dedication, strength, and mentorship.
The martial arts world has lost a legendary figure.
The announcement came from Smithtown Judo itself, the oldest martial arts school on Long Island, which shared the somber news with heartfelt words:
“Smithtown Judo is saddened to announce the passing of Sensei John Lucas. He was a friend, leader, mentor, and incredible warrior. He will be deeply missed by the Judo community!”
Via FacebookJohn Lucas Devoted His Life To Judo
Sensei Lucas dedicated over 60 years to the art of Judo, both as a fierce competitor and a respected instructor.
Under his leadership, Smithtown Judo became a cornerstone of martial arts on Long Island, shaping generations of students and inspiring countless practitioners with his “old school” classical Judo techniques.
In 2019, he was honored with a Rokudan (6th degree black belt), a recognition of his lifelong mastery and contribution to the sport.
He officially retired from active teaching in January 2026, after six decades of service to the dojo.
True to his commitment to tradition and excellence, Sensei Lucas passed the torch to two of his trusted students: Sensei Joe Prizzi and Sensei Jason Brodsky.
Tributes Pour In For The Beloved Sensei
Students, friends, and fellow martial artists have taken to social media and dojo walls to pay tribute to Sensei Lucas.
They remember him as a gifted coach, compassionate mentor, and humble warrior.
One student shared:
“Sensei John Lucas was an amazing Sensei! He had incredible Old School Classical Judo and was such a fantastic competitor and coach. He coached my matches at the Empire State Games, and I had the great privilege of training with him. He is going to be greatly missed on this earth. My heart and prayers go out to his family and friends. The Judo world lost a great Judoka and human being. 🙏💔😥 He was always a Gentleman.”
Another added:
“Friend, Mentor and Warrior. Sensei John Lucas has passed.”
And a longtime fellow instructor remembered their early days together:
“My deepest sympathies to the family, friends, and students of Sensei John Lucas. I first started Judo with John at the Smithtown YMCA in 1998. Later I rented space from him in Kings Park when I opened a second dojo. So sorry to hear of his passing. He was a good man.”
The loss of Sensei Lucas leaves a deep void in the hearts of anyone who knew him.
Rest in peace, Sensei!
- Check other Articles on
Rovik Parajuli
Rovik is the dynamic force behind the scenes, serving as both an author and editor for the publication. With a finger on the pulse of current trends and a firsthand understanding of the sports world from his own participation, Rovik is adept at identifying topics that resonate with readers and drive engagement.
Expertise:
Trendsetting Articles Player Perspective
Highlights
- Rovik excels at identifying emerging trends and topics within the sports world.
- Rovik spearheads the creation of interactive content formats such as polls, quizzes, and challenges.
Experience
Rovik's ability to stay ahead of trends and connect with readers on a personal level has made him an invaluable asset to the publication, driving its success and reputation as a trusted source of sports news and insights.
Related articles
May 15, 2026
May 15, 2026
May 14, 2026
May 14, 2026
Comments
LEAVE A REPLY
Comment: Please enter your comment! Name:* Please enter your name here Email:* You have entered an incorrect email address! Please enter your email address here
Δ
This site uses Akismet to reduce spam.
Share article
- May 15, 2026 Jerry Lee Singleton, a 1974 graduate of DeKalb High School, where he was a standout athlete, has passed away at 70. Singleton was born on...
- May 15, 2026 Residents living along Blackwell Road in Huthwaite are calling for urgent action after a group of children was repeatedly caught kicking front doors and...
- May 14, 2026 Howard Paul Sr., a graduate of Black River High School, tragically passed away. Paul was born on September 15, 1951, to his father, Arthur, and...
- May 14, 2026 A disturbing act of violence at Steven's Park in Allentown has left residents shaken and demanding answers after a witness took to social media...
- May 13, 2026 Residents of Biggleswade, Bedfordshire, are raising serious concerns after a series of violent incidents involving a group of young boys who have been targeting...
