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Presidents Address
Mitchell Palacio
To the USJF Community
March 15, 2023
Regarding the Recent Withdrawal by USA Judo from the American Judo Alliance Development and Cooperation Agreement (AJADCA)
Dear Members;
USA Judo recently announced that it was terminating their participation in the above referenced agreement. USJF leadership are disappointed by this turn of events and the refusal of USA Judo to come to the table to discuss how the agreement could have been improved for the benefit of all organizations and the American judo community. In this announcement, we would like to make clear what has happened until this point and our vision for moving forward.
How did we get Here?
In 2018, despite the obvious inequalities that existed in the agreement concerning tournament participation; the recognition of referee, kata, teacher, and coach certifications; and several other areas, the USJF agreed to enter into the agreement in the spirit of cooperation and for the potential betterment and development of judo in the U.S. Years later, however, the effects of the agreement have clearly been detrimental to the USJF in a number of ways, and the USJF has intended to work with USA Judo (and the other participant in the agreement, the USJA) to find a better solution for all parties involved.
With that intent, the USJF formed a negotiation team to engage with USA Judo to work toward a better solution. We contacted USA Judo, who provided us with a list of benefits that have been accrued through the agreement. Upon noting that none of the benefits were received by the USJF, USA Judo took the unprecedented step of abruptly walking away from the discussions and curtailing any future negotiation, despite our attempts to schedule such meetings and despite our request to extend the 14 March 2023 expiration date on a month-by-month basis for up to six months, to which USA Judo initially signaled agreement. Then, while waiting for a response from USA Judo to our multiple meeting requests, USA Judo simply announced their intentions via their website, without the courtesy of informing us. For full transparency, the negotiation team is happy to share the entire communication exchange with any USJF member upon request.
Also important to note is that, in their recent announcement, USA Judo has also withdrawn from the “open tournament agreement” that has been in place since 1988, in which all American judoists could participate in any event sanctioned by any of the three organizations, and which was a monumental step forward for the development of judo and for cooperation among the organizations. We view their one-sided position on this extremely important agreement to close their events as toxic to the growth of judo in the country.
In sum, we view the way in which this process has unfolded, and the positions USA Judo has recently taken, as disrespectful, disingenuous, and against the intent of the original agreement and the spirit of judo. It is a slap in the face of all USJF members.
Moving Forward
Make no mistake, the USJF is poised now more than ever to have a thriving, successful, vibrant organization that grows regularly every year and provides the best judo instruction and participation avenues in the U.S.
To this end, and given USA Judo’s unfortunate position to close their events and to go back three-and-a-half decades, this is the position the USJF now must adopt, effective as of the date of this announcement, 15 March 2023:
- The USJF has signed an agreement with USJA that reinstates and confirms our reciprocal agreement with regard to participation in USJF or USJA sanctioned events. This means that:
- With the exception of rank promotion and examination events, USJF sanctioned events will allow both USJF and USJA members to participate; likewise, USJA sanctioned events will allow both USJF and USJA members to participate.
- NB: Any participation by a non-USJF or non-USJA member in a USJF sanctioned event will void the warranty requirements of our insurance policies and void all coverages for everyone involved. Only people with USJF or USJA membership and certification may participate.
- USJF sanctioned events will recognize only USJF, USJA, and any international (e.g., PJC, IJF) certifications for referee, kata, teacher, and coaches.
- NB: Any participation by an individual without USJF or USJA membership and certification will void liability and accident medical coverages.
- USJF members’ participant accident insurance will notcover any injuries sustained at a non-USJF or non-USJA sanctioned event, nor while participating in any activity at a non-USJF or non-USJA member judo club.
As we move forward, there will undoubtedly be other changes that the USJF will adopt in order to continue to grow judo and to protect all of our members’ interests, in the spirit of the Amateur Sports Act passed by Congress over four decades ago. Throughout, we will be as transparent as possible, and will conduct ourselves with the dignity and honor that the USJF is known for as the oldest and strongest judo organization in the country.
Special Membership Discount for USA Judo Members
Due to the Recent Withdrawal by USA Judo from the American Judo Alliance Development and Cooperation Agreement (AJADCA), as well as the open tournament agreement, USJF events are no longer permitted to accept USA Judo membership for eligibility in USJF events. In order to make an easier transition for participants, USJF is offering USA Judo members the opportunity to become members of USJF at a discounted price for a limited time.
- How much is this membership?
This membership is $35, discounted from the regular price of $70. Renewals on this membership will be at the normal rate
How long is this membership good for?
This is a regular 1 year membership
- How long is this discount available?
This discount is available until July 31, 2023 - My membership with USA Judo has expired, can I still use this discount?
This discount is only available to CURRENT, ACTIVE members of USA Judo. - Can I renew my current USJF membership using this discount?
No, this discount is only available for new memberships. - How do I purchase this membership?
Start a new membership as normal, then select membership type of “USA Judo Member Special” and perform the rest of the registration normally. You will be required to provide your USA Judo Membership ID Number and expiration date.
Special Membership Discount for USA Judo Members
USJF will recognize USA Judo Referee Certifications.
Upon current USJF membership, USJF will recognize USA Judo Referee Certifications.
- Local
- Regional
- National
USJF will recognize USJF will recognize current USA Judo Coach Certification for one year
Upon current USJF membership, USJF will recognize current USA Judo Coach Certification for one year.
- USJF will issue USJF National Coach (ID Badge) status to USA Judo Coaches
- USA Judo coaches must submit proof of current Coach Certification
- Must complete actual USJF Coach Certification by 4/1/24
USJF will recognize Kata Teacher & Judge Certification
Upon current USJF membership, Kata Teacher & Judge Certification
- We accept and recognize kata judge certification from IJF, PJC, & USA Judo
- NO automatic issuing of USJF Kata Judge Certification for certification from any other judo organization (USJA, USA Judo, etc)
USJF will continue with current policy on Dan Ranks
The USJF will continue with current policy on Dan Ranks
- Dan Ranks
- We accept and recognize dan rank from any recognized (by IJF) foreign national federation of judo
- We recognize dan rank issued by USJA and USA Judo
NO automatic issuing of USJF dan rank for dan rank from any other judo organization (USJA, USA Judo, etc)

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