ILLINOIS JUDO NEWSLETTER – IPPON!!!

ILLINOIS JUDO NEWSLETTER – IPPON!!!

November 16, 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 – A Judo Champion

Local News

2007 All Women’s Championship Report by George Weers

The passing of John Black Ph.D.

USA JUDO NEWS

2008 Pan-Am Championships & 2008 Zone Cup Selection Criteria

Team USA Finnish Open Results

Continental Crown Results

Rousey, Matsumoto, Ambouroue win Finnish Open

Jita Kyoei Photo Gallery

Rusty Kanokogi Received John Osako Award

Ronda Rousey Named USA Judo Athlete of the Month

Ryan Rebmann Suspended from USA Judo Membership

Excalibur Named Host Hotel for 2008 US Olympic Trials for Judo and Wrestling –

June 13 – 15, 2008

Win Trip to Miami for PJU Championships

Team USA Named Grand Champions at Jita Kyoei Cup in Peru

Eldred Wins Bronze at Swedish Open

Fujimoto, Lafon and Geier Win Gold in Mexico

Volmar and Turner Win Bronze in Sweden

USA Athletes win 5 GOLDS on first day of Benito Juarez

Kunihiro and Learned Win Flanders Cup

Something to Think About – Defence of Ft McHenry

Upcoming Events
USA Judo Life Members

***************************************************************************************

EDITORIAL – A Judo Champion

There is no question that National, World and Olympic class athlete Judo players are talented. They are unquestionably as good an athlete as any other athlete in another sport. They are unbelievably conditioned, they are in top physical shape, their training is intense and their dedication to practice and excellence belies the ease in which they seemingly accomplish their achievements. At least that is the outward appearance we so often see from our finest athletes. How easy is it to be thrown by the likes of Jimmy Pedro or Ed Liddie or Mike Swain, all former Olympic medalists. How about the incomparable Yasuhiro Yamashita who has never lost a match in his entire judo career, having won 3 World Championships, one Olympic Championship and 8 time All-Japan Champion in his long and illustrious Judo life. Yes, it appears that training hard and dedication are the main prerequisites to a winning attitude. But it is not that easy. Just ask anyone who has attained that level of competence that ranks them at the top of the game. They will tell you that it is more than hard work and perseverance. It takes a bit of luck. It takes no small degree of natural talent. And sometimes, it might be divined destiny. How else do you explain why some excel and some do not.

I have been in Judo for the better part of my life. It has not always been easy to be a true judoka, in fact, it has been a struggle. It was no coincidence then, that I was never a National Champion. I can not claim to be the strongest or the fastest. In fact, for the amount I practiced, I should have been much better. But as destiny would have it, I learned the basics, I learned the true principles of Judo and I learned to love this sport in the same way an Olympian loves this sport, in the same way and with the same dedication that many of our truly dedicated Sensei’s teach Judo, day in and day out, without complaint or without regret. In my opinion, it is this dedication that codifies the true Champion of Judo.

So, a Champion in Judo, or in any endeavor, should be one who strives for excellence in all aspects of the sport, is appreciative of the given talents bestowed on them, who practices both on and off the mat the principles of Judo, AND most importantly, will give back to future generations that what was given to them in past generations.

I supposed I could go on for several more pages in describing my premise, but I think it has been better said by those of the past. We see by studying the past that some things never change. So enjoy the mantra’s below. Study them and learn from them.

Do's and Don'ts in Learning Judo

By Yoshitsugu (Yoshiaki) Yamashita
The First 10th Degree Black Belt

Study the correct way of applying the throws. Throwing with brute force is not the correct way of winning in JUDO. The most important point is to win with technique.
irst learn offensive. You will see that defense is included in offensive. You will make no progress learning defense first.
Do not dislike falling. Learn the timing of the throw while you are being thrown.
Practice your throws by moving your body freely as possible in all directions. Do not lean to one side or get stiff. A great deal of repetition in a throw will be rewarded with a good throw.
Increase the number of practices and contests. You will never make any progress without accumulating a number of practices.
Do not select your opponents (which means do not say that you do or don't like to practice with a certain person). Everyone has his own specialty. You must try to learn all of them and make them your own.
Never neglect to improve the finer points. Practicing without any effort to improve will result in slow progress. Always recall your habits, as well as those of your opponent, while making improvement.
In practice put your heart and soul into it. It will interfere with your progress in practice if you keep on without this spirit.
Never forget what your instructor or higher ranking members teach you. During practice you will make great progress if you keep in mind what they have said to you.
Try to continue your practice as much as possible. Applying half-way will result in a very grave situation in your progress.
Watch and study throws as much as possible when trying to improve and advance. The technique and mind are just like the front and back of one’s hand, meaning they are very closely related.
Refrain from overeating and drinking. Remember that overeating and drinking will bring an end to your practice and JUDO.
Always try to think of improvement, and don't think that you are too good. The latter is very easy to do while learning JUDO.
There is no end in learning JUDO.

