ILLINOIS JUDO NEWSLETTER – IPPON!!!

January 18, 2006

President:        Tim Schultheis
VP:                  Chuck Clark
Secretary:        Mary Gail Ford
Treasurer:       Frank Oliveri
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.  It is also appreciated if you would indicate your name in the tag line.  I do not use email addresses to segregate emails, only real names.  Thank you. 

Contents:
Editorial – Chicago – a US Bid City

LOCAL NEWS

            USJA 2006 Awards Announcement

USA JUDO NEWS
San Jose Buddhist Memorial tournament

            Deadline for application to Junior PanAms, Kindai Cup and Junior British Open

            European tour selection for #2 athletes

            US Open names Gwinnett Center Arena (Atlanta) to host championships – October 19-21

            Donation of Beijing Games Package from Jet Set Sports

            European Tour Information for 2^nd round deadlines

Copa Gigante International (Infantile and Juvenile) Carolina, Puerto Rico

Junior Spring Internation competition Opportunities.

Serving Our Country
Something to Think About – People who know everything
Upcoming Events
USA Judo Life Members

EDITORIAL – Chicago – a US Bid City

Chicago is one of two US bid cities for the 2016 summer Olympic Games.  The other is Los Angeles.  I believe Chicago has an excellent chance to be the United States candidate for these games.  And while I believe that Chicago would make an excellent choice, the bidding war will dramatically increase when the world finalist are finally chosen and the real competition begins.  For like any thing of this magnitude, the bid to win the Olympic Games is all about prestige, honor and of course the pursuit of the all mighty dollar. 

So what makes Chicago unique?  Of course, I have no idea what goes into the selection process.  I can only speculate and guess.  But here goes my reasons:

1. Chicago is a HUB.  In transportation(aviation), financial, athletics(7 – 8 professional teams), generosity, friendliness, infrastructure, CAN DO attitude.  
2. Chicago has never before hosted anything of this magnitude – Los Angeles has – twice(1932 and 1984).  Perhaps the largest event of this magnitude would be the World’s Fair of 1893, or perhaps the Democratic National Convention of 1968. 
3. Since the 60’s, in every two to three Olympic cycles, the Olympics have come to the Pan-American Union and/or the United States:  Rome-1960, Tokyo-1964, Mexico City-1968, Munich-1972, Montreal-1976, Moscow-1980, Los Angeles 1984, Seoul-1988, Barcelona-1992, Atlanta-1996, Sydney-2000, Athens-2004, Beijing-2008, London-2012, ???-2016. 
4. Bids are awarded 7 years in advance of the Games.  That means Organizing Committee’s (OC’s) have very little time to prepare.  Chicago already has much of the infrastructure well established.  It would seem the only thing Chicago would need is an Olympic Natatorium (swimming/diving stadium) and a velodrome (bicycle stadium).   Most of the other venues are already available or are readily convertible to Olympic events.  I have also heard that Chicago is willing to build an Olympic Stadium as well. 
5. Since 1984, the Olympic Games have generated a huge amount of cash for the organizing cities and the local business’ that participate. 
6. Mayor Richard M. Daley wants to leave a legacy for his mayoralship of Chicago to host the biggest sporting party this country has ever seen.  
7. It will be an exciting time for the people of Chicago and its environs.  We will be host to the world’s biggest sporting event.  The people of Chicago and the city will be under a microscope to put on a great show.  And they will bring honor and joy to this great city. 

But what are the drawback? 

1. The cost to bid on these Games is very high.  Once won, it becomes astronomical.
2. There will be some construction necessary, roads to repair, airports to upgrade or build.  There is no question, there will be inconveniences. 
3. During the Games, congestion in the city will be unbearable.  Some folks will just take a vacation from the city during those two weeks.  Public transportation will be the main form of city travel.  
4. Terrorism.  Although Athens was spared and the chances of anything happening in Beijing are remote, any western city would be primal targets for bad people, especially if it is in the United States.  London would be suspect as well. 

The final selection for the US Bid city will be announced on April 14^th.  The bid will then have to be presented to the IOC by September 15, 2007.  Whoever gets this bid will then be competing on the world stage.  International bid countries/cities expressing an interest in hosting this event are Italy, India, Japan, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Spain and Azerbaijan.  The final decision will be announced by the IOC in October, 2009 in Copenhagen, Denmark. 

I have been privileged to have attended 2 Olympic Games.  I was in Munich in 1972 to witness the two fastest men in the world from the United States.  Unfortunately, we did not see the US flag raised on the podium because those two missed their bus and consequently their event in the 100 meters.  While disappointed in this, my wife and I were happy to have experienced our first Olympic Games.  Bitterly, several days after we departed, the tragedy of Munich left an equally enduring memory in our minds.  My second experience was in Atlanta where I and a few others from the Midwest and across the country worked tables, wore uniforms, lived in dorms, rode school buses, broke bread and bonded in ways that one could never relate to – outside of an Olympic experience.  We saw victory and defeat, joy and disappointment in athletes and their fans.  But equally important, we saw perseverance, strength of character, never give up attitudes.

