UNITED STATES
JUDO ASSOCIATION
Members, With the close of the first quarter of 2026, I am pleased to update you on the financial state of the United States Judo Association. First and foremost – the USJA is strong. Due to the conservative fiscal stewardship of your Board of Directors, combined with increased promotion of Judo nationwide, our revenues are up 16% year over year. Even more encouraging, our ending balance in 2025 was 200% higher than in 2024. As a result of this growth, the Board is excited to announce a USJA-sponsored seminar series featuring Rhadi Ferguson, Nick Delpopolo, and Shintaro Higashi.
The USJA will cover all seminar-related costs, including travel, for selected USJA Chartered Clubs across the country. Clubs will be chosen based on how effectively they demonstrate that the seminar will help grow the USJA within their local community. With the continued rise in popularity of Kosen Judo, these athletes were selected not only for their accomplishments in Judo, but also for their strong connection to the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) community.
Our goal is for chartered clubs to collaborate with local Judo and BJJ schools to create impactful, high-energy events. One proven model – successfully used at Kosen Nationals – is to host a full weekend experience that includes both a Kosen tournament and a seminar, offered free with USJA membership. By partnering with local BJJ clubs, you can present a compelling value: for just $75 annually, athletes gain access to both a tournament and seminar, along with injury insurance covering both Judo and BJJ at chartered clubs and sanctioned events. Additionally, this presents a meaningful opportunity to grow relationships with BJJ club owners.
By becoming USJA Chartered Clubs, they gain access to liability insurance, while also opening the door for collaboration such as offering Judo classes at their academies to introduce their students to the benefits of our art. If your club would like to be considered for this sponsored seminar series, please email support@usja.net with the subject line “Sponsored Seminar Series.” In your submission, include details on how you would organize your event: proposed location, date, structure, community partnerships, and, most importantly, how your plan will contribute to the growth of the USJA. Selections will be made on a rolling basis throughout the year as funds allow.
Thank you for everything you do to grow Judo. We encourage all clubs to continue going beyond regular classes – host tournaments, seminars, and community events to help expand the reach and impact of our sport. Sincerely, David Brogan, PresidentOn behalf of the USJA Board of Directors