For more information about Yoshiaki Yamashita, please refer to the following website: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yamashita_Yoshiaki.

Professor Yoshiaki Yamashita was one of the original students of Sensei Kano. He was credited with teaching President Theodore Roosevelt his Judo (rising to the rank of Brown Belt) at the White House and for starting a Judo program at the US Naval Academy in Annapolis MD. Professor Yamashita received his 10^th Dan posthumously.

JCS/The Great Enablers:
Gunji Koizumi

Contest Judo

By Gunji Koizumi

The late Prof J. Kano and his disciples have often warned against or deprecated the style or method of training and practice called "Contest Judo". The term refers to the type of judo developed solely to win contests as if it were the end of the training, disregarding the intention and purpose for which judo was originally founded. Some of the methods, therefore, are crude and forcible, if not dangerous. The training is highly specialised and unbalanced, like that of some jujutsu schools in pre-judo days.

Judo was founded and developed to be of service to human welfare and a means of mental and physical training, combined with recreation. The study of it involves science, art, ethics, and philosophy. Contests are a part of the training and a means of testing the standard of skill. So, experience and knowledge are pooled, and contests are conducted in the spirit expressed in the motto: "In skill opposed, in spirit united." However, the innate human desire to win or acquire ascendancy often manifests itself beyond the logical limit and sets in motion that culpable process, the vicious circle of "Contest Judo". The controversies on the wisdom of including judo in the Olympic games or organising matches amongst rival bodies or of an international character are due to this fact of human weakness. Nevertheless, it is well to remember that a poison is a stimulant if used in a suitable dose. The principle of balance is the saving factor of all things in the universe.

To win might be the aim of sport itself, but its value and nobility lie in the quality of self-detached appreciation of human achievement and mutual respect towards the efforts of fellowmen cultivated amongst sportsmen. The employment of unfair or vicious methods just to win or evade defeat not only mars the honoured tradition of ages but brings in its train injuries and fatalities, contrary to the basic principle of judo.

Some of the contest rules are drawn to bar the methods proved to be injurious or dangerous, others to encourage training in all sections of the art. To drag the opponent down for groundwork is barred, for once there was developed, connected with inter-University matches, a system of selecting teams for their weight and strength, and training them in only a few methods of holding. The method no doubt had the advantage of making it possible to train contest-winning teams in the shortest period of time, but degraded judo to a mere "beefy" competition. Apart from this method, there are various tactics and tricks which are not evident enough to infringe the rules but are clearly inspired by the spirit of "Contest Judo", such as dragging the opponent down for groundwork with an apparent body throw, falling on the top of the opponent in executing a throw in order to prevent his evasive action of turning his body, using spine and leg locks, in elusive manner, to weaken the opponent's balance or to obtain advantageous holds or positions to apply throws or locks. The practice of such methods, though it cannot be stopped with clear-cut rules, should be discouraged strongly to keep judo as judo.

To work against or break the vicious circles by which the human world is bound today may be a hard task, but to cultivate the spirit of striving for an ideal or for one's conviction is the main aim of judo training.

LOCAL NEWS

2007 All Women’s Championships Report by George Weers

I had the privilege of attending the 2007 All Women’s Championships over the first weekend in November. It would be very easy to use platitudes and clichés about this great event… BUT, the All Women’s Championships is not an event to be classified and shelved.

The All Women’s Championships is a celebration of Judo. The All Women’s Championships represents a vital effort to build participation and retention in the weakest demographic area of American Judo. The All Women’s Championships is FUN!

The All Women’s Championships is, perhaps, the fastest growing event in America. 2007 participation doubled over 2006. The 2007 event was also a, truly, international event with Canadian contestants as well as a pair of Philippine players.

