August Promotion Board & CRE Committee News

Congratulations to the following July/August 2023 Dan promotions:

Wesley BurriesciShodanSDBJJ Academy
Casey CurryShodanSpace Coast Judo and Jujitsu
Maien MiShodanUM-Flint Judo Club
Terri GrowShodanBowling Green Kentucky Judo Club
Christina ReaganShodanSmokey Mountain Judo
Jose VarelaNidanSamurai Judo Association
Marian KuszSandanUM-Flint Judo Club
James YoderSandanGoltz Judo
Kenton GivensSandan100 Kilos CSA
Loren BentleyYodanYawara Judo & Jujutsu of New Mexico

USJA Judo Rank Promotion System – DO YOU KNOW?

Certified Rank Examiner Program

For ranks above Sandan, if you are not currently a Certified Rank Examiner, go to the USJA.net site, download and complete the CRE Application & a mock Promotion Packet, forward to the National Office and the CRE Committee will follow up with you on next steps. For additional information, logon to: USJA.net, Dashboard, Committees, CRE.

Promotion Review Calls

The 2024 Q1 USJA Judo Rank & Certification call will take place in January 2024.  For Rokudan (6th dan) through Hachidan (8th dan), your promotion packet must be sent to the National Office by November 15, 2023, to be considered. The next Kudan (9th dan) Promotion Review call will take place in January, 2024. Your promotion packets are due to the National Office by November 15, 2023 to be considered.


Need help with Rank Promotions?

Reach out to your local CRE’s or the CRE Committee to assist with these situations and others. A list of CRE’s and their location are posted on USJA.net, Committees, CRE.


International Judo Federation – Article 22 – Grades and “DAN” Ranks

The JUA and IJF officially recognize only those grades and “DAN” ranks which are awarded by the Member National Federations to their own members, to the exclusion of all others. A National Federation may not award a grade and/or a “DAN” rank to a member of another Member National Federation without the written agreement of that Federation. Any grade or “DAN” rank awarded without this agreement will not be validated by the JUA and IJF. Each Member National Federation is in charge of representing the JUA for the purpose of ensuring compliance with international regulations on grades and “dan” ranks throughout its national territory.

Posted in Uncategorized

Sensei David Parritt 8D

With more than 50 years of experience in martial arts, Sensei David Parritt is a seasoned international veteran in Judo and Jujitsu. He began his study of Judo at Atsugi Air Station, Japan, from 1956 to 1958, where his father was stationed as a Marine Corps officer. As is the way of being in a military family, David, and his family, often transferred from base to base. In 1958, David relocated to Hawaii and resumed his Judo instruction at the Saint Anthony’s Church dojo, where he participated in numerous competitions and won first place in his age and weight categories. In 1962, he moved to the South Weymouth Naval Air Station (NAS) in Massachusetts, where he continued his Judo training and began Jujitsu instruction.

While stationed at NAS South Weymouth, he joined the Armed Forces Judo Association, which later evolved into the USJA. Although only 15 years old, David’s dedication to Judo caused him to become the lead martial arts instructor on post after the other instructors were deployed elsewhere during the Vietnam War. David left the NAS Weymouth with Ikkyu ranks in both Judo and Jujitsu, having studied Nihon and Hakko Ryu Jujitsu.

In 1968, David followed in his father’s footsteps and joined the military. David’s distinguished military career has allowed him to travel the world. He has been stationed in South America, Central America, Asia, Europe, and the US.

David’s martial arts career has seen him create clubs in California, North Carolina, Kentucky, South Carolina, Florida, Panama, Columbia, South Korea, Puerto Rico, Netherlands, and Germany.

David is fluent in Spanish and Korean languages.

Sensei Parritt’s military decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal w/6 Oak Leaf Clusters, Army Achievement Medal w/3 Oak Leaf Clusters, an Army Humanitarian Service Award for aiding Nicaraguan earthquake victims, and numerous US Army certifications in airborne, air assault, scuba diving, jungle, and guerrilla warfare. He also received meritorious service awards from the Republic of Panama, Columbia and the Republic of Korea, the Army Commander’s Medal for Outstanding Civilian Service w/3 Oak Leaf Clusters, and the Commander’s Achievement Medal.

