ILLINOIS JUDO NEWSLETTER – IPPON!!!

March 1, 2007

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 – BEST PRACTICES
LOCAL NEWS

            Al Chapman passes away

USA JUDO NEWS

            2007 High School All-Star Team to Compete at Junior A-Level Event in Austria

USA Judo Nat’l Training Site at SJS Hosted Elite HS

            Revised Northglenn Entry Packet

            Postmark Deadline for Middle School, High School and Collegiate Nationals

            Puerto Rico Open to Feature D-Level Senior and Masters Competitions

            Free Teleseminar with Jimmy Pedro and Rhadi Ferguson

            US Athletes at Otto Super World Cup – Hamburg Germany

            Important coaching notice

            2007 World Championships and Pan American Games Trials

            2007 Pan American Championships and World Team Funding

           

Serving Our Country
Something to Think About –

Upcoming Events
USA Judo Life Members

 

EDITORIAL –

USA Judo is developing a program to help develop protocols and procedures in the Group B (state) organizations to more efficiently build Judo in those states who need help. They are developing best practices strategies and programs.  As I was thinking about this strategy I thought, just what has Illinois Judo done for our members, our clubs, our coaches and referees.  Most importantly, what has Illinois Judo done to further Judo’s image to the general public.  I came up with just a partial list that Illinois Judo is doing.  These are great things and all of US should be very proud of these accomplishments.

 

To name a few initiatives:

§         Monthly Junior workouts throughout the state – 12 for 12 so far in 2006-07

§         Restart of the Illinois State Championships - an entire new crew of young parents and sensei's working hospitality, mats, tables, refereeing, coaching

§         Better cooperation with diversity of different organizations (Illinois Judo and CJBBA in particular) but reaching out to all the Judo organizations out there. 

§         Referee Coordinator who actually coordinates

§         501 (c) (3) status applied and received

§         New and younger folks in leadership positions.  Certainly we still have some old “guys”, like me, but we have some in their 30’s and 40’s learning about leadership and taking the lead. 

§         Junior Referee program

§         New Referee program for new referees, juniors, competitors, coaches, parents

§         New sources of income with New logo patches, shirts and other stuff. 

§         Younger instructors leading major clubs

§         Effort to re-invigorate our state promotion system

§         Successful running of the MS, HS and Collegiate National Championships last March – brought together a diversity of clubs that has not happened in many years.

§         Hosting of the Japan HS team during these Championships – cooperation between CJBBA and IJI

§         Increased intrastate cooperation (IL – WI, IL – IA, IL – IN)

§         Could have another scholarship recipient from Illinois

§         It is essential for state organizations to align and demonstrate that alignment with USA Judo. Sanctions, certifications, tournaments, medals, logos, coaching, refereeing, soup-to-nuts should mirror USA Judo, albeit on a different scale with varying objectives. Otherwise, we may appear as freelance organizations. USA Judo is the governing body for JUDO by the USOC. State organizations are components of USA Judo. That understanding does not diminish our role, but provides authority within the state and credibility to the National offices. 

§         Hosting of major international players, coaches and referee celebrities for clinics

o       Carlos Diaz and Jaime Casanova

o       Jim Pedro, Jason Morris,  Carrie Chandler, David and Telitha Ellis

o       Noriko Narazaki, JPN

o       Pat Burris coaches clinic

 

We have a terrific amount of talent within the Illinois judo clubs, and we have been able to accomplish some things early on.  Sustainability and continued enthusiasm will come only through good leadership and dedicated parents, coaches, referees, and most importantly, the Athlete.  Individuals will not make it happen.  You, collectively will make it happen.  The momentum is on our side so, I am looking forward to a wonder 2007 and beyond for Illinois Judo and USA Judo specifically and really for all Judo Organizations. 