Report of the All Women’s Championships cannot be complete without recognizing the driving force behind the event. Ms. Deb Fergus is the lady who has conceived, organized and staged the All Women’s Championships. She, quietly, performs the tremendous amount of work associated with conducting a national event and asks nothing in return. It is through the selfless dedication of people like Deb Fergus that American Judo can and will grow.

If you’re a female Judoka and weren’t at the All Women’s Championships, you missed a great time. If you’re a Coach of female Judoka and haven’t sent them to the All Women’s Championships you are missing a wonderful opportunity. As for me; I plan to be there next year with more players.

George Weers

Secretary, USJA Board of Directors

Member, USJA Coach Certification Program

2006 SPECIAL AWARDS RECIPIENTS

Outstanding Player Ashlie Martini

Jr. Best Technique Lydia Au

Master Best Technique Lori Mendoza

Sr. Best Technique Kat Van Boxmeer

Seiho Kawasaki Fighting Spirit Award Stacy Knapp

Also regognized for outstanding performances were Crystal Butts and Sarah Black.

2007 NATIONAL WOMEN'S HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES

2006 Hall of Fame inductee Elizabeth Lee

REFEREES AND OFFICIALS

Julie Koyama PJU-C, Chief Referee, Oregon

Tom Sheehan, Michigan

Don Flagg, Michigan

Jim Murray, Michigan

Mark Frankel, Wisconsin

Jamie Blake, Michigan

Don Wilson, Michigan

Ed Spikes, Canada

Tony Grisanti, New York

Matt Berends, Illinois

Nicole Leung, Illinois

Mary Gail Ford, Illinois

Don Catell, Michigan

KATA JUDGES

Eiko Shepherd-IL (head judge)

Frances Glaze-OH

Tom Sheehan-MI

Don Flagg-MI

Karen DuPage-MI

Ju no Kata:

1st. Loretta Mendoza, Philippines and Julie Irene Divina, Philippines

2nd. Mara Markovic-Siladi, Canada and Karen Belter, Ohio

Goshin Jitsu:

