ILLINOIS JUDO NEWSLETTER – IPPON January 17, 2006

ILLINOIS JUDO NEWSLETTER – IPPON!!!

January 17, 2006

President: James Colgan

VP: Mary Gail Ford

Treasurer: Irwin Cohen

Editor: Kei Narimatsu

THIS NEWSLETTER MAY BE PASSED ON TO ANYONE IN YOUR ADDRESS BOOK WHO MIGHT NOT GET THIS DIRECTLY FROM THE EDITOR. I DO NOT ALWAYS HAVE CURRENT EMAIL ADDRESSES BUT CLUB INSTRUCTORS, STATE PRESIDENTS AND OTHERS MAY WANT TO LET THEIR MEMBERS HAVE THIS AS WELL. PLEASE DISTRIBUTE AS YOU WISH. IF THOSE INDIVIDUALS WISH TO GET THIS EMAIL FIRST HAND, PLEASE CONTACT ME AT knarimatsu@microlamps.com with

subject: Add to Illinois Judo Newsletter

Illinois Judo Newsletter – IPPON!! is the voice of Illinois Judo, sent whenever convenient to members of Illinois Judo and other interested parties. All articles and content are the opinion of the editor unless otherwise noted and do not reflect the opinion of Illinois Judo, its officers or members. Information is gathered from various sources expressly sent for distribution. Contents may contain inaccurate information. If anyone can correct any inaccuracies, they will be published as soon as possible. Information presented will be of a general nature only and will not promote any national organization except USJI/USA Judo or any of its state governing bodies. Tournament and clinic notifications will be made for all organizations and will be guaranteed posted if sent to the editor in electronic format ONLY and in a timely manner.

Illinois Judo will make every effort to respect your privacy and never sell, trade, or otherwise abuse the privilege of serving you via this e-mail newsletter.

Cancellation: We're committed to Permission Distribution, so if you prefer not to receive the IPPON!!, simply send a blank e-mail to knarimatsu@microlamps.com or hit reply with unsubscribe-IPPON in the subject line. You will be omitted from my list FOREVER.

Contents:

§ Editorial – CHANGE

§ Midwestern Championship Package

§ 10^th DAN promotions

§ USA JUDO NEWS

o USA Judo Names New Interim Director of Operations

o European Tour Rosters

o Junior Age Waivers

o Takata earns bronze

o Lake Placid Training Camp

o Middle School, High School and Collegiate National Championships info now available

o Destination Beijing and Beyond

o 2006 National Select Team

o Senior Elite Athlete Funding

o Pan American Championships

o Junior World Championships

o Junior Development

o Liberty Bell Forms Available

o Cohen’s Judo Club Summer Training Camp Announced

o Alumni Association

§ Serving Our Country

§ Something to think about –

§ Upcoming Event

§ USA Judo Life Members

Editorial –

CHANGE is never easy. To change a technique or style, even slightly, requires many hours of practice and hard work. No one likes change because it is painful and requires a change in attitude, work ethic, schedule, effort, money, thinking. We have always done it that way. If it ain’t broke, why fix it. Most people get into a groove and like to have things just go along as always, safe in the knowledge that things will get done. It may not be efficient, but it always gets done. But what if it doesn’t? What if it is broke? What if there is something wrong with the system? How do we go about fixing it?

In business, many companies are ISO certified. Essentially, it is a process for Quality which allows consistency in procedures so that routine procedures are done correctly every time, no deviations, no errors and a customer gets a product or service on time with zero defects. It seems like the perfect system. But even ISO standards are being challenged with Continuous Process Improvement, (CPI) where companies are required to show how processes and procedures can be improved upon – constantly and even if it “ain’t broke.”

As we enter the 2006 Judo season, Judo is being challenged to CHANGE. We have been in existence for over 25 years. We have had our successes but are they good enough? Can we do better? It is up to the individual or organization to recognize its short comings and to take steps to improve not only oneself but the organization. We do this for ourselves as well as for the greater good. Some will have to sacrifice, some may benefit without sacrifice. But ultimately the goal is to make a better organization so that we can make a better club, so that we can make a better teacher, so that we can make a better player, so that we can make a better champion and so we can make a better person.

USA Judo will be reorganizing their governance over the next few months and years. We will have a small group of 10 – 15 professional managers from different disciplines (most but perhaps not all may be judo folks) who will manage USA Judo from a global perspective. They will make decisions that will affect all of us from the judoka just starting to the elite athlete competing at the Olympics. Their responsibilities will be great and their actions far reaching, but if they do the right job, we should be able to see results at the local, national and international levels in a short period of time.

