(Colorado Springs, CO) – In an effort to improve and propel Judo forward as the sport prepares for the LA28 Games and beyond, and with the support of USA Judo’s Board of Directors and the United States Judo Federation’s Executive Committee, both organizations have agreed to move forward with meaningful discussion on reactivating the former relationship between USA Judo and the USJF.

The announcement follows a meeting between the two organizations in Irving, Texas, that included, USA Judo CEO Corinne Shigemoto, USA Judo President Dr. Ronald Tripp, USJF Executive Director Robert Fukuda and USJF President Mitchell Palacio.

“The immediate goal after our initial meetings this weekend will be to have both organizations review, discuss, and coordinate with our Boards common ground areas of mutual participation that best serve Judo in our nation,” said Shigemoto.

One of the key targets is to reactivate the reciprocal membership for events, which allows members to compete in events of either organization.

“Our deadline is to obtain the approvals by the end of the year in order to get 2026 off to a wonderful and fresh start,” added Fukuda. “This will help kickstart the renewing and strengthening of our relationships for the betterment of Judo in our country.”

Further details on this agreement and the benefits for both organizations’ memberships will be announced as they become available.

ABOUT USA JUDO
A 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization based in Colorado Springs, USA Judo is the National Governing Body for the sport of judo in the United States. USA Judo serves more than 13,000 members annually, including athletes, coaches, referees, volunteers and supporters. A proud member organization of the International Judo Federation, the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee and the International Blind Sports Association, USA Judo’s mission is to enable all U.S. athletes to achieve sustained competitive excellence in domestic and international judo competition, and the promotion and growth of the sport of judo in the United States.
To learn more about USA Judo, visit usajudo.com. For updates on everything USA Judo, follow USA Judo’s social media on Instagram, Facebook, X, YouTube and LinkedIn.

ABOUT US JUDO FEDERATION
The United States Judo Federation is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit corporation dedicated to promoting judo in the United States. Its national office is in Ontario, Oregon.
To learn more about the US Judo Federation, visit usjf.com. Follow USJF’s social media on Instagram, Facebook, X, YouTube and TikTok.