 

LOCAL NEWS

Dear Kei,

I just learned of Alan Chapman's passing away earlier this month. He started many of us in judo at his club Tai Jitsu near Central and Belmont.
Lou

Alan Chapman was the instructor at Tai-Jitsu in Chicago in the 50’s and 60’s.  At the time I met him, he was a brown belt running one of the first for profit clubs in the City.  He had a rag tag bunch of pretty tough neighborhood kids in his club.  He eventually got his black belt and was very instrumental in developing Judo at the Club level in Chicago in the early days.  

 

The reason why I remember him was that one of the first tournaments I competed in for Uptown Dojo was against kids from Tai-Jitsu.  Uptown Dojo’s first group of students (kids) numbered 13.  I was one of them.  We also had some adult students, Jim Colgan was one of them.  But what really stood out was that we have about 10 black belts with ranks from san dan(3rd) to shodan (1st).  This was unprecedented.  These black belts were products of Japan and California with  traditional Kodokan Judo methodologies.  They were true instructors. 

 

In that first tournament, of the 13 kids that competed, ALL thirteen of us LOST our first match and ALL against the kids from Tai-Jitsu.  What an embarrassment for our senseis.  Well, we all went home with our tails between our legs.  Funny now, not funny then.  Of course, Uptown Dojo went on to be one of the most successful clubs in the country producing many National Champions and Olympians in the process. 

 

I give Mr Chapman his due.  He continued to teach Judo in Chicago and had a most positive influence on his students and in the Judo political arena.  Thank you Mr Chapman and thank you for your contribution to Judo.  KN

 

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.

 

2007 High School All-Star Team to Compete at Junior A-Level Event in Austria
Athletes who win the Olympic weight divisions at the USA Judo National High School Championships, March 24 in Miami, will have the opportunity to compete as part of a USA Judo High School All-Stars Team at an EJU A-Level Junior Tournament from June 8-10 in Stockerau, Austria.  The competition will be followed by a training camp from June 11-14.
 
In the event that any of the High School Champions decline to participate or are not U.S. citizens, Team slots will be offered to the highest ranking athlete in each weight division on the IJF-Junior roster, dated March 25.  Subsequent declines will progress down the roster through the three highest ranked athletes in each division.  
 
Athletes named to the team will receive $500 in funding to be provided on a reimbursement basis at the completion of the trip.
 
For more information, contact Jim Hrbek, Chair of Junior Athlete Performance, at judolym@aol.com.

 

USA Judo National Training Site at San Jose State University Hosted Elite High School National Championships Over the Weekend

The USA Judo National Training Site at San Jose State University played host to a crew of elite high school judo players at a three-day training camp, Feb. 23-25 in San Jose, Calif.

 

Isao Okano, one of judo’s living legends, served as a special guest instructor.  Okano, a 1964 Olympic Champion and two-time World Champion, was visiting from Japan.  Considered to be one of judo’s living legends, Okano often spends two months a year working with the San Jose State Judo Team. 

 

Nearly 50 athletes participated in the camp that was led by the following San Jose State Coaches:

 

Mike Swain – World Champion and four-time Olympian

Keith Nakasone – 1980 Olympian & Pan American Champion

Chuck Jefferson – Two-time Pan American Champion

Shozo Fukuda – Collegiate National Champion

Tetsu Okano – 2004 Olympic Team Alternate

 

The camp also included a weight training and conditioning seminar… more>

 

 

Revised Northglenn Entry Packet

The entry packet for the Northglenn Championships, April 7 in Denver, has been revised to include hotel information as well as the addition of a team competition and a senior novice division.

 

The entry packet is available at http://www.usjudo.org/documents/2007northglenn.pdf

 

 

Thursday is Postmark Deadline to Mail in Your Early Registrations for Middle School, High School and Collegiate Nationals

Don’t forget…  Tuesday is the POSTMARK deadline to send in your entries for the Middle School, High School and Collegiate National Championships, May 24-25 in Miami, Fla.  Entry forms and additional information are available at http://www.usjudo.org/documents/2007MSHSEntryForm.pdf (Middle and High Schools) and http://www.usjudo.org/documents/2007CollegiateEntry.pdf (Collegiates).