David was promoted to USJA Judo Hachidan on October 14, 2022. David is now the Senior Outreach Advisor for the International Armed Services Judo and Jujitsu Academy, Pensacola, Florida. Additionally, David is ranked Shichidan in Nihon Jujitsu.

Posted in News

July Promotion Board & CRE Committee News

Congratulations to the following June 2023 Dan promotions:

Robert AntonGodanSan Machi Budo Kai
Loren BentleyYodanYawara Judo & Jujitsu of New Mexico
Marian S. KuszSandanUM-Flint Judo Club
Wesley BurriesciSandanSDBJJ Academy
Casey Ray CurraySandanSpace Coast Judo & Jujitsu
Maien MiSandanUM-Flint Judo Club

USJA Judo Rank Promotion System – DO YOU KNOW?

Recognizing of Judo ranks from other countries
Black Belts from other countries. If a non-citizen of the United States now a legal resident wishes their rank recognized and placed on their card and records, they must present their official Rank certificate or other documentation of Judo rank. USJA is required to verify with that country if it was issued by the National Governing Body (NGB) for Judo recognized by the International Judo Federation (IJF). If approved, providing all other requirements are fulfilled, the rank will be placed on the card and records. They are not eligible for promotion by the United States Judo Associations unless the country of origin authorizes in writing waiving any objection to the promotion.

Validation of Judo Rank
If a member of USJA who is a citizen of the USA wishes to submit a Recommendation for Validation (RVP) and they lack any form of recognized Judo rank defined as one issued by IJF, USJA, USJF or USA Judo they may apply for Validation of Rank. This is meant to recognize many years of service without the ability to achieve recognized Judo rank. They will be required to complete all other requirements prior to submitting a request for validation. Their application and documentation will be reviewed by the promotion board. Their technical and general knowledge ability will be examined by their instructor at least two grades above the proposed. If that is not possible a CRE will be assigned by the PB to examine the applicant. The applicant must have time in grade (TIG) that is higher than the combined (TIG) on the standard RFP, Category “D” up to and including the rank to which they are being consider. No validation is possible more than once and anyone with prior official rank is not eligible. The highest rank obtainable is Yodan, 4th Dan.

Special Circumstances Promotions
Under extraordinary circumstance an individual who performs great service and sacrifice over many years might no longer be eligible for promotion. For example, a senior or assistant coach no longer competes but has constant attendance in their dojo assisting in each class. The number of allowed assistant, the cap on % of classes, or other limitations may exclude her/him from gaining the required number of points but they greatly exceed the required time in grade (TIG), Category “D”. The head of the club considers them a vital part of the club because of the time and service they devote. They may apply for a Special Circumstances Promotion but understand considerable documentation must be provided. The promotion board will guide you through the process. The applicant must complete all other requirements and have TIG exceeding the highest shown on the standard RFP, Category “D”. It is important to recognize those individuals that consistently offer great service to their club, USJA and Judo. They may apply for Special Circumstances Promotion only once and the highest rank will be Rokudan, 6th Dan.

Honorary Promotions
A person may be issued an Honorary Promotion when it is judged they perform extraordinary service to Judo and the USJA. The request may be made by anyone but the applicant and must be approved by the USJA BOD and processed through the USJA PB. Recipients of this award do not require membership in USJA but are not eligible for promotions by standard means. The highest rank available for this honorary promotion is Godan, 5th Dan and the certificate must display in large font the word Honorary.

Certified Rank Examiner Program

For ranks above Sandan, if you are not currently a Certified Rank Examiner, go to the USJA.net site, download and complete the CRE Application & a mock Promotion Packet, forward to the National Office and the CRE Committee will follow up with you on next steps. For additional information, logon to: USJA.net, Dashboard, Committees, CRE.