1st. Mary Gail-Ford, Illinois and Rachel Lavin, Illinois

SHIAI RESULTS

Girls 9 & 10 Light

1st Erin Butts LACC

2nd Elizabeth Fowler ISU Judo

3rd Morgan Nakayama Southside Dojo

Girls 9 & 10 Middle

1st Veronica Standish Cyclone

2nd Madison Nakayama Southside Dojo

3rd Juliet Strickler Southside Dojo

Girls 9 & 10 Heavy

1st Alisha Noon Bushido Kai America

2nd Julia DeMars Venice Judo

3rd Gabriela Gomez Ann Arbor YMCA

Girls 11 & 12 Light

1st Margaret Standish Cyclone

2nd Lessica Lothridge Fox Valley Judo & Jujitsu Institute

Girls Open 6-12 1st

1st Jessica Lothridge Fox Valley Judo & Jujitsu Institute

2nd Alisha Noon Bushido Kai America

3rd Kayla Bean Southside Dojo

Girls 13 & 14 Light

1st Tamara Kimball Satori

2nd Ewelina Szewczuk Saito Dojo

3rd Jennifer Farrer Mt. Clemen YMCA

3rd Daniela Gomez Ann Arbor YMCA

3rd Jhun Strickler Southside Dojo

Girls 13 & 14 Middle

1st Lydia Au Victorious Judo

2nd Sarah Crosby DiscoverJudo.com

3rd Crystal Butts LACC

3rd Kayla Bean Southside Dojo

Girls 15 & 16 Light

1st Jasmine Strickler Southside Dojo

2nd Ewelina Szewczuk Saito Dojo

3rd Sarah Cosgrove Southside Dojo

Girls Open 13-16

1st Kelsi Bostic Judan Judo

2nd Kelly Au Victorious Judo

3rd Kassandra Scoggin Cyclone

Jr. Exhibition 1

1st Alisha Noon Bushido Kai America

2nd Erin Butts LACC

Senior White - Green Light

1st Amanda Bean Southside Dojo

2nd Jasmine Strickler Southside Dojo

3rd Kerry Kameka Upper Canada Judo Club

Senior White - Green Middle

1st Julee Cope Bushido Kai America

2nd Randi House SRJC Judo Club

3rd Ashley Monroy SRJC Judo Club

Senior White - Green Heavy

1st Suzie Rizek Fox Valley Judo & Jujitsu Institute

2nd Juliann VanderMeer Brantford Judo

3rd Emileigh Curtin EMU Judo

Senior -57kg

1st Lydia Au Victorious Judo

2nd Melissa Smith Fox Valley Judo & Jujitsu Institute

3rd Kassandra Scoggin Cyclone

4th Toui Taylor Goltz Judo

5th Ewelina Szewczuk Saito Dojo

Senior -63kg

1st Crystal Butts LACC

2nd Madeline Crowell Not Listed

3rd Melanie Hosey American School of Self Defense

Senior -70kg

1st Ashlie Martini Tohkon

2nd Sarah Black Chico Judo Club

3rd Grace Talusan Kokushi Dojo

Senior Heavy

1st Patricia VanderMeer Brantford Judo

2nd Andi Bongert Sioux City Judo

3rd Becky Frankel Not Listed

Senior Women Open

1st Kat Van Boxmeer Full Circle Judo Club

2nd Andi Bongert Souix City Judo

3rd Ashlie Martini Tohkon

Masters 30-39 Light

1st Ann Rabjohn Upper Canada Judo Club

2nd Shandra Smith Fox Valley Judo & Jujitsu Institute

3rd Elisa Church-Goupil Kin-Tora

4th Stacey Knapp Dubuque Judo

Masters 40-49 Light

1st Loretta Mendoza Four Aces

2nd Toui Taylor Goltz Judo

Masters 40-49 Middle

1st Julee Cope Bushido Kai America

2nd Julie Irene Divina Stanley Judo Club

3rd Robin Roach Centre for Martial Arts

Masters 50-59 Light

1st Mara Marcovic-Siladi M & D Siladi

2nd Laurie Tanimura Tohkon

3rd Joyce Gugino Kin-Tora

Masters Open

1st Shandra Smith Fox Valley Judo & Jujitsu Institute

2nd Stacey Knapp Dubuque Judo

3rd Destinee Tartuffe SRJC Judo Club

JUNIOR TEAM COMPETITION

Junior Light Weight

1st Team California

Veronica Standish

Erin Butts

Julia DeMars

2nd Team Southside

Morgan Nakayama

Juliette Strickler

Madison Nakayama

Junior 13-16

1st Team Midwest

Juhn Strickler

Amanda Bean

Kelsi Bostic

2nd Team California

Daniela Gomez

Crystal Butts

Sarah Crosby

3rd Team Southside

Jasmine Strickler

Sarah Cosgrove

Kayla Bean

Juniors 1

1st Team California

Alisha Noon

Crystal Butts

Sarah Crosby

2nd Team Midwest

Margaret Standish

Daniela Gomez

Kayla Bean

SENIOR & MASTERS TEAM COMPETITION

Seniors 1

1st Team Canada & Iowa

Kat Van Boxmeer

Tammy Dacks

Andi Bonger

2nd Team VanderMeer

Patricia VanderMeer

Kelsi Bostic

Ann Berends

Seniors 2

1st Team Chicago

Madelyn Crowell

Lydia Au

Kelly Au

Ashlie Martini

Kelsi Bostic

2nd Team International

Crystal Butts

Anna

Sarah Black

Julee Cope

Crystal Pierce

3rd Team EMU

Gabrielle Rivera

Danielle Dean

Samantha Harlow-Grant

Danielle Douthat

Emiliegh Curtin

Masters

1st Team Midwest

Ashlie Martini

Stacy Knapp

Carol Scheid

2nd Team Canada

Mara Markovic-Siladi

Robin Roach

Julee Cope

3rd Team California

Tuoi Taylor

Kala Crosby

Lori Mendoza

The passing of a Judoka. John Black Ph.D., Judo 6th Dan and licensed Clinical Psychologist

John Black attended Southern Illinois University and was a San Kyu when we first met him while working out with the SIU Judo Club. While we would have great Judo work outs, John added a second dimension to our training. John’s specialty was with interpersonal and intergroup therapy followed by guidance for self improvement and nurturance of healthier more productive ways of doing judo and living life. John was a clinical member of the Aesculapion Society.

We feel a great sense of loss with the passing of our friend on 10/31/07. John was 74 at the time of his death.