                                                                                                                                                             

Discounted Room Rate Deadline for Middle School, High School and Collegiate Nationals is TODAY

Don’t forget to reserve your room for the Middle School, High School and Collegiate National Championships, March 24-25 in Miami, Fla.

 

Rooms are filling quickly and TODAY is the deadline to receive the discounted rate at the Tournament Headquarters, Miccosukee Resort & Gaming.

 

Reservations can be made by calling 305.925.2555 and asking for the "USA Judo Rate CODE: GJUDO."

 

NEW THIS YEAR: The NJCA Collegiate Nationals will include a Senior Novice Division.

 

Middle and High School Nationals Entry Forms: http://www.usjudo.org/documents/2007MSHSEntryForm.pdf.

Collegiate Nationals Entry Forms: http://www.usjudo.org/documents/2007CollegiateEntry.pdf

 

Puerto Rico Open to Feature D-Level Senior and Masters Competition

Athletes interested in competing in the Puerto Rico Open in Salinas, a USA Judo Senior D-Level Point Tournament in the “TNL” category, are advised that the deadline to register with the USA Judo National Office for the event is March 28. 

 

Athletes must contact Patty Meza, patty.meza@usajudo.us, with their flight itineraries by NO LATER than March 28. 

 

The Puerto Rico Judo Federation will provide lodging and food at their Olympic Training Center for the top 11 U.S. athletes participating in the event.  Other athletes may stay at the facility as well; however the fee will be $35.00 per day. 

 

When submitting your request to compete to Patty Meza, please also include whether you wish to stay in the OTC housing.  The 11 athletes receiving complimentary housing will be selected off the USA Judo Senior Elite National Roster, dated March 26 by Eddie Liddie, USA Judo Director of Athlete Performance. 

 

The Puerto Rico Open also will include Master’s divisions this year. 

 

Free Teleseminar with Jimmy Pedro and Rhadi Ferguson

Jimmy Pedro, 1999 World Champion and two-time Olympic medalist, and Rhadi Ferguson, 2004 Olympian and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu World medalist, will be conducting a free teleseminar at 9 p.m. EST on March 9.

 

The seminar will feature “Gripfighting Secrets: The 7 Keys to Gripfighting and the Costly Cripping Mistakes that You Must Avoid.

Here are a few of the strategies that they will reveal on this FREE teleseminar:

*                  The number one thing that YOU MUST get accomplished before you fight – and what you have to do if you can’t. – This information alone will improve your game by 50%

*                  A quick and easy checklist that can dramatically increase your possibility of throwing and decrease your possibility of being thrown

*                  Exactly what being a lefty or righty means – and the strategy that you need to implement when you are fighting one!

*                  The secret behind why Jimmy Pedro is right handed but plays judo as a lefty – and why Rhadi Ferguson switched to lefty too!

*                  The ONE THING that you should NEVER do when gripfighting – you may get away with it now, but it will catch up with you for sure!

The easy and simple gripping secrets that Rhadi Ferguson taught Lloyd Irvin that allowed him to win the World Jujitsu Championships – and what you can do to improve your game tomorrow.

 

To register for this event, visit http://www.griptowin.com/.

 

U.S. Athletes Eliminated in Early Rounds at Otto Super World Cup

The three U.S. players who competed at the Otto Super World Cup in Hamburg, Germany won a total of two matches and lost three in Saturday’s divisions.