SO, though we will no longer have a board of directors of over 100 individuals who have always run US Judo, it will be necessary to continue to support the organization in whatever way possible. The need for you, us will not go away and in fact may increase. The work of US Judo is never ending and local, state and national commitment and enthusiasm will assure that US Judo will continue to grow and prosper in the coming years. We must always remember our Judo tenets – that of “mutual welfare and benefit for all” AND “maximum efficiency in the use of mind and body.” In the greater scheme of things, this is what our great founder, Dr Jigoro Kano professed and we practice today. Let’s not forget this and do what it takes to support this new paradigm of JUDO organization.

MIDWESTERN OPEN FLYER POSTED ABOVE – March 18 – 19, 2006

Please check it out

Three promoted to 10^th DAN

According to http://www.e-budo.com/forum/showthread.php?t=32316, Toshiro Daigo (80 years old), Ichiro Abe (83 years old) and Yoshimi Osawa(79 years old) - all three were promoted to 10 Dan.

There has been no Kodokan 10 Dan holder for 15 years since Sumiyuki Kotani died in 1991 - he was promoted to 10 Dan in 1984. It is first time 3 men have been promoted at the same time.

Toshiro Daigo (80 years old), Ichiro Abe (83 years old) and Yoshimi Osawa(79 years old) - all three were promoted to 10 Dan.

There has been no Kodokan 10 Dan holder for 15 years since Sumiyuki Kotani died in 1991 - he was promoted to 10 Dan in 1984. It is first time 3 men have been promoted at the same time.

Mr. Daigo won All Nippon Judo Tournament twice, 1951 and 1954. He and Mr. Osawa have been coaching at Kodokan, and still now. Mr. Abe was international chairperson of the All Nippon Judo Federation.

This morning at the Kodokan they had the 8 January (Sunday) Kagami Biraki Ceremony (New Year's rice-cake cutting ceremony), they had performance of several Kata, some Randori with members of the national team, then they had a Dan awards ceremony, where they awarded 3 10 Dans - Toshiro Daigo and Ichiro Abe were 2 of them. The dans were handed out by Jigoro Kano's grandson - also, Yamashita was in attendance.

Also announced was the promotion of Ms Keiko Fukuda, 8^th Dan to 9^th Dan. Ms Fukuda from California is the highest ranking woman ever to hold the degree of 9^th dan. Sensei Fukuda, who is over 90 years old, has been a force in American Judo for years specializing in promoting Women’s Judo as well as Kata for Men as well as Women. Sensei Fukuda grew up in Japan and was one of the few women that was taught under the guidance of the founder of Judo, Jigoro Kano. Sensei is one of those individuals you meant once and immediately like her. She epitomizes the true spirit of Judo for she is gentle, caring, giving, kind – a true GENTLE WOMAN. Congratulations to Sensei Keiko Fukuda on her well deserved promotion to 9^th DAN(Kudan).

USJI News

Complete coverage of these articles available at the USA Judo website. Click on the link below http://www.usjudo.org/ and click on the What's New page to see all the recent news items.

USA Judo Names New Interim Director of Operations

Tommy Dyer (Fort Worth, Texas) has been named as the Interim Director of Operations for USA Judo. In this role, Dyer will oversee logistics of USA Judo national events, including key tournaments such as the USA Judo National Championships and U.S. Open.

Dyer, a past elite athlete, returns to the USA Judo Executive Committee where he previously served as Director of Operations from 2000-2004.

“I want to thank Tommy for his dedication to USA Judo and his willingness to return to the Executive Committee. As the past Director of Development his experience and knowledge of the mechanics of the committee and the operations is a great asset,” said USA Judo President Dr. Ron Tripp (Norman, Okla.) “With the upcoming changes in governance, we expect the administrative programs will fall into a more direct relationship with the National Office and the Executive Director. Tommy will be of great assistance to Jose Rodriguez [USA Judo Executive Director/CEO] and his staff during this transitional period.”

Dyer is a coach with the Fort Worth Judo Club and has trained several top athletes, including Athens Olympian Nicole Kubes (Fort Worth, Texas). Outside of the dojo, Dyer is a successful real estate agent for Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage – Dallas/Fort Worth who was named 2004 Rookie of the Year.

Dyer’s acceptance of the Interim Director of Operations role comes following the resignation of Pat Nading-Amman (Thornton, Colo.), effective Dec. 15.