Promotion Review Calls
The 2023 Q4 USJA Judo Rank & Certification call will take place in October 2023. For Rokudan (6th dan) through Hachidan (8th dan), your promotion packet must be sent to the National Office by September 1, 2023, to be considered. The next Kudan (9th dan) Promotion Review call will take place in January, 2024. Your promotion packets are due to the National Office by November 15, 2023 to be considered.

Need help with Rank Promotions?
Reach out to your local CRE’s or the CRE Committee to assist with these situations and others. A list of CRE’s and their location are posted on USJA.net, Committees, CRE.

Posted in News

National Membership Services and Event Development Committee

The BOD are pleased to announce the formation of a new committee.

The National Membership Services and Event Development Committee will encompass many responsibilities to enhance and grow Judo and the USJA. These responsibilities will oversee the Regional Coordination Committee working with our members and clubs.  The National Membership Services and Event Development Committee will also promote activities such as but not limited to putting on tournaments and educational seminars and support those that our members are running. They will also work closely with all clubs nationally providing service and a vehicle of support. Linking certain committees will help service our club leaders allowing better service.

This committee will work with the Promotion Board, CRE, Communication, and other educational committees and others in a support role.

We have selected a highly qualified and well known person to head this important committee. Corinne Shigemoto has agreed to head this committee, an Alternate Olympian and elite athlete. She is a former Olympic coach holding a Seventh Dan (7D) in Judo. Her resume is quite extensive as is her many years of service for Judo. Corinne will be free to mold her committee as she is clearly focused on the future and the tasks at hand. Many of you have known and worked with Corinne for many years.

I will be overseeing this project and the formation of this newly defined committee. I will select several board members to assist. Not to run this committee but offer board support. She will be working with the existing committee members to ensure a smooth transition.

Please welcome Corinne; she will be a great addition to our team. 

She can be reached at shigemoto.corinne@gmail.com  

Posted in Announcements, News

April, May and June 2023 Promotion Board & CRE Committee News

Congratulations to the following April 2023 Dan promotions:

Bonnie Korte KudanBon-Cal Judo Club
David S. WerheimerRokudanSamurai Judo Association
Norm AbrahamsonSandanSan Machi Budo Kai
Dmitry OlevskySandanSan Machi Budo Kai
David A. PuernerSandanYuma Territorial Judo Club
Timothy AndersonSandanStrong Valley Judo Club
Joshua AndersonSandanStrong Valley Judo Club
Guy ClementNidanPro Fit Judo
Justin A. WilliamsShodanShining Together Judo Club
Lauren ZitoShodanKawa Shi Judo Kai

Congratulations to the following May 2023 Dan promotions:

Steven DuncanYodanSOHK Judo Club
James T. HafermanSandanStevens Point Judo Club
Thomas KnowltonSandanPro-Fit Judo
Ralph MesiteSandanPro-Fit Judo
Dimitar TcholakovSandanEmerald City Judo
Reuven LirovNidanNew Port Richey Judo Academy
Pascal VanlindtNidanFushi Cho Judo Club
Patrick FernandezNidanSanta Rosa Judo Club
Dara BafNidanSimi Valley Judo Club
Michael LockwoodNidanRAFC Judo Club
Austin FlowersShodanSOHK Judo Club
Chloe Mae PhillipsShodanSF Hapkido & Judo Club
Tiffany HoltShodanChikarakogeki
Evan MillerShodanMarion PAL Club Judo
Jerry SmithShodanCohesion BJJ & Judo
Michael RobinsonShodanSOHK Judo Club

Congratulations to the following June 2023 Dan promotions:

David WojcikGodanIppon Judo & Jujitsu
Timothy D. JonesGodan6-10 Judo Club
Thomas G. JonesGodan6-10 Judo Club
Reginald SuttonYodanPro-Fit Judo
Kenneth CamlekSandanStevens Point Judo Club
Gina KessingerSandanChesterfield School of Judo
Dr. Ronald HelmsNidanChesterfield School of Judo
Marcus BredaNidanEmerald City Judo
Ian LaurenziShodanSOHK Judo Club
Matthew SmithShodanArkansas Yudanshakai Association
Keith HoustonShodanEdgerton Judo Club

Certified Rank Examiner Program

For ranks above Sandan, if you are not currently a Certified Rank Examiner, go to the USJA.net site, download and complete the CRE Application & a mock Promotion Packet, forward to the National Office and the CRE Committee will follow up with you on next steps. For additional information, logon to: USJA.net, Dashboard, Committees, CRE.