Yes, I believe that the Olympics Games should come to the United States again and specifically to Chicago.  It will be a lot of work, there will be sweat and tears in making this happen, there will be the doubters and naysayers.  But in the final analysis, sports in its purest form are what the Olympics Games is all about. It is about peaking your performance once in four years.  It is about sportsmanship in its finest hour.  It is coming together of countries from all over the world, from all walks of life, speaking many different languages and practicing many different religions.  It is the testing of human athletic skills against the best in the world and against yourself.  And to top it all off, some of you will participate in the Games as athletes, referees, organizers, table workers, spectators, parents and friends.  It is my hope that your experience, regardless of participation will be one of the highlights of your life and something that will remain with you forever.

"Citius, Altius, Fortius"

"Swifter, Higher, Stronger"

LOCAL NEWS

United States Judo Association 2006 Awards announcement

Outstanding Male Competitor - Adler Volmar

Outstanding Female Competitor - Alexa Liddie

Outstanding Male Masters Competitor - Randy Pierce - Missouri

Outstanding Female Masters Competitor - Amy Wilson

Outstanding Life Member Contributor - Dr. James M. Lally

Outstanding Kata Competitors - Brian Hightower

Coach of the Year - Terry Kelly

USA Judo News
Complete coverage of these articles available at the USA Judo website.  Click on the link http://www.usjudo.org/    and click on the What's New page to see all the recent news items.  The items listed below may or may not be linked already.  To get further information on any of these stories, it is better to go to the USA Judo website.

San Jose Buddhist Sensei Memorial Tournament  - Referee Test Site

The San Jose Buddhist Sensei Memorial Tournament, a USA Judo Senior E-Level Event, will be held Feb. 11 at the San Jose State University Events Center.  Entry packets are available at http://www.usjudo.org/documents/SJBTournamententry2007.pdf. 

FRIDAY is Deadline for Junior Pan Ams, Kindai Cup and Junior British Open

Athletes interested in competing in the Junior Pan American Championships, Kindai Cup or Junior British Open are reminded that the deadline for registration is Jan. 19.  Detailed information on each of these events can be found at http://www.usjudo.org/juniors_compopportunities.asp.

European Tour Selection for #2 Athletes Due Today

Athletes ranked #2 on the USA Judo Senior Elite National Roster, dated Dec. 4, 2007 who have not yet picked an event on the European Tour or who would like to add a second event must complete the appropriate paperwork, with payment, and submit to Mary Ann Relich, maryann.relich@usajudo.us by Midnight MST on Wednesday Jan. 17.  

The European calendar can be found at http://www.usjudo.org/seniors_compopportunities.asp. 

Gwinnett County Named Home to 2007 U.S. Open
USA Judo is pleased to announce that the 2007 U.S. Open Judo Championships will be held Oct. 19-21 at the Gwinnett Center Arena in Gwinnett County, Ga.

Gwinnett County, located in the Northern Atlanta metropolitan area, was the host of the 2005 USA Judo National Junior Olympic Championships as well as other key events, including the 2004 U.S. Figure Skating National Championships, 2004-2005 SEC Gymnastics Championships and the upcoming 2008 first and second rounds of the NCAA Women’s Basketball Championships.

 “The Junior Olympics in Gwinnett County was one of my first events since coming to USA Judo in 2005.  I know that Gwinnett has hosted many top events and not only will they be excellent hosts, but the tournament facility will be a perfect one to host a first-class international event,” said USA Judo CEO Jose H. Rodriguez. “Atlanta has such a rich Olympic history having hosted a very successful 1996 Centennial Olympic Games. I know that many of our USA Judo family have fond memories of this Olympic City. And, just as well, we have many local judo greats, such as Leo White who will be able to help us find volunteers and technical officials." more>

USA Judo Receives Donation of Beijing Games Package from Jet Set Sports

USA Judo CEO Jose H. Rodríguez is pleased to announce that Jet Set Sports, an official sponsor of the 2006-2012 U.S. Olympic Teams, has awarded USA Judo a 2008 Beijing Olympic Games hospitality package for the purpose of promotion and fundraising.

More details will be announced about the program that USA Judo will present to our members and donors who may be able to win a trip for two to the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games.

“We were just notified by Mark Lewis, President of Jet Set Sports that the USA Judo proposal was accepted and we have been awarded this opportunity,” Rodriguez said. “We will soon announce how the program will work and how our members and donors can participate in the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to attend the 2008 Summer Games. We are very appreciative of Jet Set Sports and the USOC for providing the opportunity to offer this program to our members and donors.”  

