Albert M. Aoki, 89 years old, of Honolulu, Hawaii, passed away on April 21, 2021. Born in Hilo, Hawaii, to Tamotsu and Mitsuko Aoki. 
A Korean War veteran, Albert graduated from Iowa State University. Upon his return, he worked alongside his father Tamotsu and uncle Moto Aoki at American Savings Loan in Hilo. He ventured in Real-estate, and was a developer of Commercial & Agricultural properties and then became an International Business Consultant in Land development.
The Business of Judo, Part Three
“The Business of Judo” Part Three
On Sunday, May 23rd, at 1 PM – 3 PM (Pacific), Grace Talusan, member of the USJF Executive Committee and owner of Kokushi Midwest Judo in Champaign, Illinois will present the third installment of “The Business of Judo” that focuses on the steps to opening a new judo club or reopening an established club in the post-pandemic era. Continue reading “The Business of Judo, Part Three”
Covid Guidelines (May 2021)
COVID-19 Pandemic 2020-21
(Update May 1, 2021)
Updates added on May 1, 2021, are highlighted in YELLOW.
Thank you very much to Dr. Ricardo Joseph, Dr. Eric Chen, and Dr. Jeffrey Fujimoto of the USJF Medical Committee for their time and expertise in helping to put together this information along with recommendations for our community. This will be helpful for everyone as we all work through the trying & difficult times ahead.
See full text here.
USJF COVID-19 Event Planning Guidelines (May 2021)
The USJF Medical Committee has reviewed the guidelines released by the US Olympic and Paralympic Committee regarding event planning and adapted these recommendations for our members. Please note that the knowledge and circumstances around COVID-19 are changing constantly and, as such, the USJF makes no representation and assumes no responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of this information. Members should seek advice from medical professionals and/or public health officials if there are have specific questions about your return to training and competition.
Judo is considered a high-risk sport for transmission of COVID-19 between competitors. Risk of transmission cannot be completely eliminated even with prevention methods.
Continue reading “USJF COVID-19 Event Planning Guidelines (May 2021)”
USJF Dojo Reopening Guidelines (May 2021)
These guidelines are intended to assist with dojos in re-opening and resuming training. However, due to wide variation in Covid-19 cases around the country we cannot provide a uniform one-size-fits-all recommendation for every dojo.
Continue reading “USJF Dojo Reopening Guidelines (May 2021)”
Nikkei Matsuri
Dear USJF,
We at San Jose Buddhist Judo Club wanted to share this with you all since we are very proud that our instructors and students got together for several months in putting this collaboration between various local organizations and the Nikkei Matsuri organizers.
“The Business of Judo” Part Two
“The Business of Judo” Part Two
On Sunday, April 18th at 1:00pm – 3:00pm (Pacific), I will host the 2nd of a 3-part series on “The Business of Judo”, by our USJF Executive Committee officer, Chicago Yudanshakai President and the Head Sensei of Kokushi Midwest Judo in Champaign, Illinois, Grace Talusan.
President’s April Message
“USJF Dojo: Re-start of Judo”
On Sunday, April 11, at 1:00pm – 2:30pm (Pacific), I will host “USJF Dojo: Re-start of Judo” zoom meeting. I will share the USJF strategic plan to help the dojo sensei’s re-start teaching Judo. The focus will be on providing resources and guidance to existing and new dojos in giving their members a positive experience during this re-start of Judo.
Announcing Mental Health Series with “Understanding Depression and What You Can Do”
Mental Health Series – “Understanding Depression and What You Can Do”
On April 17, 2021 at 1:30 pm to 2:30 pm (Eastern) The USJF will begin our Mental Health Series, “Understanding Depression and What You Can Do.” Our presenter, Cory Cuomo is a graduate of the Rutgers University, Graduate School of Social Work. He is licensed by the State of New Jersey as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and has been working in the field of mental health since 1995.
Background Screening – Paperless
We are eliminating our paper form for background screening effective immediately. The application form has been removed from our website. Please do not submit any more background screening applications using the paper form. If you are in need of a background screening, please wait until April 8 2021. The new link to the vendor’s website will be available on our website to submit & pay for your background screening online on April 8, 2021.
If we receive any paper applications after Friday, April 2, 2021, we will no longer have the ability to process them. We will contact the applicant to determine your preference for either return via USPS mail or to have us shred your paper application and payment.
Our vendor will continue to be National Center For Safety Initiatives (NCSI). Moving forward, we will be utilizing our NCSI’s website. Members needing screening will apply and pay for it directly at the vendor’s website. The direct hyperlink will be placed on our website on April 8, 2021. Results will be provided directly to USJF.
The background screen has not changed, just that the processing is moving online.
Important Points
- Screening is SafeSport and USOPC compliant (will continue to be accepted by USJA and/or USA Judo)
- More comprehensive background screening
- Screening is completed annually
- Fee remains $30 for the two (2) years
- Includes two (2) annual background screens/checks over two (2) years
- 1st background screen – upon application for the 1st year
- 2nd background screen – upon anniversary for the 2nd year
- 2nd background screen is done AUTOMATICALLY at end of 1st year (NO ACTION BY APPLICANT NECESSARY)
These statements are based on the assumption that your background screens return clear and free of any disqualifiers.
For those who have recently obtained the new standard 2-year screening, it will continue to be valid and function without change.
If you have any questions or concerns, . Thank you very much for your continued service to judo and USJF