“"The leadership of USA Judo would like to thank Pat Nading-Amman for her many years of hard work and dedication to American judo. She has defined and implemented a new standard of professionalism and efficiency by which all USA Judo events now operate," Tripp said.

Nading-Amman was elected to the Director of Operations positi on in 2004, following a successful tenure as chairperson of the Tournament Sub-Committee After more than 30 years of involvement in sports, Nading-Amman will continue to be actively involved in judo events through her work with the Colorado Judo League

"Pat Nading-Amman has worked tirelessly to bring an increased level of professionalism to the operation side of USA Judo through her organization of all of USA Judo's key events. Through her vision, our events not only were excellent competitions, but they also became key sources of revenue generation for future athlete programs," said Jose H. Rodriguez (Colorado Springs, Colo.), USA Judo Executive Director/CEO. "We will miss Pat, but I am sure that she will continue to be around the sport for years to come.”

European Tour Rosters

The rosters for the European tour have been updated with athlete selections as of December 28. Athletes who are ranked #4 on the senior roster are advised that they should submit their selections via e-mail to Mary Ann Relich by January 3. Please be advised that requests for selections must be made by the athlete, rather than a coach or manager.

Note: An athlete's number of competition selections ONLY includes European Tour A Level competitions. These do not include camps or the Belgian Open which is a TRUE OPEN event and therefore does not have a limit on the number of competitors from a country in each weight class.

Junior Age Waivers

Athletes under the minimum age requirement of 15 who are interested in competing in the USA Judo Senior National Championships can access information regarding a waiver to compete in this year’s event, April 21-22 in Houston on www.usjudo.org.

Takata earns bronze, moves up in USA Judo National Roster

The Brownsville Herald

December 9, 2005

Team USA Judo participant and Brownsville resident Taylor Takata earned a bronze medal and a bump up in the USA Judo National Roster after defeating Japan’s Osamu Kawakami on a penalty Saturday at the British Open in West Sussex, United Kingdom…

Lake Placid Training Camp

All participants in the USA Judo Training Camp at the Lake Placid Olympic Training Center, Jan. 9-15, who have not already made flight arrangements are requested to contact Sergeant Major Mayfield at SergeantMajor_of_Marines@hotmail.com. Please be advised that only athletes on the fully funded list are to contact Sergeant Major for the purchase of their tickets. Sergeant Major also can be reached at 910.330.1352 for an immediate response.

All other athletes are asked to forward your itineraries to Sergeant Major Mayfield at the address above. When doing so, please “cc” the information to Ed Liddie at Ed.Liddie@usajudo.us.

Athletes who are attending the training camp, but are not funded are asked to contact Mary Ann Relich at 719.866.3682 to make arrangements for payment prior to the camp. Please be advised that for those staying off-complex, the camp fees are $25/day for board and facility use and $45/day for those staying at the Lake Placid OTC. Acceptable forms of payment include credit card, money orders and cashier’s checks.

Middle School, High School and Collegiate National Championships

The entry forms for the Middle School, High School and Collegiate National Championships are now available on www.usjudo.org. Middle School and High School Nationals will be held March 24-25 in Chicago, Ill. with High School and Collegiate Nationals each serving as a Junior C Level points event. Collegiate Nationals are an E-Level tournament, though please note this is for E-Level classification only, not E-Level points.

Destination Beijing and Beyond

As the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games rapidly approach, an ad-hoc committee consisting of various constituents from within USA Judo met in Miami, Fla., Dec. 15-16 to discuss plans for the development of USA Judo athletes and programs through 2008 and beyond.

This is the second meeting held to create a plan for athlete development in the coming years with the first being held in October in San Francisco.

2006 National Select Team

Four top-ranked judo athletes were named to the 2006 National Select Team based upon their performances during this calendar year. Ronda Rousey (Santa Monica, Calif./63kg), Valerie Gotay (Temecula, Calif./57kg), Carrie Chandler (Scotia, N.Y./52kg) and Ryan Reser (Colorado Springs, Colo./73kg) each will receive direct athlete support from the U.S. Olympic Committee. These four athletes also will be offered the opportunity to participate in a two week or longer international exchange program through USOC financial assistance.

Senior Elite Athlete Funding

In addition to members of the National Select Team, all senior elite athletes will have the opportunity to earn monthly stipends through an incentive pool of funding as per below:

Point Totals	“A” Classification Monthly Payment	“B” Classification Monthly Payment
27	$500	$250
32	$1,000	$500
37	$1,500	$750
42 or more	$2,000	$1,000

All point totals are based upon results achieved in “A” or “B” Level events. This pool includes a maximum of $20,000. Once these funds are exhausted, the program will conclude for the year.