USA Judo soon will announce how the program will work.  Check back to www.usjudo.org soon for your chance to be in Beijing in 2008!

European Tour Information for Second Round Deadlines

Athletes seeking to compete on the 2007 European Tour are advised that the second round of deadlines begins SUNDAY. 

In the second round, athletes ranked in the top five on the Senior Elite National Roster, dated Dec. 4, 2006 who have not yet picked an event on the European Tour or who would like to add a second event must complete the appropriate paperwork, with payment, and submit to Mary Ann Relich, maryann.relich@usajudo.us by Midnight MST on Sunday.  

Second Round Selection Deadlines - Roster as of December 4, 2006

#1 Ranked Athlete	1 event	Jan. 14 , 2007
#2 Ranked Athlete	1 event	Jan. 17, 2007
#3 Ranked Athlete	1 event	Jan. 20, 2007
#4 Ranked Athlete	1 event	Jan. 23, 2007
#5 Ranked Athlete	1 event	Jan. 26, 2007

Beginning Jan. 27, the European Tour will be opened to all athletes ranked #6 or lower.   The European calendar can be found at http://www.usjudo.org/seniors_compopportunities.asp. 

Copa Gigante International (Infantile-Juvenile)

The Copa Gigante International will be held March 16-18 in Carolina, Puerto Rico.  The tournament organizers have changed the age and weight divisions to match those of the USA Judo Junior divisions.  Therefore, this event will be pointable for all divisions (athletes born between 1988 and 1998).  Two points will be given for a gold medal, one for a silver medal and 0.5 points for a bronze medal.  Contact Mary Ann Relich at maryann.relich@usaudo.us to register.

Junior Spring International Competition Opportunities

Junior athletes interested in competing in the Kindai Cup, Junior British Open or Junior Pan American Championships are reminded that they MUST contact Jim Hrbek at jrjudotrip@aol.com by Jan. 17.  Information on each of these trips can be found at http://www.usjudo.org/juniors_compopportunities.asp. 

SERVING OUR COUNTRY
PVT Luke Jacobsen – Milwaukee, WI                                               
LTJG Donny Newsome, Gurnee, IL                                           
LT Nick Oldfield, Navy, Virginia – home base                            
Mike Preditus, IL                                                                            
SGT Dennis Pruitt, IRAQ                                                             
Dan Smith, Dickson, TN                                                             
Please let me know other Judo families who have loved ones serving in our military:  rank, branch of service and where they are serving.  Thanks.

Something to Think About – A Quiz For People Who Know Everything"

(1) There's one "sport" in which neither the spectators nor the participants know the score or the leader until the contest ends. What is it?
Boxing
(2) What famous North American landmark is constantly moving backward?
Niagara Falls. The rim is worn down about two and a half feet each year because of the millions of gallons of water that rush over it every minute
3) Of all vegetables, only two can live to produce on their own for several growing seasons. All other vegetables must be replanted every year. What are the only two perennial vegetables?
Asparagus and rhubarb
(4) Name the only sport in which the ball is always in possession of the team on defense, and the offensive team can score without touching the ball?
Baseball
(5) What fruit has its seeds on the outside?
Strawberry
(6) In many liquor stores, you can buy pear brandy, with a real pear inside the bottle. The pear is whole and ripe, and the bottle is genuine; it hasn't been cut in any way. How did the pear get inside the bottle?
The pear grew inside the bottle. The bottles are placed over pear buds when they are small, and are wired in place on the tree. The bottle is left in place for the whole growing season. When the pears are ripe, they are snipped off at the stems.
(7) Only three words in standard English begin with the letters "dw." They are all common. Name two of them.
Dwarf, dwell, and dwindle
(8) There are fourteen punctuation marks in English grammar. Can you name half of them?
Period, comma, colon, semicolon, dash, hyphen, apostrophe, question mark, exclamation point, quotation marks, brackets, parenthesis, braces, and ellipses
(9) Where are the lakes that are referred to in the "Los Angeles Lakers?"
In Minnesota. The team was originally known as the Minneapolis Lakers and kept the name when they moved west
(10) There are seven ways a baseball player can legally reach first base without getting a hit. Taking a base on balls-a walk-is one way. Name the other six.
Batter hit by a pitch; passed ball; catcher interference; catcher drops third strike; fielder's choice; and being designated as a pinch runner
(11) It's the only vegetable or fruit that is never sold frozen, canned, processed, cooked, or in any other form but fresh. What is it?
Lettuce
(12) Name six or more things that you can wear on your feet that begin with the letter "S."
Shoes, socks, sandals, sneakers, slippers, skis, snowshoes, stockings.

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 Taylor 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.

