What is the Keiko Fukuda Judo Scholarship?
The Keiko Fukuda Judo Scholarship was established by Professor Fukuda to encourage female judoka to continue their formal education and/or to further their training in Judo. Prior scholarships have ranged from $400.00-$500.00. The amount may fluctuate each year based upon endowment income attributable to this scholarship fund. The scholarship grant may be applied towards expenses incurred for either of the following types of activities:
- Post-secondary education (Scholarship may be used for tuition and books.)
- Judo education (Scholarship may be used toward expenses for studying Judo abroad, attending clinics, attending Shiai, and competing in National Championships.)
Application should be based upon financial need.
Prof. Keiko Fukuda (Founder of the Scholarship)
Who is Eligible?
Both Shiai competitors and Kata competitors are eligible. Scholarships will be awarded to Shiai competitors and Kata competitors in alternate years. For example, the scholarship for the year 2006 will be awarded to a Shiai competitor, and in 2007 it will be awarded to a Kata competitor.
Eligibility Requirements
Any female actively engaged in the practice of Judo as a U.S. Judo Federation member for the last four consecutive years may apply. Applicant must have a minimum rank of Shodan and be at least 16 years of age. Applicants must show evidence of financial need.
Award Criteria
- Outstanding contribution to development of judo (local, yudanshakai, or national)
- Good shiai record (randori or kata)
- Good moral character and social conduct
- Dedicated to judo (regular workout and good attendance)
- Must be USA citizen
- Applicants do not need to be pursuing post-secondary education if they plan to use the scholarship to further their Judo education. However, applicants who plan to use the scholarship for post-secondary educational expenses must document that they are carrying at least a B average.
Recommendations for the scholarship must be made through the candidate’s yudanshakai. It must be signed by the yudanshakai president and submitted to the Keiko Fukuda Judo Scholarship Committee Chairperson.
Note: No applicant can receive a Keiko Fukuda Judo Scholarship more than twice.
The Keiko Fukuda Judo Scholarship Fund was established by the late Professor Fukuda to encourage female judoka to continue their formal education and/or to further their training in Judo. Generally, two scholarships are given every year to female judoka who have excelled in either kata or shiai (in alternating years). Sensei Eiko Shepherd is the Chair of the Keiko Fukuda Scholarship Committee.
How can I support the Scholarship Fund?
You can make a donation of any amount with your annual membership registration. See box #26 on the membership form.
You can contact Executive Director Robert Fukuda at the USJF National Office to make a gift by check at any time.
- U.S. Mail: United State Judo Federation
P.O. Box 338
Ontario, OR 97914 - Telephone: 541-889-8753
- Make checks payable to: United States Judo Federation
- Make a note in the memo field indicating “donation” and “Keiko Fukuda Scholarship”
You can check whether your employer matches charitable gifts, and if so, see whether your gift to USJF can be matched within your company’s guidelines. (This may involve sending some paperwork from your company’s giving program to the National Office, where the staff will be happy to process it.)
Is my donation tax deductible?
The United States Judo Federation is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, and donations are tax deductible to the full extent of the law.
How are the funds managed?
The Keiko Fukuda Scholarship Fund is held as part of the USJF Endowment Funds, which means that your gift will not be spent out, but will generate interest that will help to fund scholarships year after year—making a lasting contribution to women’s judo.