Promotion Review Calls

The 2023 Q4 USJA Judo Rank & Certification call will take place in October 2023. For Rokudan (6th dan) through Hachidan (8th dan), your promotion packet must be sent to the National Office by September 1, 2023, to be considered. The next Kudan (9th dan) Promotion Review call will take place in January, 2024. Your promotion packets are due to the National Office by November 15, 2023 to be considered.

USJA Judo Rank Promotion System – DO YOU KNOW?

Looking for the links for Background Screens, Safe Sport and Heads Up Concussion Training? Logon to USJA.net, go to your Dashboard, look for the Committees site on left side of your screen, drop down to CRE Committee, you will find the links to all three requirements at the bottom of that page.

Need help with Rank Promotions?

Reach out to your local CRE’s or the CRE Committee to assist with these situations and others. A list of
CRE’s and their location are posted on USJA.net, Committees, CRE.

Posted in News

USJA Judo Rank Promotion System – 9th and 10th Dan Promotion Requirements

The ranks of Ninth Degree and Tenth Degree Black Belt (Kudan & Judan) are the highest in Judo. At these ranks one is permitted to wear a red belt or a black belt.

Posted in News

Message from Walter Dean, The President of USJA

Your USJA BOD is trying a number of new and revised projects. I would like to report on several of these.

We know the information and recognition does not always flow to our membership, and to be honest, many things show we are on a positive track. Such as increases in both members and clubs.

I have asked board member Sensei Pete Mantel who recently served as the President of USJA BOD if he would serve as the chair of a newly formed Information Committee. He will have many ongoing projects and will select his team. While due to expand the team includes great assets such as Sensei Bonnie Korte who recently was promoted to Kudan, Michael Goldsmith our Chief General Counsel serving the USJA for over 12 years, and Michael Hall who runs the operations and is responsible for all the great things we do every day.

Pete Mantel a retired Coast Guard serviceman with an outstanding service record accepted this challenge. He has great organizational skills and has terrific ideas to flow information to our members

Some of the spotlights will be on a regular basis publishing stories of our members and the notable things they continue to do. We will feature clubs but not always the biggest. We have those that are an inspiration for their work with Judo. We have many outstanding people in our organization that serve Judo. We also are aware of how important the military is to USJA’s great history, so we, in addition, will salute our military Judoka.

We will be publishing an instruction letter on how to submit facts that can help write the article. It will provide the format, but it is important to tell the story in your own words. We do encourage you to consider nominating someone or getting involved. It can be in a club or perhaps a story about your club, your student, or anyone that deserves recognition. Perhaps someone that served, still serves, or one that inspired you.

Scott Main has been installed, as the treasurer and is working with Michael Hall. Michael Hall with his superior knowledge and the work he continues to do for this organization, has great advantages. Scott will track finances and trends. He also has a very detailed analytical mind making him a great choice that your board approved. Keeping track of all matters leading to our stability and creating a cash flow plan is an important way to conduct business. Sensei Main will also be involved with all tax filings and details for the board. This information will flow to our members. Your BOD has put many demands on his time because of the faith they have in him. I was immediately impressed with the prior boards decision to ask Scott to serve. He has a great grasp of what needs to be done.