FYI:  The German Otto, along with Tournei de Paris (Paris Open) and the Moscow Open are all Super A events.  They are considered the toughest events on the world tour sometimes exceeding the World Championships and Olympic Games in degree of difficulty.  The reason is that the host country can enter up to 4 competitors per division and European countries can enter up to 2 per division.  Other unions may only enter 1 per division.  The Europeans enter only their best at these events.  Saying this, there are a number of other A events that host the Men’s or Women’s divisions.  At these events, the same rules apply on # of competitors eligible per country.  To be competitive, a country must send only their best.  This year, the US has been somewhat successful in the European A events, especially the British Women’s A and in Austria (Women).  The men have struggled overall.  The good news is that the US is sending teams to the European events – this is the only way for us to become more competitive on the world stage.  From the Pan-American Union, Cuba and Brazil generally send teams.  The Cuban women are generally in the hunt for a medal, often a gold. 

 

Justin Flores (Glenville, N.Y. / USA Judo National Training Site at the Jason Morris Judo Center / San Shi / 66kg) had a first round bye and a second round against 2006 Pan American bronze medalist Sasha Mehmedovic (CAN).  Down by a koka (smallest points), Flores came back with 17 seconds left in the match to win by ippon (instant win). 

 

In the next round, Flores lost by ippon to Mesrop Barbaryan (ARM) who lost in the quarterfinals to top-ranked Yordanis Arencibia (CUB), eliminating Flores.

 

Ryan Reser (Colorado Springs, Colo. / USA Judo National Training Site at the Olympic Training Center / 73kg) won his first match by a koka against Aris Kotanidis (GRE), but lost his second on a penalty to Mario Schendel (GER)more> 

 

Otto Super World Cup Day 2 Results

 

(Colorado Springs, Colo.) – None of the three U.S. athletes competing on the second day of the Otto Super World Cup on Sunday in Hamburg advanced out of the first round of competition.

 

Travis Stevens (Glenville, N.Y. / USA Judo National Training Site at the Jason Morris Judo Center / 81kg) lost in the first round to Saba Gavashelishvili (GEO) by yuko (quarter-point), waza-ari (half-point) and, ultimately ippon (instant win) scores. 

 

Gavashelishvili won his next match, but then lost to Athens Olympic medalist Flavio Canto (BRA), eliminating Stevens… more>

 

IMPORTANT COACHING NOTICE:

Effective December 31, 2006, all USA Judo Coaches Certifications must be renewed on an annual basis.  Certifications are valid from the time of completion through December 31.  After December 31, Coaches will have a 90-day grace period in which to renew. 

USA Judo Coaches Certification policy allows for a 90-day grace period beyond the expiration date before the Coach Certification is officially marked as lapsed.  This is to avoid penalizing the Coach with loss of certification. 

Coaches with questions regarding the new policy can contact Patrick Burris, Director of Coach Education and Certification at burris7276@sbcglobal.net

Renewal forms can be found at http://www.usjudo.org/documents/CoachesRenewalForm.pdf

2007 World Championships and Pan American Games Trials

The USA Judo Senior National Championships, April 20-21 in Miami, will be used as the Trials for the World Championships and Pan American Games Teams... more>

 

2007 Pan American Championships and World Team Funding

The following is the criteria for athletes to receive funding for participation on the Pan American Championships Team.  Receiving funding is based on the number of International points held by an athlete on the USA Judo Senior National Elite Ranking Roster at the close of the 2007 World and Pan American Trials, April 20-21 in Miami, Fla. 

Fully Funded Athletes

Athletes that have 21 or more International points.

These athletes will receive full funding to the event, including airfare, entry fee, room and board and all miscellaneous expenses.

Partially Funded Athletes

Athletes that have accumulated 15 International points, but not more than 20 International points.

These athletes will receive partial funding to the 2007 Pan American Championships. This funding will include airfare to the event.  Partially funded athletes will be responsible for providing their own room and board and other miscellaneous expenses to be assessed at a later date.

Athletes Reimbursement

Athletes that are not fully funded will receive reimbursement upon achieving the following:

Gold Medal

Athletes who win a gold medal will become fully funded athletes regardless of his/her International point level and shall be reimbursed for all reasonable expenses incurred, including flight (if the athlete was not already partially funded), room and board and other reasonable related expenses.  