Additional athlete incentives also are available through USA Judo and U.S. Olympic Committee funds:

“A” & “A+” Level Events

Gold Medal	$3,000
Silver Medal	$2,000
Bronze Medal	$1,000

“B” Level Events – (European and Asian Tournaments)

Gold Medal	$1,000
Silver Medal	$750
Bronze Medal	$500

* Must win at least three matches. Round Robin excluded. No byes, no walkovers.

Senior elite athletes who are ranked as a B Level or greater, also are eligible for the 2006 USA Judo Elite Athlete Training Grant Request Program in which athletes may apply for funding to participate in international training camps or competitions.

Pan American Championships

The Pan American Championships will be held May 24-29 in Buenos Aires, Argentina. This B-Level event is the first of a five-tournament series that serves as the qualification system for the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games with the remaining events being the 2007 and 2008 Pan American Championships, 2007 Pan American Games and 2008 Olympic Zone Qualifier. The 2006 National Championships, April 20-22 in Houston, Texas, will serve as the trials for this event.

Junior World Championships

The 2006 Junior World Championships will be held Oct. 12-15 in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. The Trials for this team will be held in conjunction with the

Junior U.S. Open and will include the top four ranked IJF-Junior athletes in attendance in Olympic weight divisions. The #1 and #4-ranked athletes will fight with the winner competing against the winner of the #2/#3 matchup. If the top-ranked athlete wins the Trials, he/she will be named to the team. If another athlete wins the Trials, he/she will fight against the top-ranked athlete in a “sudden death” face-off with the winner taking the slot on the Junior World Team.

Two-time Olympic medalist Jimmy Pedro (Methuen, Mass.) has been appointed to oversee the newly created U-23 Team which will bridge the gap between the junior and senior levels and provide support and experience to athletes ages 17-22 who have the potential to reach the top levels of judo success.

Members of the U-23 Team will be announced at a later date and will be given the opportunity to compete at the Belgium Open, Feb. 4-5.

Junior Development

Junior Development Chair Jim Hrbek is researching opportunities for international competition which will be posted on the Junior Competition Opportunities page and appear in USA Judo Breaking News as they arise. The Junior Development Committee also is working on the creation of new programs and incentives for athletes ages 19 and under during the 2006 season.

Destination Beijing and Beyond meeting participants included:

· Jose H. Rodriguez, USA Judo Executive Director/CEO

- Israel Hernandez, Head Coach of the Brownsville USA Judo National Training Site

· Jhonny Prado, Head Coach of the North Miami USA Judo National Training Site

· German Velazco, Head Coach of the North Miami USA Judo National Training Site

· Eddie Liddie, Director of Coaching and Athlete Development

· Jason Morris, 2005 World Championship Team Coach

· Reno Reser, Athlete Representative

· Leo White, Development Director

· Brett Barron, Coaching and Training Chair

· Jim Hrbek, Junior Development Chair

· Tommy Dyer, Past Development Director

· David Matsumoto, Past Development Director

Liberty Bell Entry Forms Now Available

Entry forms for the Liberty Bell Classic are now available on www.usjudo.org. The 19^th Annual Liberty Bell Judo Classic is a Senior E Level Points event and will take place in Philadelphia, Pa., April 1-2.

Cohen’s Judo Club Summer Training Camp

Cohen’s Judo Club in Mundelein, Ill. will be playing host to a summer training camp for children ages five and up in 2006. Three sessions will be conducted by head instructors Ronda Rousey, 2004 Olympian and Junior World Champion; Aaron Cohen, two-time World Team Member; Justin Flores, 2005 World Team Member; and RJ Cohen, 1998 Junior World Team Member.

Session 1: June 14-20

Session 2: June 21-27

Session 3: June 28-July 5

Alumni Association

Reminder: The USA Judo Alumni Association membership fee for 2005/2006 will remain at the introductory rate of $25.00 until December 31. Visit the Alumni Association Web page to download an application! For more information, contact Sherrie Phillips.

SERVING OUR COUNTRY:

PVT Luke Jacobsen –Marines, Okinawa

LTJG Donny Newsome, Afghanistan, Navy

LTJG Nick Oldfield, Navy

Please let me know other Judo families who have loved ones serving in our military: rank, branch of service and where theyare serving. Thanks.