One of our new committees recognizes the extraordinary success of our Martial Arts Brothers and Sisters in the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu community. They do an amazing service to their members and the sport. Some of us teach Judo at BJJ schools, and we know how we might assist. The thought is to find a number of BJJ academes’ and offer them a way to install a nationally recognized judo association in their programs. By allowing us to help them with this endeavor, once they accept the program, they may receive all the benefits of working with the USJA as members. Your BOD recently approved Sensei Jesse Goldstein as the Chair. For the few who do not know, Jesse is a longtime supporter of USJA. He holds the Judo rank of 8th degree black belt and is a former Olympian. Jesse serves as the Vice President of the USJA BOD. Jesse will be free to pick his committee, which is the new policy by which committees are operated.

He has selected an amazing athlete Sensei Paulo Augusto who is highly respected in the BJJ family, holding the rank of 7th Dan in BJJ and 6th Dan in Judo. He started martial arts in Brazil as a small child, relocated to the USA in 1997, and is a proud US citizen. Paulo operates a very successful BJJ and Judo Academy in San Marcos, Ca. Jesse selected Paulo as his Vice Chair. Jesse said because of his location, he will do a lot on the West Coast. He already made contact with BJJ people.

The program will start small, explaining how we might offer Judo and USJA in their programs. We could offer many of the standards we, as a national Judo program, could provide. Once USJA members, they would be eligible to participate in Judo events gaining the required insurance as part of their JA membership. They could lean on our coach, referee, and promotion certifications as well as certain guides. Depending on the situation, we might be able to offer Judo coach assistance or training for their coaches and athletes so they understand and can benefit from the USJA National system. The idea is to provide a service like any other but does it to help them add a structured National Organization for Judo.

If you have any interest in serving as a coach or know of the BJJ facility we could offer our service, the Committee really could use your info. Even if you already teach Judo in a BJJ school, we would like to discuss your success. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with Jesse.

We are considering an Advisor Committee made up of club leaders from larger clubs to sit on a panel explaining things you need from the USJA. Many of you are highly successful and talented, and we respect that you should have a voice. We need input from our club leaders to serve you better. The idea is that this committee, made of representatives from the top clubs, gets together and feedback.

All of these committees cannot operate on their own. Your board cannot operate without support. So we ask you, our members, to offer your expertise, guidance, and support. Please get in touch with our committees to volunteer. The BOD and your Association need your help if you want to discuss how you might serve or have a certain skill that would be helpful, we want to hear.

Walter Dean 9th Dan
President USJA

Posted in News

The Road to Ninth Degree Rank in Judo by Bonnie Korte

I wrote the following six points and paragraph several months ago when I was asked to write about women’s Judo and the USJA. I wanted to give some forgotten background history on early women’s Judo. Now as the USJA’s first woman to be promoted to Ninth Degree, I feel it is important for our women and girls to realize that they can reach their Judo dreams just as I did. Did I dream of Ninth Degree? Never! Shodan? Yes. But I DID DREAM of standing on national/international winners’ podiums and I made it. And the experiences, travel, worldwide friends gained and the good memories were extra pluses. I also gained an understanding of what an athlete goes through physically, mentally and psychologically; but I only realized it after I was no longer competing and had a chance to look back.

So here is the road I took.

The USJA and its clubs have always had an emphasis on Judo participation by women and girls.

  • First Women’s Shiai Nationals—1972
  • First Presidential Conference on Women’s Judo—1973
  • Target ’76—Nine-Week Training Camp—1973; first international shiai training open to men and women
  • International Team to Europe—1974; first team to include both men and women athletes, with the two US women fighting exhibition matches at the Men’s Pre-Worlds (Vienna) and placing at the Women’s British Opens (London), equivalent at the time to a women’s world championships
  • Friendship Team to South Africa—1979; full teams for both men and women

These firsts were unparalleled in US and world Judo. National and international Judo woke up to the importance of women to the Sport. Along with this, the USJA brought litigation against the archaic rules and practices that had characterized women’s/girls’ Judo since it was originally introduced to the US—segregated classes for men and women; only-kata events for women in competition, eventually allowed in local/national events; different rank and competition requirements for men and women; “the white stripe” belt designation for women only; no allowance for women/girls to shiai in local/national events in the US; funding for men’s teams but none for the women’s; lack of women referees/judges officiating at competitions for men/women/children; athletes limited to joining only certain Judo organizations; no opportunities for women to serve as coaches nor on national committees and boards.