Dennis Helm, Paul Armetta, Henry Armetta, Drew Wickham

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.

2008 Pan American Championships and 2008 Zone Cup Selection Criteria

The 2008 Pan American Championships and Zone Cup are the last two qualifying tournaments for the 2008 Olympic Games. The Pan American Championships will be held May 8-10, followed by the Zone Cup on May 11. Both events will be held in Miami, Fla.

The U.S. Team will be selected as the athletes who are ranked the highest in each weight division on the USA Judo Senior Elite National Roster following the 2008 Senior National Championships, April 11-12 in Virginia Beach, Va…. More>

Team USA Wins Medal Count at Finnish Open, Stevens Earns First European Gold Medal

(Colorado Springs, Colo.) – U.S. athletes earned six medals during the final day of competition on Sunday at the Finnish Open, to finish the B-Level Tournament with the highest medal count for any country in the two-day event.

Team USA beat out second-place Turkey with four gold medals to three and 16 overall compared to Turkey’s four. Host nation Finland finished the event with eight medals, including one gold.

Reigning Pan American Games Champion Travis Stevens (Glenville, N.Y. / USA Judo National Training Site at the Jason Morris Judo Center) earned his first European gold medal in the 81kg division on Sunday… more>

Continental Crown Results

(Colorado Springs, Colo.) – Ninety-five athletes competed in the senior elite divisions of the Continental Crown, a USA Judo Senior E-Level Point Tournament, on Saturday at Highline Community College in Des Moines, Wash.

The competitors at the second to last domestic point tournament of the year included the following gold medalists:

Anna Palmer (Colorado Springs, Colo. / USA Judo National Training Site at the Olympic Training Center / 57kg), 2007 Senior Nationals bronze medalist in the 52kg division… more>

Rousey, Matsumoto and Ambouroue Win Finnish Open

(Colorado Springs, Colo.) – Three U.S. players all won gold medals at the Finnish Open, a USA Judo Senior B-Level Point Tournament, on Saturday in Vantaa, Finland.

For Landry Ambouroue (Dallas, Texas / Ruben Martin Judo), a 2006 Senior Nationals bronze medalist, the 2007 season had been rather lackluster as the former #2 in the 90kg division fell all the way to #8 until this weekend when it all seem to come into place.

Fighting in one of the day’s largest with 22 players, Ambouroue won each of his five matches by ippon (instant win)... more>

Jita Kyoei Photo Gallery

Check out pictures of Team USA’s junior athletes at the Jito Kyoei Cup in Lima Peru last weekend… more>

Rusty Kanokogi Receives John Osako Award

The USA Judo Referee Commission voted unaminously to award the John Osako Award for excellence in refereeing to Rusty Kanokogi, 7th Dan, President of New York State Judo, Inc…

Ronda Rousey Named USA Judo Athlete of the Month

In a new feature, USA Judo will recognize an outstanding junior or senior athlete for his or her accomplishments during the previous month. World silver medalist and Pan American Games Champion Ronda Rousey was honored this month for going undefeated to win two B-Level golds…

Twenty-year-old Ronda Rousey (Wakefield, Mass. / USA Judo National Team FORCE / NYAC / 70kg) has had a year athletes of any age would dream of.

By October, Rousey had six major international medals and had become the first female U.S. athlete to win a World Championship medal in 12 years when she defeated the previous World Champion and Olympic medalists to win a silver medal… more>

Ryan Rebmann Suspended from USA Judo Membership

Effective immediately, Ryan Rebmann has had his USA Judo membership suspended for a two-year period. The decision was made by the USA Judo Board of Directors following the recommendation of the Ethics Standing Committee. Mr. Rebmann's suspension prohibits him from participating as a coach, manager or participant in any USA Judo sanctioned event or club practices. USJF and USJA will be notified in order for them to apply the existing reciprocal agreement to this suspension.

Excalibur Named Host Hotel for 2008 U.S. Olympic Team Trials for Judo and Wrestling, June 13-15

The Excalibur Hotel & Casino has been named host hotel for the 2008 U.S. Olympic Team Trials for Judo and Wrestling which will be hosted in Las Vegas, Nev., June 13-15 at the Thomas & Mack Center on the campus of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas… more>

Win a Trip to Miami for the 2008 Pan American Championships... For you, a Friend and your Sensei!