Something to Think About –
This is a little column I get by email that has some interesting things to think about. Hope you enjoy.

"The good you do today will be forgotten tomorrow. Do good anyway."

I remember reading a story in elementary school about a young Egyptian foreman who was supervising the laying of the foundation for one of the pharoah's pyramids. The foreman was out in the hot sun, encouraging, watching, and correcting the work. Whenever he found that the massive stones did not fit perfectly, he would have them realigned until they wer just right.

Another foreman watched him, and came over to give him some advice. "The foundation will all be underground. Nobody will see it, " He said shaking his head. "Don't worry about it. Nobody will know."

"I will know", the young foreman replied, continuing his work.

When you do what is right and good and true, you will know, and you will remember. That will give you all the personal meaning you need. Yes, some of the work that you do will be recognized, but even good work will often be forgotten. What is important is not whether anyone remembers. What is important is who you are as a person. What matters is how you live. If you are living authentically and generously, you won't worry about whether anyone else knows or remembers.

That's why the good that you do can be anonymous. Just doing good is "enough". Just knowing that you have helped someone is "enough". The fact is that some of the foundations for your own success were laid by your predecessors. That was their gift to you. The way to return the gift is to pass it on...to work hard so that you will have a gift to give to the next person who will fill your shoes.

Many of the best things we can do for each other are little things that bring a smile or lift the spirits as we go through daily life together. Sometimes, doing good is about common courtesy and thoughtfulness.

Robbie Alm of Honolulu developed the Live Aloha program to encourage people to do the little things that add up and improve the quality of our lives. Here are a few to consider:

Respect your elders and children.
Leave places better than you found them.
Hold the door.
Hold the elevator.
Plant something.
Drive with courtesy. Let others in.
Attend an event of another culture.
Return your shopping cart.
Get out and enjoy nature.
Pick up litter.
Share with your neighbors.
Create smiles.

This is Rex Barker C.S. (Community Servant) saying that sometimes the smallest things make the biggest difference. So take the time to smile at the lady at the newsstand...help people carry their packages into the building...be the first to start folding up the chairs after the meeting. Do good for its own sake. Do good because it is part of who you are, part of your quality of life. The good you do will be a source of personal meaning for you, even if nobody knows or those who know forget.

UPCOMING EVENTS - 2006
Please note the following events on the horizon for Illinois and the Midwest. Communication and download information can be gotten directly through this email by attachments or by going to www.judofdl.com (Brett Wood Taylors Welcome Mat Judo). OR www.judocalendar.com (Jim Carmer). Either site is a wealth of information on Judo events. Both have more events listed than I have, so visit their sites often. Thanks.

Jan 20 Jimmy Pedro – A Special Judo Seminar Minneapolis, MN

Contact George Trembulak at 651-778-3740 or Dr Greg Olsen at 612-521-3856

Jan 29 Wahadachi Judo Tournament Milwaukee,WI

Contact Jim Peterson petersla@execpc.com

Feb 12 4^th Annual Kid’s Snow Throw Shiai Kalamazoo, MI
Contact Ron Blake Phone: 269-345-7391 E-mail: ronblake@chartermi.net

Mar 4 Mississippi State Open Judo Tournament Raymond, MS

Contact Bob Harvey Mississippijudo@aol.com 601-924-3421 – Dojo

Mar 11 Midwestern Championships Libertyville, IL POSTED

Contact Irwin Cohen

Mar 18 NY OPEN New York City, NY

Contact www.newyorkopenjudo.com

Mar 24-26 Middle, High School, Collegiate National Championships Tinley Park, IL

Contact

Apr 1              Welcome Mat Open            Fond du Lac, WI
            Contact www.judofdl.com or contact Brett Wood-Taylor welcomemat@charter.net
            tournament package available online January 1, 2006

Apr 20-22 2006 Senior National Judo Championships & Kata & International Masters Houston, TX

Contact Tournament Director – Gail Stolzenburg; 281-493-1955; gail@texasjudo.com Local Contact

July 23 -25 USJF Junior Nationals Ft Lauderdale, FL

Contact Gerry Navarro gerrynavarro@aol.com 954-435-6976 www.judonationals.net

July 29-30 2006 Junior US OPEN Judo Championships Ft Lauderdale, FL

Contact Gerry Navarro gerrynavarro@aol.com 954-435-6976 www.judonationals.net

Nov 12 Gurnee Veteran's Day Judo Tournament Grayslake, IL
Contact Tim Schultheis tschulth@warpnet.net or flyer available www.gurneejudoclub.com