I started Judo in 1963 when women’s Judo was in its infancy. Few of you have experienced the blasé attitude throughout the world toward women fully participating in our sport at that time. Fortunately, I became a member of the United States Judo Association (USJA), actually of its predecessor the Armed Forces Judo Association (AFJA) in 1967. The founders of the USJA, and luckily many of its club instructors, truly supported women in Judo. I feel that if I had not experienced this backing, I would not be the first woman in the USJA to be promoted to Ninth Degree.

True, my goal in Judo was set in 1964 while watching the 30-second TV coverage of Judo in the Olympics as an exhibition sport. This goal determined my attitude for my Judo career. Competing was a necessary evil. I felt the exhilaration when accepting my medals; but I enjoyed the training more. After about ten years I started my not-for-profit club, Bon-Cal, and became my own coach. “That is ridiculous. No one does that!”—you might say; but I did not want to leave the area, nor be claimed by anyone. So, that required me to run; weight train; develop training drills and set-up a continuing “solo” regimen for success over a number of years. A post in my dojo became a devoted training partner when there was no one else on the mat to move around with before and after classes. I usually worked out with a small group of young blackbelts twice a week. And then there was kata—“a competitor doing Kata”—crazy!  felt Kata made me take apart my techniques—they had to work when being done slowly. Since my   partner lived 50 miles away, travelling twice a week was the norm. I also refereed at competitions since I was told I had to decide between competing locally or refereeing. I chose being a referee because there were no women refereeing in Missouri and southern Illinois.

Feeling that I needed varied input in my Judo, I added Judo camps as a resource. Saving up money and time-off from college and work was necessary for a least two Judo camps a year which gave me exposure and material to practice until the next camp. I was the only woman who attended a nine-week training camp to transition me to an international player. In 1972 national competitions for women were becoming a reality so I had to up my preparation with rising hopes for the international competitive mat. It all paid off with national/competitive medals and travel to other countries. It was self-funded except what was sponsored by Camp Olympus—1974 Team to Europe, 1979 Team to South Africa. I was Team Captain on four women’s teams to Europe and women’s Coach/Player for the women who were on the team to South Africa.

I rounded out my Judo experience by serving on committees, volunteer work, giving clinics and now serving as a member of the USJA Board. When it came to promotions, I made sure I met all requirements—points, time-in-grade, higher skill attained for each level and I took the Black Belt test “from cradle to grave” six times, first page to the last. And, I waited until I was told by USJA high-ranking Black Belts, “It’s time you get ready to go to your next rank. You know how to dance!” I trusted their judgment.

How do you become a Ninth Degree in Judo—working, working and more work and staying with the Sport for a lifetime—whether you are a woman or a man!

Posted in Uncategorized

February 2023 Promotion Board & CRE Committee News

Correction on December 2022 Dan Promotions:

Dr. Anthony AlbanoYodanTomodachi Judo Club
Herbert RodriquezYodanTomodachi Judo Club
Michael KorniczkyYodanKorniczky Family Judo

Congratulations to the following February 2023 Dan promotions:

Paul RiveraSandanBushido Dojo of Staten Island
Benjamin Wilhelm RothrockSandanGreensboro Judo Club
Kenneth C. LitoffSandanHarrisburg Judo Kai
Jerrod WilsonNidanEncino Judo Club
Adam K. StevensonNidanFox Valley Judo/Jujitsu Club WI
Christian HalbalNidanDai Nan Wan Ryu Judo and Jujitsu
Bijan ParsaNidanTomodachi Judo Club
Joseph James Earl Luciano               NidanChikarakogeki
Kristina BakerShodanShining Together Judo Club
Michael CarimShodanDento Teki Na Judo Jujitsu Dojo
Tyler Andrew MiltonShodanMakoto Kai Judo
Matthew ArellanoShodanTampa Florida Judo
Tomas Aguila SalgadoShodanKino Judo Dojo
Miguel E. AguilarShodanKino Judo Dojo
Brett C. HerrinShodanCarolinas American Judo Association
Raiden Vander HorckShodanMakoto Kai Judo

