
Earnest Elam
1st Degree Black Belt
Earnest has been part of Kokushi Midwest Judo since its founding in 2017 and has nearly a decade of training experience. He has competed locally in both kata and shiai, bringing dedication and spirit to every match. A true fountain of knowledge—not only in judo but in sports like bowling, softball, football, and weightlifting—Earnest is always eager to share what he knows. On the mat, he’s especially known for his expertise in hip throws and ukemi (falling), making him both a skilled judoka and a reliable training partner.