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USJF International Coach Opportunity

Feb 21, 2026

USJF International Coach Opportunity

In collobration with USA Judo, USJF will have an opportunity to place a developmental coach (One coach for each tournament) on the US Judo Delegation to the 2026 Prague/Paks Junior European Cup with the associate training camp. This is a fully funded coaching opportunity (flight/hotel for tournament and training camp).

2026 Prague Junior European Cup: July 4-5, 2026, Prague, Czech Republic

2026 Paks Junior European Cup: July 11-12, 2026, Paks, Hungary

  • Participation in the USJF High Performance Workshop is required for USJF coaches who wish to be considered for selection as a USJF International Coach for the 2026 Prague and Paks Junior European Cups and associated training camps in Prague and Hungary.  For more information, please contact USJF Coach Education Chair, Hannah Tsutsui, at usjfcoach@usjf.com
  • The USJF High Performance Clinic will be from April 10-11, 2026. Register on Smoothcomp at https://usjf.smoothcomp.com/en/event/29050. USJF will cover hotel cost (two nights) for one coach per Yudanshakai for this event. Yudanshakai presidents much email Coach Committee Chair, Hannah Tsutsui, at usjfcoach@usjf.com to confirm hotel room reservation by March 29, 2026.

USJF International Coach Application Requirements

A. Membership, Compliance & Eligibility Requirements 

  1. USJF Judo membership: Current USJF Judo member in good standing (no disciplinary issues).
  2. Coach registration: Listed as a coach with USJF (i.e., in the “Active Coaches List”/registered under USJF coach program). usjf.com
  3. SafeSport: SafeSport training completed and current (matches USOPC standards). Linked through USJF SafeSport/coach resources. usjf.com
  4. Concussion training: Heads-Up / CDC Concussion training completed and current. https://www.usjf.com/dojo-club
  5. Background check: NCSI (or equivalent) background screening completed and current, through USJF. https://www.usjf.com/dojo-club
  6. Code of Conduct: You have signed and complied with the USJF Judo Coach Code of Conduct.
  7. Dan rank: USJF funded coach criteria include minimum Dan rank of Nidan.
  8. Coach Resume: See Section B below.

B. Coach Resume:

Please include a resume of your coaching experience. The resume should demonstrate the applicant’s ability to develop and prepare athletes for higher-level competition. Below are some suggestions to include if applicable.

  1. Completion of USJF Coach Development & Education Program workshops. Include dates and certificates of completion.
  2. IJF Academy certification: The USJF coach selected for the 2026 European training camps will be assistant coaches, therefore the IJF Academy requirement does not apply. The following certifications can be included in application but are not required.
    • IJF Academy Level 1 Instructor or
    • Undergraduate Certificate: Judo Instructor (UCJI) or
    • Master Coach
  3. Athlete quality
    • You have athletes on:
      • Senior or Junior National Teams or
      • Senior World Tour / Continental Open competitors or
  4. Proven success
    • Documented results at:
        • USJF/USA Judo Point Tournaments
        • Senior Nationals
        • Continental Opens
        • World Cups/World Tour where your athletes medaled or placed.
  5. International coaching experience (even unfunded)
    • You have already traveled as a personal coach to IJF events or major regional events (even if self-funded), and can show:
    • Ability to manage weigh-ins, draw, warm-up, pre- and post-match coaching at that level.
  6. Professionalism
    • Reliable, athlete-centered, with good mat-side behavior and professionalism. The goal of this program is to develop USJF international coaches. USJF is looking for coaches with a growth mindset that are willing to learn.

C. Application Submission & Selection

Meet eligibility: Minimum rank of 2nd Dan, are a USJF Judo member, have all compliance (SafeSport, background check), and previous coaching experience.

  1. Complete coach education: Attend USJF coaching certification clinics, obtain the required certificate (USJF National Coach, USJF Elite National Coach or Master Coach via IJF Academy).
  2. Participation in the USJF High Performance Workshop is required for USJF coaches who wish to be considered for selection as a USJF International Coach for the 2026 Prague and Paks Junior European Cups and associated training camps in Prague and Hungary.  For more information, please contact USJF Coach Education Chair, Hannah Tsutsui, at usjfcoach@usjf.com
  3. The USJF High Performance Clinic will be from April 10-11, 2026. Register on Smoothcomp at https://usjf.smoothcomp.com/en/event/29050. USJF will cover hotel cost (two nights) for one coach per Yudanshakai for this event. Yudanshakai presidents much email Coach Committee Chair, Hannah Tsutsui, at usjfcoach@usjf.com to confirm hotel room reservation by March 29, 2026.
  4. Accumulate experience: Coach at local, regional, or national-level events.
  5. Submit Application: Ensure all required forms listed in section A are submitted to the USJF Coach Committee for consideration as a coaching staff member for a USJF/USA Judo international team. Submit a coach resume that demonstrates your qualifications to take your coaching to the next level. Submit all documents in a pdf or Word document to Coach Chair, Hannah Tsutsui at usjfcoach@usjf.com.
  6. Approval & Appointment: Once approved, you would be designated as an “International Coach” and then made eligible to work in collaboration with U.S. teams at selected USJF/USA Judo international events.
  7. Maintain credentialing: Continue to meet CEU (Continuing Education Units) requirements, update background checks, stay active in coaching elite athletes, attend required clinics, etc.
  8. Additional Considerations: If selected, USJF will provide funding for flights and hotels during the international tournament/training camp. International events would require you to be out of the country for approximately 7 days.
  9. Present at the Fall 2026 USJF Meetings: After attending the international tournament/training camp, the coaches will be expected to attend the Fall 2026 USJF Meetings to share their experience and how those insights can develop coaching in the United States. USJF will provide funding for the coaches’ hotel to attend the national meetings in Fall 2026. The meetings are usually two days plus two days of travel.