2007 dates

Jan 21 Junior Development Clinic – Open Workout Tohkon Judo Academy      Chicago, IL               
Contact Brett Wolf              azumah4@yahoo.com

Jan 26     How Kata Helps Shiai and How Shiai Helps Kata Ocean Springs, MS

                Contact Jim Hunt (228-806-8125 or jimhuntjudo@bellsouth.net) or

                                Ken Altman (228-365-4168) gulfcoastjudo@yahoo.com

Jan 27     WJI Hall of Fame Dinner honoring Neal Rosenberg and Ron Hanson Wauwatosa, WI                  

Contact Jim Peterson           1-414-444-0272

Jan 28     Wahadachi Judo Tournament Milwaukee, WI    
Contact Jim Peterson           1-414-444-0272      website:  www.wahadachijudo.com

Feb 10         Sensei Memorial   San Jose, CA        -               Referee EXAMINATION Site
Contact: 

Feb. 11   Kids Snow Throw, Southside Dojo LTD, Kalamazoo, Mi.
Ron Blake RonBlake@chartermi.net for more information  www.SouthsideDojo.com

Feb 18    Illinois State Open Judo Championships     Yorkville IL
Contact   Chuck Clark:  (630)553-5741 clarkmail4@comcast.net OR (please note new email address for Chuck)
                 Tim Schultheis (847)244-7847

Feb 17    4^th Annual Pedro's Challenge Judo Tournament Wakefield, MA                -               Referee EXAMINATION Site
Contact Jim Pedro at jimmypedro@zebramats.com or 978-973-6238
USA Judo E-Level Senior Event and Referee Examination Site

Mar 2-4 Midwestern Championships Illinois                -               Referee EXAMINATION Site
Contact Irwin Cohen

Mar 10 New York Open, New York City –

Mar 24-26 MS/HS/Collegiate National Championships – Miami, FL                -               Referee EVALUATION Site
Contact:  Sherrie Phillips

Mar 31-Apr 1   Liberty Bell – Philadelphia, PA          -               Referee EXAMINATION Site

Apr 7-8   Northglenn – Denver, CO -               Referee CREDIT Site

Apr 20-21 Senior Nationals – Miami, Fl                -               Referee EVALUATION Site

May 29-30 Am-Can Challenge – Buffalo, NY-               Referee EXAMINATION Site   

Jun 30-Jul 1 USJA Junior Nationals – Indianapolis, IN                -               Referee CREDIT Site -

Jul 14-15 USJF Junior Nationals – Ypsilanti, MI                -               Referee CREDIT Site

Jul 21 – 22 Junior Olympics – San Antonio, TX                 -               Referee EVALUATION Site –

Jul 28-29 USA Judo Junior Open – Ft Lauderdale, FL                -               Referee EVALUATION Site  Note NEW DATE

Sep 2007 Ladder and Fall Classic –                  -               Referee EVALUATION Site

Oct 20-21   USA Judo Senior Open                -               Referee EVALUATION Site Note DATE

Nov 2007               Continental Crown – Seattle, WA     -               Referee EXAMINATION  Site

Nov 2007               Dallas Invitational – Dallas, TX         -               Referee EXAMINATION Site

LIFE MEMBERSHIPS INFORMATION – USA JUDO
For more information on Life Membership in USA Judo, please contact USA Judo and click on “LIFE MEMBERSHIP”  
Nat’l       Order     Name
030          1             Henry Okamura(deceased)
041          2             Kei Narimatsu
065          3             James Colgan
122          4             Richard Fukuyama(deceased)
125          5             Joanne Barthold(deceased)
139          6             George Stanich
148          7             Mary Gail Ford
161          8             Kevin Narimatsu (CA)
162          9             Scott Narimatsu (CA)
164          10           Byung Chul Cho
167          11           Yung Kim
177          12           Kyu Yoon
181          13           John Bek
189          14           Quentin Thompson
201          15           Michiyuki Sasa
216          16           George Weers
271          17           Susan McConnell
289          18           William Jaconetti
291          19           Jean S Narimatsu
292          20           Susan Narimatsu
324          21           Timothy Tremaine
342          22           Stephen Bergren
349          23           Timothy Canty
355          24           Tim Schultheis
358          25           Bradford Lee (NV)
363          26           Frank Oliveri
364          27           Michael Ogata (FL)
370          28           Jeanette J Narimatsu
371          29           Julie K Narimatsu
374          30           Joe Kajita (CA)
378          31           Eiko Shepherd
381          32           Bill Dunning(deceased)
382          33           Yasko Odagiri
383          34           Wren Odagiri
385          35           Cary Yamanaka (MN)               
387          36           Don Bordeau

There are currently only 36 Life Members in Illinois.  You can start a membership for $75 minimum start payment and $25 per payment thereafter until completed.  You can pay by cash, check or credit card.  For more information, please contact www.usjudo.org  and select “LIFE MEMBERSHIP” Let’s do our share in Illinois.   Thanks.