September 2004 Development Newsletter Online
Development Committee 2004-09-15
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USJF Development NewsletterSeptember 2004 |
Table of Contents
USJF 2003- 2004 Award Recipients
USJF Jeremy Glick Memorial Spirit of Judo Award
Junior Judoka Development
Top 10 Teams from 2003 Jr. Nationals
Special Awards From the Jr. Nationals 2004
Thank You PJU From Karen Whilden
George C. Balch Scholarship - Letter From Michael Oshima
Senior Judoka Development
Kata Development
Instructor Development
Referee Development
The USJF Tamo Kitaura Referee Development Committee presents Grants to Dean Markovics and Mark Yamanaka
USJF
Newsletter Staff
Copyright Information
USJF Development Newsletter
Copies of most articles found in this newsletter can also be found at USJF homepage; http://www.usjf.com/.
USJF 2003- 2004 Award Recipients
Referee of the Year, Don Flagg
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Don began his Judo study in 1965 at Illinois State University. Sensei Tak Mizuta of the Chicago Black Belt Association would visit campus periodically to advise us and provide clinics. He then moved to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1969, practiced at Sabaku Dojo and joined Nanka Yudanshakai. Don practiced there until 1976 then moved to Michigan and entered graduate school at Michigan State University. There, he joined the MSU Judo Club under the direction of Mr. Jay Kim.
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Mr. Kim provided club members the opportunity to study during the summer of 1978 at the Korean Yudo College, in Seoul. He further encouraged me to become a referee. He, and many others, including George Balch provided help and guidance, as has long-time kata partner and IJF B referee, Tom Sheehan. Don has been active in the state judo associations; both Judo Affiliates of Michigan (USJI), a founding member and officer, and, Konan Yudanshakai (USJF). Additionally, Don has been the Judo instructor at Lansing Community College for the past 18 years. Don's refereeing experiences have included, among others: |
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International Senior Male Athlete of the Year, Jimmy Pedro
 Photo credit: Lou DiGesare/Real Judo Magazine |
Rank: Godan (5th Degree Black Belt) Weight Class: 73kg (161lbs) Club: New York Athletic Club 4x Olympian (1992, 1996, 2000, & 2004) 6x US National Champ ('89,'91,'93,'94,'99&'03) 2x Olympic medallist |
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GOLD SILVER BRONZE |
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International Senior Female Athlete of the Year, Sayaka Matsumoto
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Weight Category: 48kg Club: NYAC/East Bay Judo Institute Years in Judo: 16 years Rank:Sandan (third degree black belt) |
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GOLD SILVER |
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National Senior Male Athlete of the Year, Aaron Cohen
 Photo credit: Lou DiGesare/Real Judo Magazine |
Rank: Sandan (3rd Degree Black Belt) Weight Class: 81kg (178lbs) Club: New York Athletic Club 2003 World Team Member 2000 Jr. World Team Member |
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GOLD SILVER BRONZE |
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National Senior Female Athlete of the Year, Elizabeth Burns
International Youth Female Athlete of the Year, Elizabeth Burn
 Photo credit: Lou DiGesare/Real Judo Magazine |
Rank: Nidan (Second Degree Black Belt) Weight Class: 52kg (114lbs) Club: Jason Morris Judo Club 2002 Jr. World Team Member 2004 Olympic Team Alternate |
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GOLD SILVER BRONZE |
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International Youth Male Athlete of the Year, Taraje Williams-Murray
 Photo credit: Lou DiGesare/Real Judo Magazine |
Rank: Shodan (1st Degree Black Belt) Weight Class: 60kg (132lbs) Club: Jamie Towers Judo Club 2002 Jr. World Team Member 2004 Olympian
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GOLD BRONZE |
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National Youth Male Athlete of the Year, Nicholas Delpopolo
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Born: 9/28/81 Rank: Nikyu (2nd Degree Brown Belt) Club: Cranford Judo Club
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GOLD SILVER BRONZE |
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National Youth Female Athlete of the Year, Rhonda Rousey
 Photo credit: Lou DiGesare/Real Judo Magazine |
Rank: Shodan (1st Degree Black Belt) Weight Class: 63kg (139lbs) Club: Pedro's Judo/Venice Judo 2004 Olympian |
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GOLD SILVER |
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International Senior Male Athlete Coach of the Year, Jim Pedro
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Rokkyudan (6th degree black) Head Instructor Massasoit Judo Club (1972-1995) Instructor Pedro's Judo (1996-current) Black Belt Hall of Fame (1978 or 1979) 1993 US World Team Coach 1993 Pac Rim Coach |
| Current students include Jimmy Pedro, Alex Ottiano, Adler
Volmar, Mike Pedro Past students include Manny Costa, Amy Kublin, Lynne Lewis, Mitch Lewis, Pam Adams, Barbara Fest |
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International Senior Female Athlete Coach of the Year, Dr. David Matsumoto
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David Matsumoto is the head instructor of the East Bay Judo
Institute in El Cerrito, CA. Currently, EBJI has over 100 members and is
open 6 days a week. In 2003, students from East Bay won 32 medals in Senior
and Junior National and International Competitons. This includes 18 National
or Inaternational Championships at the Junior, High School and Senior levels.
