© 2025, Arjun Ramesh, all rights reserved
Steve Viera
“The USJF Lifetime Achievement Award (“LAA”) recognizes the local heroes of Judo, those who have worked behind the scenes for Judo but without whom Judo would be a pale shadow of what it should be.”
Intermountain Yudanshakai nominates Sensei Steven "Steve" Viera for the prestigious LAA in recognition of his decades of unwavering commitment to Judo and his significant contributions to the judo community in Boise, Idaho, and beyond. Through his coaching, leadership, and commitment to fostering community, he has played a critical role in shaping the local and regional judo landscape over the past 50 years. Steve embodies the spirit of this award, and his influence extends far beyond his role as a sensei and mentor.
Background and Personal Life
Steve was born in 1955 in Fall River, Massachusetts, a city known for its strong working-class roots. Growing up in such a tough and challenging environment, he quickly learned to navigate adversity. Due to his Portuguese heritage, he often found it necessary to avoid certain areas to steer clear of potential confrontations. One of his early jobs involved polishing shoes for 15 cents on Saturday and Sunday nights. His upbringing shaped his character and instilled in him a strong work ethic, determination and perseverance. Steve frequently reflects on how "judo saved his life," unaware at the time how judo would profoundly influence his life over the next five decades.
In 1975, at the age of 19, Steve married Sharon, and together they raised two children, Joshua and Danielle. They are now proud grandparents of three grandsons: Aiden, Rylen, and Brycen.
A lifelong commitment to service is a cornerstone of Steve’s character. In 1974, he enlisted in the United States Air Force, where he cultivated the values of discipline, respect, and leadership—principles that have shaped his approach to family, judo and community involvement.
From L to R
2017 USA Judo SR Nationals, Salt Lake City, Utah
Eric Stunz, Rocky Lima, Tim Wilson, Steve Viera, Tracy Basterrechea, Rome Acopan Jr.
© 2025, Rome Acopan Jr., all rights reserved
Judo Career and Leadership
Steve’s journey in judo spans more than five decades, beginning in 1968 when he started his training under Senseis Alan Thompson and Wayne Dickenson at the Fall River YMCA in Massachusetts. Over the years, he achieved notable milestones in his judo career, earning his Shodan (1st degree black belt) in 1981 and his Godan (5th degree black belt) in 2022.
In 1974, after being stationed at Mountain Home Air Force Base in Idaho, Steve continued his training under Sensei Glen Compton at the Capitol Judo Club in Boise, Idaho. Following that, he was one of the founders of Treasure Valley Judo Club in 1994, alongside Senseis Rocky Lima, Carlos Castillo, and Keoni Lima.
Through his leadership and unwavering commitment to judo, Steve played a key role in establishing a strong and thriving judo community in the region.
Steve has been a dedicated and esteemed member of the Intermountain Yudanshakai for over 50 years, contributing in numerous capacities, including coach, referee, director, and promotion examiner. Always willing to lend a helping hand, Steve’s selflessness has been a cornerstone of his service. In addition, he is a highly accomplished competitor. Beyond his success at local and regional tournaments, Steve has consistently excelled in the Masters/Veterans Division at the USA Judo Senior Nationals since 2001, earning numerous accolades: silver in Miami (2001), silver in San Diego (2008), bronze in Texas (2012), bronze in Reno (2014), and two gold medals in Salt Lake City (2017). Despite his fierce competitiveness on the mat,
Steve is widely respected for his graciousness, ensuring that his friendships extend far beyond the competitive arena.
Steve’s tokui-waza are hanegoshi and osotogari.
IMAI Judo class
© 2025, Rome Acopan Jr., all rights reserved
Community and Mentorship
His leadership is grounded in the belief that “Judo is family”. Also, the values of respect and humility are evident in every aspect of Steve’s work. He does not merely speak of these values, he lives by them. Steve consistently encourages everyone he encounters to pursue personal growth and improvement, creating an environment where judoka of all levels – whether beginners or advanced – feel supported and empowered to reach their full potential.
One of Sensei Steve’s most remarkable contributions to judo has been his ability to bring people together and get them to focus on the good they can do for others. The concept of community is fundamental in Judo. He believes that judo serves as a space where individuals of all backgrounds, ages, and abilities can come together to learn, grow, and flourish, all while adhering to Kano’s principle of mutual welfare and benefit.
The impact of Sensei Steve’s mentorship extends far beyond the dojo, with his students emulating his example. Notable individuals include Rome Acopan Jr. and Salvador Cruz, who currently serve in key national leadership roles within the USJF as Treasurer and Endowment Fund Trustee, respectively. Many of his students have found success not only in judo but also in their personal and professional lives. For instance, Tracy Basterrechea, one of his students, serves as the Chief of Police in Meridian, Idaho. These individuals represent just a small fraction of the far-reaching influence Steve has had as both a teacher and mentor. Above all, however, he places greater value on the character of his students, believing that being a good person is far more important than being an exceptional judo athlete.
A Life Beyond Judo
Steve Viera with his grandsons, Aiden and Rylen
© 2025, Rome Acopan Jr., all rights reserved
Beyond his contributions to judo, Sensei Steve worked at the United States Postal Service for 36 years, retiring in 2018. His commitment to his community extends well beyond the dojo. For over three decades, he has been an active blood donor, contributing more than 16 gallons of blood. His rare CMV-negative type O-negative blood, which is found in less than 2% of the global population, has been primarily used to save the lives of newborns and premature babies.
Outside of his professional and judo endeavors, Steve finds great joy in being a grandfather. He takes pride in his role as "Papi" to his three grandsons.
Recognition and Honors
In 2017, Sensei Steve was honored by the Treasure Valley Judo Club and Sensei Rocky Lima