Don’t forget to renew your USA Judo membership by December 1 to be eligible to win a trip to Miami to watch the 2008 Pan Am Championships…

As a registered member of USA Judo, you may be the winner of a trip for as many four people to the 2008 Pan American Championships, May 8-11 in Miami, Fla.

This event will be the final opportunity for countries in the Pan American region to qualify their athletes for the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing and your chance to see Team USA compete against some of the best athletes in the world!

Here is how the program works:

If you are a registered member of USA Judo by December 1, 2007 you will be entered into a drawing to win a trip for yourself and a guest to fly on United Airlines (you must fly from a city service by United Airlines) to attend the Pan Am Championships.

"This is one of the many innovations that we are implementing in order to provide our members with more than their money's worth for their membership fee,” said USA Judo CEO Jose H. Rodriguez. “This is our way of saying thanks for their support of the organization and the growth of judo. I sincerely hope that when the winner is announced that he or she had registered with a USA Judo club so that their coach enjoys the benefit of winning as well."

The trip will be for two persons and, if you are a registered member of a USA Judo member club, your club sensei and his or her guest will be invited to join you at the event… more

Team USA Named Grand Champions at Jita Kyoei Cup in Peru

U.S. junior players won 28 gold medals on Saturday at the Jita Kyoei Cup in Lima, Peru, taking the Grand Champion title as well as the team awards for the Infantile and Juvenile divisions.

With 35 U.S. players competing, many of the athletes not only won their age division, but also fought up to win medals in older categories as well.

Thirteen-year-old Mindy Chow (Honolulu, Hawaii / Hawaii Tenri) was undefeated… more>

Eldred Wins Bronze at Sweden Open

(Colorado Springs, Colo.) – If there’s ever a time for an athlete to hit his stride, the year leading up to an Olympic Games is it.

In 2006, Michael Eldred (Fruitland, Idaho / Western Idaho Judo Institute / 73kg) was unofficially “the guy with potential to mess up someone’s day.” A medalist at the Senior Nationals that year, Eldred could shake up a domestic division, but he had never won a major senior international medal.

Even when he placed in the top three at Nationals, Eldred was still the young, quiet player who was often overshadowed during discussions of the who’s who by his flashier, better-known counterparts.

This year, Eldred, a member of the USA Judo Elite U-23 Team, has now staked his claim as the new #2 in the division, earning more B-Level medals than any player in the division other than Pan American Games Champion Ryan Reser (Colorado Springs, Colo. / USA Judo National Training Site at the Olympic Training Center).

Perhaps a player who should be referred to now as “Mr. Consistent,” Eldred has medaled in nearly every event he’s entered this year. The 22-year-old kicked off the year with a silver medal at the British Open in January and his finish at the Swedish Open on Sunday in Boras marks his third bronze medal in as many weeks after placing third at the U.S. Open and the Rendez-Vous Canada… more>

Fujimoto, Lafon and Geier Win Gold in Mexico

(Colorado Springs, Colo.) – Team USA won three gold medals during the final day of competition at the Benito Juarez, a USA Judo Senior D-Level Point Tournament in Merida, Mexico.

Natalie Lafon (Harlingen, Texas / USA Judo National Training Site at Harlingen) took gold in the 48kg division, earning enough points to move herself into the #3-ranking national ranking after only three months in the division.

Sixteen-year-old Lisette Abad (San Jose, Calif. / San Jose After-School All-Stars) also competed in the 48kg division, placing third.

Corinne Geier (San Jose, Calif. / USA Judo National Training Site at San Jose State University) moved down from 63kg where she was a Senior Nationals medalist down to 57kg in March and won her first international event in Mexico, leading a U.S. Podium sweep. Geier countered Anna Palmer (Colorado Springs, Colo. / USA Judo National Training Site at the Olympic Training Center) to win gold… more>

Volmar and Turner Win Bronze Medals at Sweden Open

(Colorado Springs, Colo.) – Two heavyweight U.S. judo players out of the USA Judo National Training Site at North Miami each won his first career European medal at the Sweden Open, a USA Judo Senior B-Level Point Tournament, on Saturday in Boras.