Certified Rank Examiner Program
For ranks above Sandan, if you are not currently a Certified Rank Examiner, go to the USJA.net site, download and complete the CRE Application & a mock Promotion Packet, forward to the National Office and someone from the CRE Committee will follow up with you on next steps. For additional information, logon to: USJA.net, Dashboard, Committees, CRE.

Quarterly Promotion Call
The 2023 Q3 USJA Judo Rank & Certification call will take place in July 2023. For Rokudan (6th dan) and above, your promotion packet must be sent to the National Office by June 1, 2023, to be considered.

USJA Judo Rank Promotion System – DO YOU KNOW?
Looking for the links for Background Screens, Safe Sport and Heads Up Concussion Training? Logon to USJA.net, go to your Dashboard, look for the Committees site on left side of your screen, drop down to CRE Committee, you will find the links to all three requirements at the bottom of that page.

Need help with Rank Promotions?
Reach out to your local CRE’s or the CRE Committee to assist with these situations and others. A list of CRE’s and their location are posted on USJA.net, Committees, CRE.

Posted in Uncategorized

USJA/USJF Agreement

The Presidents of the USJA and USJF, with the assistance of their boards and staff, have signed a bilateral agreement of cooperation which includes the ability to attend each other’s tournaments and to accept each other’s ranks and certifications. Nothing changes in the relationship between USJA and USJF.

We know that you have a multitude of questions as to the state of Judo in the United States. We wish we could answer all of them now, but we can’t. This will be the first of several emails you will be receiving. We will continue to share information as it becomes available.

On March 10th, 2023, USA Judo announced it was terminating the American Judo Alliance Agreement with the United States Judo Association (USJA) and the United States Judo Federation (USJF). As such, the historic agreement that was a step towards unifying Judo in the United States was scrapped.

Please know that the USJA and the USJF did everything possible to preserve the agreement. Unfortunately, we were as surprised as others when USA Judo unilaterally announced the termination of our agreement. But as judoka, we know how to fall, and we certainly know how to get back up, so we redirected our efforts from preserving the triad agreement to creating a new bilateral agreement with the USJF.

We will preserve the former benefits of the triad agreement, albeit without the participation of USA Judo. While USA Judo has decided to go it alone, the USJA and the USJF will continue to work together toward the mutual benefit and welfare of all judoka in the United States. While we are disappointed by the decision of USA Judo, our door will remain open towards future negotiations that hopefully bring USA Judo back into the fold.

We are still working through the details of how this affects all of us. But we can share that:

USA Judo will not insure their members at USJA or USJF events. Neither the USJA nor the USJF has changed anything in this regard. This is the decision of USA Judo.

We understand that there are many upcoming events, and we want to see USA Judo members participate. We will be offering a membership for USA Judo members for $25, giving them full membership until August 1st. We feel that is enough time for the smoke to settle, which will minimize the effect on imminent upcoming USJA and USJF events. USA Judo members can use the coupon code of JUDO4ALL at checkout when joining on USJA.NET

SafeSport will still be required as it was in the past. We are working with the US Center for SafeSport regarding this.

We ask for your understanding that the office staff is a few days behind in processing applications, promotions, and sanctions. The workload has tripled in the past few days.

Several people need to be acknowledged, for without their effort, there would be no USJA/USJF agreement. We apologize if we missed anyone who was instrumental in this historic agreement. In alphabetical order:

Walter Dean
Michael Goldsmith
Michael Hall
David Matsumoto
Mitchell Palacio

We will update you as more information comes to light. We expect that will be before the end of the week.

Posted in Announcements, News, Uncategorized

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