George C. Balch Scholarship Committee

George C. Balch Scholarship Fund

Balch Sensei had a zest for life, a love for all people and he held the USJF Judo programs in high esteem. His infectious nature made him a positive force with all of his companions—he was just one really likeable man.

To honor George Balch, donations flowed in to the USJF scholarship account in his name, and they continue to this day to provide college scholarships through the George C Balch Scholarship program. This program has become one of the largest scholarship funding sources in USJF. As of 2019, the Fund principal is over $65,000. The principal is never touched and yet over $30,000 in financial awards have been made to date from investment earnings and direct donor contributions to scholarships.

The George C. Balch Scholarship Fund has been established to provide financial assistance to judo students who are high school seniors or graduates pursuing a college degree. The scholarship will be awarded annually to the applicant who has the characteristics which promise a successful academic record and who continues judo study throughout his/her college career. The scholarship will be awarded at the level of up to $1000 per year for a maximum of four (4) years.

Scholarships are awarded on an annual basis. Applications are available for outstanding high school students who are members of USJF. If you are such a student, we encourage you to apply through the USJF National Office.

The 2019 committee report

Balch Fund on Facebook

The George C. Balch Tribute site

Please contact for further information.

Please apply through the USJF National Office (form available here). The application deadline is June 30 of every year, for studies commencing that fall.