Adler Volmar (Coral Springs, Fla. / 100kg), a 2007 Pan Am Championships medalist in the Open division, came to Sweden after two difficult weeks at the U.S. Open and Rendez-Vous Canada where he placed fifth in Montreal, but missed the 100kg medal rounds at the Open.

Volmar was back in good form as the top-ranked U.S. player in the 100kg division, defeating Tomi Jaakola (FIN) in the first round. Although Volmar lost to eventual silver medalist Peter Lomax (GBR) in the quarter-finals, he won three consecutive matches… more>

U.S. Athletes Win Five Gold Medals on First Day of Benito Juarez

(Colorado Springs, Colo.) – Team USA ended the first day of competition at the Benito Juarez Championships, a USA Judo Senior D-Level Point Tournament in Merida, Mexico, with five gold medals in the heavyweight divisions.

Five-time Pan Am medalist Aaron Cohen (Buffalo Grove, Ill. / NYAC / Cohen’s Judo) earned his gold medal in the 81kg division with three wins in a combined total of 65 seconds. Cohen threw Davor Vasiljevic (San Jose , Calif. / USA Judo National Training Site at San Jose State University) with a te guruma (hand wheel throw) in 12 seconds. Cohen’s next two rounds lasted eight and 45 seconds against Cuban and Mexican opponents, respectively. Cohen countered his Cuban opponent’s kata guruma (fireman’s carry) with a throw for ippon before throwing his Mexican opponent in the final.

Vasiljevic went on to place third, beating Akin Kirtulan (Plano, Texas / Okuri Judo) in the bronze medal match. Robert Turnquest (Honolulu, Hawaii / Kamehameha Judo) placed fifth on the other side of the bracket after losing to Cuba.

Carrie Chandler (Glenville, N.Y. / NYAC / USA Judo National Training Site at the Jason Morris Judo Center) became the only current U.S. player to hold top-eight National Rankings in three Olympic weight divisions… more>

Kunihiro and Learned Win Flanders Cup

Juniors Aaron Kunihiro (Wakefield, Mass. / USA Judo National Team FORCE) and Corwin Learned (El Grenada, Calif. / Cahill’s Judo Academy) each won gold medals at the Flanders Cup in Lommel, Belgium over the weekend.

An international junior event featuring more than 300 players in Under-17 and Under-20 age divisions, the Flanders Cup included athletes from many European countries, including Great Britain, Latvia, Belgium and the Netherlands… more>

Something to Think About – Defence of Ft McHenry

You will need Windows Media Player to view this video which should come standard with your PC. I do not know about any Mac users but it is a standard .wma file.

And now you know the rest of the story.

Outstanding!!!!!!!!!!!!

http://www.usacitylink.com/usa/ssb.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Star-Spangled_Banner

While I missed Veteran’s Day, the intention was to send this out last week. I was out of the country and unable to access the internet, therefore no newsletter. I hope you enjoy this very moving and very inspiring rendition of our National Anthem. It is also appropriate to give thanks to our troops serving in the military at this time of Thanksgiving. Timing is everything – this is perfect!! KN

UPCOMING EVENTS - 2007
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

Nov 10 Gurnee Veteran's Day Judo Tournament Lindenhurst, IL
Contact: Tim or Anne Schultheis (847)244-7847 or tschulth@warpnet.net

Nov 10 Continental Crown – Seattle, WA - Referee EXAMINATION Site

Nov 24-25 Dallas Invitational – Dallas, TX - Referee EXAMINATION Site

Dec 1-2 Santa’s Shiai – Fond du Lac WI
Contact Brett Wood-Taylor welcomemat@charter.net

Information available www.judofdl.com REGISTRATION ON ONLINE

Dec 9 Wolf Junior Tournament – Chicago IL Information to follow NEW!!
Contact Yarina Birnbaum philya@ameritech.net

2008 dates

Jan 27 Wahadachi Judo Tournament – Milwaukee WI TENTATIVE
Contact Jim Peterson JPETERSON230@WI.RR.COM

Feb 16 Ohio Judo Inc. State Championships – Lodi OH Keep the Date Open
Contact Michael A. Mooney Cell - 440-376-1376 www.academycomm.com

Feb 29-Mar 1 Midwestern Championships Waukegan IL
Contact Irwin Cohen at 847.680.9234 or Rwin72@aol.com.