His daugher, Sayaka Matsumoto was a member of the USA Judo World and Pan
American Games Team and recently won her 5th consecutive Senior National
Championship. |
| In addition to being the USJF Coach of the Year, Matsumoto was also recognized as the 2003 United States Olympic Committee's Coach of the Year. Professionally, Matsumoto is a professor of Psychology at San Francisco State University. In addition to being head instructor at EBJI, Matsumoto is the Director of Development for the USJF and is only 1 of 2 people recognized as an Official Researcher for the International Judo Federation. He is an International A-level referee. Other accomplishments in 2003 include Co-author of a book describing 50 years of organized Judo in the US, International advisor to the Tokyo School of Judo Therapy, co-author of the 3rd International Judo Federation World Judo Conference and Judo Symposium (Osaka, Japan), and director of the 2nd US Judo Federation Conference (San Francisco). | |
International Youth Male Athlete Coach of the Year, Ralph Reyes
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The Jamie Towers Judo Club was founded over thirty years ago. Ralph Reyes
is the Club founder and today is still the force behind the young people
that he motivates and trains in the sport of Judo.
Since its inception Jamie Towers Judo has produced quite a few Junior and Senior National Champions in the sport of Judo. The concept of the Club, when it was first founded, was to offer the sport of Judo to those kids from The Bronx who had too much time on their hand and were not involved in any kind of recreation. |
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It has been a long haul, but today we can proudly say that in addition to Champions we were able to produce Lawyers, CPA's, Social Worker, Policemen, and even a financial advisor. We are also proud that many of the students went on to higher education, one of the main goals for this Club in the Bronx. Ralph Reyes has had the pleasure of attending the weddings of many of his students, and also the Baptisms of their children as they arrive in the world. All this from a non-profit organization.
We believe that we produce Champions because of the motivation the kids put into the sport. Without this motivation and parental support, the Club would be a revolving door.
Edward Liddie Jr., a youth was a member of the Jamie Towers Judo Club. Today we have Taraje Williams-Murray as a young man who has reached ahigh pinnacle in the sport. The credit belongs to the athlete who really works hard, and strives to reach his goal. |
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International Youth Female Athlete Coach of the Year, Jason Morris and Teri Takemori
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Jason Morris and Teri Takemori are coaches at the Jason Morris Judo Club |
| Club Athletes Accomplishments 1 Olympian |
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Kata Competitor of the Year, Mark Pasquinelly and Al Panackia
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Mark Judo Rank:Yon Dan Mark's Judo Club Name and Location: University of Toledo and Maumee Judo
Club Coach: Anthony Owed (deceased), Frances Glaze, Marks' Years in Judo: 26 |
| MARK AND AL'S KATA COMPETITIONS Bushido Kia Classic (Rochester N.Y.) 2003
Fukudo Invitational 2003 Pan American Games (Venezuela) 2004 |
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Mark and I would like to dedicate this award to our Sensei (coach, teacher, mentor and friend) Tony Owed. He left us much too soon (Jan 2004). He taught, tested, and pushed us. He helped us learn abut Judo, ourselves and what we are capable of doing (if we practice and train). Sincerely Al Panackia
Al Panackia and myself would like to say thank you to the USJF organization. It is a great honor being chosen again as Kata Players of the Year. We would like to thank the Kata Development Committee for choosing us and the Deveopment Committee for approving this Award. We thank you for your continuing support of us and all judoka through the development programs. We appreciate your efforts to bring Kata in the forefront of Judo, not only for competetive reasons, but for the growth and continued study of the principles of judo. Sincerely Mark Pasquinelly
USJF Jeremy Glick Memorial Spirit of Judo Award
The USJF Jeremy Glick Memorial Spirit of Judo Award Committee is very proud to award Mr. Robert C. Brink as the third recipient of this award. The first recipient of this award was Mr. Nagayasu Ogasawara and the second was Ms Keiko Fukuda.
The award is named in honor of Jeremy Glick who tragically gave his life in the plane crash on 9/11. Many people were in awe of Jeremy Glick's calm composure and chivalrous demeanor before his final moments of life. Especially impressive was his last conversation with his wife and how considerate of her he was.
This award is based on the spirit of Judo, courage, compassion and character.
We are honored to have you as recipient of this award for your many years of
leadership, development of people, development of Judo, and your courageous
dedication in insuring the continued success of the USJF. You truly epitomize
the spirit of this award.