Silver Medal

Athletes who win a silver medal will receive reimbursement for his/her airfare, not to exceed $1,000.00 or an amount determined to be reasonable, provided the ticket is purchased within 14 days of departure.  If the athlete is already a partially funded athlete, he/she will receive reimbursement for his/her room and board and other reasonable related expenses.

Non-Olympic Weight Divisions

Athletes who qualify for the Pan American Championships and World Team  in non-Olympic weight divisions (44kg, 55kg and Open) are not eligible to receive funding for their participation in the event, including reimbursement or medal awards.

 

2007 Pan American Games Funding and Selection Criteria

Athletes who are named to the Pan American Games Team, following the completion of the qualification of the divisions, will receive full funding, including transportation, entry, Team USA apparel, lodging, etc.  This funding will be for specified travel dates only.  Any additional stay will be at the expense of the athlete. 

To view the complete selection criteria for the Pan American Games, visit http://www.usjudo.org/documents/2007RevisedPanAmericanGamesSelectionCriteria.pdf.

SERVING OUR COUNTRY                       
PVT Luke Jacobsen – Milwaukee, WI                                        
LTJG Donny Newsome, Gurnee, IL                                           
LT Nick Oldfield, Navy, Virginia – home base                            
Mike Preditus, IL                                                                         
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 – 

This little test was given to a bunch of kindergarteners – 80% of whom got the correct answer vs 17% of Stanford Graduate students.

What is greater than God
More evil than the devil
The poor have it
The rich need it
And if you eat it, you'll die?

Answer?  NOTHING

Yes, this is part of the Urban Legends.  But if you think about it, it is true.  Remember, it IS something to think about.

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

Mar 2-4  Midwestern Championships  Illinois                -               Referee EXAMINATION Site
SPECIAL GUEST REFEREE LECTURER – MR CARLOS DIAZ, PJU REFEREE DIRECTOR
SPECIAL GUEST – MR JAIME CASANOVA, PRESIDENT PANAMERICAN JUDO UNION

Contact Irwin Cohen           rwin76@aol.com

Mar 3     Mississippi State Open Judo Championships               Clinton MS

                Contact Bob Harvey  601-924-3421  Dojo                601-334-6448  Cell e-mail: Mississippijudo@aol.com

Mar 10    New York Open, New York City
Contact Dr Mel Applebaum       MiddieMD@aol.com

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

March31-April 1          WELCOME MAT OPEN  Fond du Lac, Wi.                                               NEW!!!
                Contact Brett Wood-Taylor welcomemat@charter.net or Michael Blakeslee mcbreply@mcb-us.com

Information available www.judofdl.com  and tournament package available http://www.judofdl.com/open2007    

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

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

Apr 14    Konjo Dojo St Louis Spring Championships                  Fenton, MO.                                               NEW!!!
                Contact: Randy Pierce         636-464-6487 eve or 636-343-2481 days
                                                                Blackbelt6thdan@aol.com

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

May 19   N-S Tournament          Glen Carbon, IL
Contact          Quentin Thompson             618-476-1976 H                     qthom2@juno.com
        Eiko Shepherd                      618-781-5157 Cell  eikojudo@apci.net

 

May 20   ILLINOIS JUDO JUNIOR WORKOUT         O’Fallon, IL           World Martial Arts School                

                Contact Eiko Shepherd                      618-781-5157 Cell  eikojudo@apci.net

                                Brett Wolf                             773-230-6070         azumah4@yahoo.com

 

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

Jul 7-8  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 

Sep 2007  Ladder and Fall Classic –                  -               Referee EVALUATION Site

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

Nov. 2-4   3rd Annual "All Women's Championship," Kalamazoo, Michigan    
Jr. Sr. and Master competition (Kata, Shiai) ,             Referee, Coaches, Kata Clinics
Contact Deborah L. Fergus at defrgs6@cs.com or 269 208 1068

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.