Mar 9 New York Open New York, NY
Contact: Dr Mel Appelbaum MiddieMD@aol.com
Senior Level B event

Mar 29-30 The US Scholatic Championships Menomonee WI – Chippewa Valley
Contact Jim Peterson jpeterson230@wi.rr.com

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.

-----Inline Message Follows-----

From: Patrick Burris [mailto:burris7276@sbcglobal.net]
Sent: Wednesday, November 14, 2007 5:12 PM
To: 'Patrick Burris'
Subject: USA Judo Coach - News

November 14, 2007

USA Judo Coaches

Re: 1) 2008 Renewals

2) Certification Clinic – March 8, 2008 California

3) Coach Business Cards Available

4) Updated Coach List on www.usjudo.org (should be posted 11/15/07)

Note: This message is intended for 2007 and 2008 USA Judo Coaches Only. The notices and services listed will only be provided for Certified USA Judo Coaches.

Dear Coach;

I hope you are doing well. I want to make sure that you know how much I appreciate your involvement with USA Judo. Our sport needs you and I am so grateful that you are a part of our organization.

2008 Renewals

As you are aware, Coach Certifications expire on Dec. 31, 2007. If you have not already done so, please renew your certification for 2008. The turn-around time for renewals is very fast right now, but you may experience delays if you wait until the beginning of the year. A Renewal Form is attached for your convenience.

March 8, 2008 Certification Clinic- San Bruno , CA

Hosts Willy Cahill and Mickey Davenport

Please e-mail me for details

I am currently planning the Coach Certification Clinic schedule for 2008. If you would like to host an event, please contact me via e-mail. Please include you phone contact information in your e-mail message.

Coach Business Cards Available

A number of Coaches have requested business cards. If you would like to place an order for business cards, please send me an e-mail and I will forward the order form to you. The cards are customizable to include your contact information, team name, web site, e-mail, etc. All personalized information is optional – you may order your cards with or without the “Certified (your coach level) Coach”. The basic design and logo are fixed. See design below.

Business Cards – Premium 15pt card stock with glossy u/v coating

Color: Background is black with Coach Logo, text is red, grey and white (the scanned card below appears a bit gray, but the card is deep black in color)

Cost: $30.00 per 100 (includes shipping) Cards are only available in qualities of 100 per order.

Note; because this product is customized for the individual coach, payment is required prior to the final order being submitted and there no refunds.

Updated Coach List

An updated coaches list has been sent to the national office to post on the web site. I expect that it should be up sometime tomorrow. Please take a moment to check out the list at www.usjudo.org. We are making every effort to ensure that your certification is listed properly. If you see an error, please let me know, via e-mail, immediately and we will work to correct it.

Once again, I sincerely thank you for all that you do for American Judo.

Respectfully,

Patrick M. Burris

Director, USA Judo Coach Certification and Education

Burris7276@sbcglobal.net

From: Patrick Burris [mailto:burris7276@sbcglobal.net]
Sent: Wednesday, November 14, 2007 5:12 PM
To: 'Patrick Burris'
Subject: USA Judo Coach - News

November 14, 2007

USA Judo Coaches

Re: 1) 2008 Renewals

2) Certification Clinic – March 8, 2008 California

3) Coach Business Cards Available

4) Updated Coach List on www.usjudo.org (should be posted 11/15/07)

Note: This message is intended for 2007 and 2008 USA Judo Coaches Only. The notices and services listed will only be provided for Certified USA Judo Coaches.

Dear Coach;

I hope you are doing well. I want to make sure that you know how much I appreciate your involvement with USA Judo. Our sport needs you and I am so grateful that you are a part of our organization.

2008 Renewals

March 8, 2008 Certification Clinic- San Bruno , CA

Hosts Willy Cahill and Mickey Davenport

Please e-mail me for details

Coach Business Cards Available

Business Cards – Premium 15pt card stock with glossy u/v coating

Color: Background is black with Coach Logo, text is red, grey and white (the scanned card below appears a bit gray, but the card is deep black in color)

Cost: $30.00 per 100 (includes shipping) Cards are only available in qualities of 100 per order.

Note; because this product is customized for the individual coach, payment is required prior to the final order being submitted and there no refunds.

Updated Coach List

Once again, I sincerely thank you for all that you do for American Judo.

Respectfully,

Patrick M. Burris

Director, USA Judo Coach Certification and Education

Burris7276@sbcglobal.net