Junior Judoka Development
Top 10 Teams from 2003 Jr. Nationals
This is top ten USJF club points for 2003 Jr Nationals in Florida last year:
| 1st Place, 50 points Hawaii Tenri Judo Dojo Hawaii 2nd Place, 40 Budokan Judo Club Florida 3rd Place, 36 Northglenn Judo Club Intermountain 4th Place, 30 Shobukan Judo Club 50th State 5th Place, 26 East Bay Judo Institute Daiheigen 6th Place, 19 Sanshi Judo Club Pacific Southwest 7th Place, 17 Waka Mu Sha Judo Club Shufu 8th Place, 16 High Desert Judo Club Nanka 8th Place, 16 Jason Morris Judo Club Shufu 10th Place, 15 Sawtelle Judo Dojo Nanka 10th Place, 15 Starrett Judo Club Hudson |
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Special Awards From the Jr. Nationals 2004
| Award | Judoka | Judo Club | Division |
| Day 1 | |||
| Outstanding Female Competitor | A. Pfeiffer | Kiit su sai, FL | F IA 30 |
| Outstanding Male Competitor | O. Giovonte | Gardena Judo Club, CA | M IA 34 |
| Female Fighting Spirit | K. Louie | Okubo Judo Club, CA | F IA 26 |
| Male Fighting Spirit | M. Royce | Kamehameha Judo, HA | M IA 30 |
| Female Sportsmanship | D. Kamakana |
Kamehameha Judo, HA | F JB 52 |
| Male Sportsmanship | J. Prado | Kiit su sai, FL | M IB 31 |
| Female Best Technique | C. Hobson | Antelope Valley, CA | F JB 058 |
| Male Best Technique | M. Fujiuchi | Hodokan Judo Club, HI | M JB 060 |
| Day 2 | |||
| Outstanding Female Competitor | R. Mishima | Shobukan, HI | F JA 44 |
| Outstanding Male Competitor | G. Moore | High Desert, CA | M JC 60 |
| Female Fighting Spirit | M. Monique | Salt Lake Judo, HI | F JC 57 |
| Male Fighting Spirit | G. St. Leger | Starrett Judo, NY | M JC 73 |
| Female Sportsmanship | G. Egli | Tokai U. Hi | F JC 63 |
| Male Sportsmanship | M. Eldred | WIJI, ID | M JC 73 |
| Female Best Technique | A. Tsuboto | Hodokan Judo Club, HI | F JC 57 |
| Male Best Technique | J. O'Neil | Cohens , WI | M JC 66 |
Thank You PJU From Karen Whilden
I would like to thank the USJF for their support of my competition at the Pan
American Judo Championship in the Venezuela. It was a wonderful opportunity
for my partners, Peggy Whilden and Diane Jackson, and me to compete in the PJU's.
These kinds of trips are expensive. The USJF help in getting us there is much
appreciated.
Thanks again and I hope to be able to represent the USA again next year.
George C. Balch Scholarship - Letter From Michael Oshima
Michael Oshima
This letter is intended to update you on my educational plans and progress since I received the Balch scholarship last year.
I have spent a wonderful year learning Japanese and training. I am currently enrolled in an intensive Japanese class at Tokai University in Hiratsuka, Japan. The Tokai judo hall is less than 100 meters from my dorm, and I practice there 5 nights per week for 2 hours per night.
The level of competition is amazing, with not only the Tokai team but visiting Olympians from all over the world. American judoka make frequent visits as well. I have had the honor and privilege of being thrown all over the mat by some of the best in the world. I also work out on some Saturdays in Yokohama, about an hour's train ride from here.
I plan on returning from Japan in time to start my freshman year at Harvard
in September. I will miss many competitions in the U.S., but may be able to
compete in the tournaments in late July and August.
Senior Judoka Development
Kata Development
Fukuda Scholarship Award
Grace Jividen (middle) receiving the Fukuda Scholarship award from Fukuda Sensei (left) and Shepherd Sensei (right). USJF member and international competitor, Grace Jividen, has been selected as the 2004 Fukuda Scholarship Award recipient. Grace has an out standing record of Achievement in Judo include 43 medals in international competition and 15 medals at the Senior Nationals. Grace lives in Colorado and trains at the United States Olympic Training Center. Ms. Jividen expressed her appreciation for this award which will be used to help support her training schedule. We all wish her good luck !!
