John Powell Passes - Another Ohio Judo Pioneer Lost

John Powell Passes 

Another Judo Pioneer of Ohio Passes

John Powell, an early pioneer and long time contributor to Judo in Ohio, especially in the Dayton area, passed on Thursday, November 27, 2025.  He had a long and very successful career as a Judoka, sensei, coach and organizer. 

John, with several other Judoka, started the Kittyhawk Judo Club at Wright-Patterson AFB in April 1966 and served as its Chief Instructor until he was deployed to Vietnam.  Upon his return to the Dayton area, he expanded judo training oportunities by establishing the John Powell Judo Club in Huber Heights.  This expanded into the John Powell Sports Center and finally the Epizoundes Martial Arts of Huber Heights.