To USJF and Fukuda Committee
From Grace Jividen
I am honored to received Prof. Keiko Fukuda Scholarship. I am deeply appreciative of your kind support, this went far beyond what I'd hoped for; especially for the 2004 Olympic Trials. This award definitely entitled for the hard work over 21 years of National and International competition from 1978-2004
Instructor Development
Referee Development
The USJF Tamo Kitaura Referee Development Committee presents Grants to Dean Markovics and Mark Yamanaka
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Dean Markovics |
Mark Yamanaka |
Tamo Kitaura Sensei has devoted over 50 years to the sport of Judo as a competitor, instructor, coach, manager and referee. Throughout his distinguished career, Kitaura Sensei has been instrumental in developing and mentoring students and has been an active contributor to numerous organizations which support such activities, including the Central Coast Judo Association and the United States Judo Federation. In honor of Kitaura Sensei's lifelong dedication to and distinguished service in support of Judo throughout the United States, the Central Coast Judo Association and the United States Judo Federation has established the USJF Tamo Kitaura Referee Grant.
The Grant has been established to provide financial assistance in support of the development and growth of USJF referees. The Grant is specifically aimed at USJF referees who have exhibited a degree of technical proficiency, and have been identified as candidates for further testing and certification through the PJU-C. The proceeds from the Grant go towards defraying the costs of travel and other expenses associated with a referee's attendance at the PJU-C testing site. This Grant has also been established as a tool to encourage, support and increase new referee participation.
Congratulations on the excellent job at the PJU-C test sight. We understand
you had a very high score among the candidates testing. We wish you continued
success in your refereeing career.
Dean Markovics Bio
Started Judo in 1987 at Slippery Rock University, coached by Tom Lambert.
Chair of USJF Coaching Committee Marketing Director for USJF Judo Magazine
Coordinates curriculum, instruction, and operations of South Hills Judo Club
in Pittsburgh, PA.
MS Degree in Exercise Physiology; BS degrees in Health, Physical Education,
and Athletic Training; Post Baccalaureate Coursework in Statistics and Chemistry.
Currently employed as a statistical analyst.
Married to 1996 Olympian and 2004 Olympic Coach Dr. Marisa Pedulla. Father
of two children; Leanna age 4 and Kyle age 2 (you may have seen them at tournaments).
When selected to test for PJU C I was nervous but elated to have the opportunity.
I was happy and relieved when I passed the referee certification test at the
Rendez-Vous tournament in Montreal, Canada, October 2003. I would like to thank
all the referees who have
influenced the course I have taken.
Mark Yamanaka Bio
Mark Yamanaka began Judo at 4 yo, taught by his father.
At 8 years old he was enrolled at the Venice Judo Boys club in Los Angeles.
He then joined the San-Shi Judo club 9 yrs ago and currently instruct at the San-Shi club.
I have had the opportunity to work with Sensei's Ernie Matsubara, Dr. Jake Flores, and Francisco Ramirez among others.
I was surprised, and pleased to be chosen to test in Montreal at the Rendevouz Canada in October of 2003. It was a very pleasant experience (my first in Montreal). My examiner was Sensei Joon Chi who was very instructive, supportive, and encouraging. He is a wonderful mentor. The other Referees from the United States (Ms. Shimizu, Ms Johnson, and Mr. Markovics) were wonderful, joyful individuals who made this experience very special.
USJF
USJF VISION
Judo in every American community and school
USJF MISSION/PURPOSE
To serve and support its members in the American judo community while upholding the principles of mutual welfare and benefit
USJF STRATEGY
Create and maintain a customer service orientation Cultivate leadership at all levels of the organization Create a positive image of judo
GUIDING PRINCIPLES
" Open communications " Clarifying before speaking (making sure you understand what the person is saying and where they are coming from)
" Deal with facts (data) (Fact-based decision making) " Cooperation - all working toward the same outcome
" Decision making in the best interest of grass roots judo in the US through yudanshakais and USJF Committees - Mutual welfare and benefit
" Balanced Budget " Collaboration of activities- helping each other out
" Inclusiveness rather than exclusiveness " Integrity - doing what you say you are going to do
USJF GOALS AND SUCCESS MEASURES
Overall Goals Measures of Success Continue USJF membership growth 5% increase per year
Continue with judoka, sensei, and leadership skill proficiency
10% average increase in training Increase overall yudanshakai participation and involvement
100% participation and involvement in USJF activities from all yudanshakai
Develop a USJF brand image 5% of the population in a targeted community differentiates judo from martial arts
Newsletter Staff
We welcome your comments about the USJF Newsletter, suggestions for future editions, or inquiries about USJF. Please write to any of the below newsletter staff.
Editor: Ernie Wakamatsu, etwaka@yahoo.com
USJF, PR Committee Chairperson, Vaughn Imada, vpimada@aol.com
USJF, Development Committee Co-Chairperson, Dr. David Matsumoto, dm@sfsu.edu
Copyright ? 2004, United States Judo Federation
Disclaimer of Liability: This newsletter is provided for informational purposes only, and neither USJF nor any of its employees or members makes any warranty, express or implied, or assumes any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any information disclosed.
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